NIGHT of the JUMPs: Munich 2012

The citizens of Munich are battening down the hatches in preparation for an aerial assault on Saturday, when the freestyle motocross marauders will once again rule the night sky over the Bavarian capital. Europe’s top FMX riders will be seeking to outdo each other with their most audacious tricks and backflip combinations as they battle for points in the NIGHT of the JUMPs world championship standings.

Reigning world champion Javier Villegas (CHL) will be joined by former FIM title holders Remi Bizouard (FRA, 2008 and 2009) and Libor Podmol (CZE, 2010) as well as last year’s championship runner-up Brice Izzo (FRA). These three have been slogging it out for trophies and podiums since the start of the current NIGHT of the JUMPs season and have been thrilling the crowds with some of the most complex and challenging stunts ever devised.

Also to be reckoned with as genuine contenders are Spanish rider Maikel Melero, who has recovered from recent injury, David Rinaldo (FRA) and Hannes Ackermann: the German FMX champion has made it through to the final round in each of the last three NIGHT of the JUMPs competitions. Also in with a shout is Czech rider Martin Koren who recently made his comeback after five years, qualifying for the final in Basel, a result that suggests he is far from past it.

And with this round being held in Germany, local heroes Lukas Weis and Kai Haase (Berlin) will be pulling out all the stops to please their home fans. The starting line-up is completed by Thomas Wirnsberger from Austria.

The sideshows on the programme of events will also generate plenty of interest and entertainment. The Maxxis Race & Style Contest, in which two riders seek to outperform each other in terms of speed and execution, and the ‘trains’ in the Whip Contest will have the Munich fans on the edge of their seats. These two competitions will also feature the German FMX prodigy Luc Ackermann.

Furthermore, Munich is set for a premiere, as the mountain bikers from European King of Dirt demonstrate what is possible in terms of backflip combos, front flips and double backflips on unmotorised bikes.

Riders:
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Libor Podmol (CZE)
David Rinaldo (FRA)
Maikel Melero (ESP)
Brice Izzo (FRA)
Hannes Ackermann (GER)
Martin Koren (CZE)
Thomas Wirnsberger (AUT)
Lukas Weis (GER)
Kai Haase (GER)
Javier Villegas (CHL)
+ Luc Ackermann (GER) in the Race & Style Contest and the Whip Contest