Kaunas 2nd March 2013: The FIM Freestyle MX World Championship launched into a new season on Saturday in the context of NIGHT of the JUMPS in Lithuania. Eleven of the world’s top freestyle motocross riders gathered in the Zalgirio Arena for the first Grand Prix event of the year. The southernmost of the three Baltic States was making its debut entry in the freestyle motocross world atlas. Spanish FMX torero Dany Torres was also celebrating a NIGHT of the JUMPS premiere, contesting the world championship for the first time.

Torres made an immediate impression, dominating qualification along with Remi Bizouard and David Rinaldo. With Torres’ signature 1-Hand Seatgrab Indy Backflip and his Paris Hilton flip, the fans were treated to not one but two new NIGHT of the JUMPS tricks. Undismayed, reigning champion Bizouard still qualified ahead of the field with his usual box of tricks.

Jose Miralles doing a extended Seatgrab Backflip

David Rinaldo’s repertoire was also impressive, taking him through in third place. Joining the lead trio in the finals were 2012 world championship runner-up Libor Podmol, Petr Pilat and Maikel Melero. Relegated to the role of spectators this time were Brice Izzo (FRA), Jose Miralles (ESP), Matin Koren (CZE) and the German FMX contingent of Kai Haase and Hannes Ackermann.

World Champion Remi Bizouard - Shaolin Flip

The absence of reigning Maxxis Highest Air champion Massimo Bianconcini left the field free for Kai Haase and the Spanish duo of Jose Miralles and Maikel Melero. The German rider cleared the bar at 8.5 metres to take the trophy on the night for the first time in his career. Haase also made it through to the final of the ROCKWELL Time Whip Contest where he found himself up against Remi Bizouard and Jose Miralles. Here too, the German took the honours, thrilling the crowd with some really extreme whips.

Kai Haase did the highest air

The final then turned into the ultimate showdown between Dany Torres and Remi Bizouard, with all the other riders virtually reduced to the role of bit players. Maikel Melero and David Rinaldo were perhaps trying too hard not to be overshadowed by their more illustrious compatriots, which may explain the dead sailors for both riders on their final runs. Petr Pilat moved up to fourth place after putting together an improved run.

Maikel Melero - Seatgrab Flip

Podmol’s underflip combinations were good enough to secure him the remaining podium spot. But even so, his performance was little more than an appetiser for the duel between Dany and Remi. The Spaniard delved deeper in the final, pulling out Lazyboy Flip, Cliffhanger Flip and 360. Bizouard then countered with a 360 and a perfect Cliffhanger Flip. The reigning world champion then wrapped up victory with his Rulerflip.

Dany Torres showed a great performance - Lazyboy Flip

With this triumph in the first ever freestyle motocross Grand Prix to be held in Lithuania, World Champion Bizouard has got his title defence off to a great start, taking an immediate lead in the FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. His latest challenger, second-placed Dany Torres, is on 18 points followed by Libor Podmol on 16. It’s still early days, though, and the standings could be completely reshuffled next weekend when the FMX stars contest rounds 2 and 3 of the World Championship at the o2 World arena in Berlin (8th/9th March).

The top 3: Torres 2nd, Bizouard 1st and Podmol 3rd