Downhill BMX

Downhill BMX is unlike any other facet of the sport. Combining the in-air bike control of dirt jumping and the competitive spirit of BMX track racing, the event will make it's X Games debut this summer in Philadelphia. Riders will race on a course featuring 40 foot gaps, big table tops and other huge obstacles at the Camp Woodward facility. In a conventional BMX format, winning really comes down to power, but to ride in this event, athletes must have exceptional bike handling skills to match their pedaling strength. The athletes most likely to come away with a podium finish are those who exhibit a balance of both power and control.

Downhill BMX will be the only bike-racing event in this year's Games, and the first official bike-racing event since Mountain Biking in 1995. The format marks a great progression in the sport of BMX, and since its inception in 2000, Downhill BMX has grown dramatically in popularity and media attention. In preparation, riders spend an average of five days a week at the track, training for various competition series including the NBL and ABA National Circuits and this year's Summer X Games.

With its constantly growing interest level, and the unique combination of bike control and racing skills, Downhill BMX is a perfect addition to round out the 2001 Summer X Games BMX competition roster.

Skateboard Street

At the origin of the X Games there were two main skateboarding events, Street and Vert. Input from the skateboard community indicated the title "Street" was deemed by many to be misleading because the course involved was actually a manmade skatepark - not the obstacles found in actual cities where street skating's roots dwell. The old format favored vert skaters, who are used to the transitions in the park, instead of street skaters who's strength many times lies in their spontaneity. In 2000, the name was officially changed to Park to more accurately describe the event's nature. For the 2001 Summer X Games, the name Street Skating is back, and this time the event is held on the real streets outside of Philadelphia's City Hall. It will become the fifth skateboarding disciple, making skateboarding the most prolific individual sport in the Summer X Games.

Skateboarders will compete on natural street obstacles -- handrails, stairs, gaps and ledges -- these will offer them more lines and a more natural trick progression than the ramps built for park competition. The Street competition will feature a timed jam session format giving skaters the freedom to skate whatever they want during their run. Following the street session a best trick contest will be held on each of the course's main obstacles.

Street skating is a natural addition to the games with a growing popularity of the discipline (it is estimated that 95% of skateboarders skate either street or park) and the progression of tricks being performed by today's pros in the cities of our world. Noted is the fact that the streets of Philly themselves are somewhat legendary in the skateboarding world due to spots like Love Park, and City Hall. Plus with local pros like Kerry Getz and Steve Williams competing against other top street skaters from around the world like Rick McCrank and Carlos De Andrade, anything is possible.

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