In an effort to include "berm" and "double" in the American vocabulary, the X Games inaugurated Downhill BMX Racing Sunday at Woodward Camp, in beautiful Woodward, Pennsylvania. Thousands of fans turned out for a thrilling display of speed and courage by 30 of the very best BMX Racers in the world. Even the Amish neighbors took a break from their work to watch the new sport blooming in the fertile fields of Woodward Camp. The track was fast, the weather was hot, the riders were ready, and believe you me and farmer Yoder, the racing was SICK!

Just one year ago, Woodward hosted the first ever Downhill BMX event. Since then the sport has rapidly evolved, with track technology pushing the riders to new heights. While last year's track definitely had the excitement and big air, it was virtually a single file sprint to the finish line. This year's track is a story in itself, offering a much better mix of big air, speed, technicality and opportunity to pass. Minor adjustments were still being made as riders practiced on Saturday, but by the start of racing Sunday, the track was well honed and ready for action.

A couple of the boys playing follow the leader.

Track highlights include some very tight berms, a 40 foot stepdown (That's a double where the take off is higher than the landing), a slight uphill section to test the rider's endurance, and the final straight which saw the most action of the day. Between all the berms and the uphill, there were plenty of opportunities to pass, and the big jumps kept everyone on their toes. It took a well rounded rider to maneuver the track successfully, and with 30 well rounded riders present, the crowd was guaranteed a great show.

The step down was easily the most intimidating jump on the track. Imagine pedaling full tilt at the lip of a jump when all you can see is clear blue sky. The landing was at least 8 feet lower than the lip, and you couldn't even see it until you were in the air. It was like falling out of the sky, and riders were going off this jump shoulder to shoulder! Brian Foster even managed a mid-air pass on the stepdown. Talk about bravado.

The competition was heated, and today the hole shot didn't guarantee the win.

Although the stepdown was clearly the scariest part of the track, the final berm and into the last straightaway was where the biggest battles were fought. There were two well worn lines through the last berm, one high and one low. If you went low, you could cut right past someone on the high line, but it put you almost elbow to elbow with that rider for the next jump, which coincidentally was over 35 feet. Riders were literally touching in the air, neck and neck right up to the finish line.

With that kind of pressure it only takes a small mistake to create disaster, which is just what happened to last years champion Robbie Miranda coming into the last straight in the Main Event. Robbie was in the lead out of the last berm, but he could feel the pressure from Brandon Meadows, and tried to stay extra low over the 35 footer. He cased with his back wheel, bounced to flat and got knocked out cold while Brandon went on to win the race. Brian Foster made another amazing pass to take second over John Whipperman who kept it cool and pulled in third. Rounding out the top eight was Jamie Staff, Justin Loffredo, Neal Wood, John Purse, and Robbie Miranda who didn't wake up until the race was over.

Brandon Meadows celebrates with his Downhill BMX Gold.

A thrilling end to the very first X Games Downhill BMX Event. Everyone on hand enjoyed a day of intense BMX Racing, and ESPN enjoyed a successful new X Games event. Race fans, don't miss this one when it airs on TV, it's going to be a show to remember.

Thanks go out to the riders for putting it all on the line, the ESPN Crew for putting the event together, Hoffman Sports Association for building an amazing track, and Woodward Camp for providing a beautiful backdrop and hosting the event.

   Send to a friend  | Submit your photo or video
   Top Rated Photos |  Top Rated Videos |  Most Sent