XGames 2012 - Day 2, Moto X Step Up & Best trick

Red Bull's Ronnie Renner on his way to a new world record and XGames Gold.

On Day 2 of Xgames 2012 I found myself back at the iconic Staples Center for Moto X Best Whip, Step Up and Best Trick. The whip comp is fun and some of the guys were doing massive whips, but the voting system was definitely flawed as they relied on the audience to vote. Twitch had a huge following in the crowd and that made him the winner. I reckon Cam Sinclair was the best guy by miles, but hey, the system chose it's winner. (Important note that their has been a lot of questions hanging over the judging at this XGames and much discussion that it is all rigged. More on this at a later stage.)

The big surprise for me was how amazing the Step Up competition was to watch live. Normally I am not that taken with this event, but live it was a whole new ball game. I was sitting right in front of the kicker and I can tell you those guys are going Cheech and Chong high. Ronnie Renner had a huge battle with Matt Buyten and ended up with not only XGames Gold but a new World record at 48 Feet High. It was amazing.

After all that excitement it was time for the Best Trick Competition. These guys put everything on the line for 2 runs, most pulling first time tricks. There were plenty of spills and plenty of new tricks. Taking the Gold though was Australian, Jacko Strong, last years winner.  Jacko pulled off a soild body varial combo for Gold. Freestyle winner, Taka Hagashino came in second with an all new Rock Solid Backflip to no Hander. Another amazing event!

 

Poor Clinton Moore just missed making this 720 attempt, then had his bike attack him after the wipe...