Imported talent is usually utilized for obvious reasons, but the Wings and Wheels competition at Dunsford Park, England, shipped in American stunters "Vertical" Joe Dryden and "Redline" Jesse Toler to serve as judges instead of compete. Maybe they couldn't trust their own kind to keep it fair?
Thirty-five competitors from across the U.K. competed under the American scorekeepers' keen eyes, while an estimated 20,000 spectators enjoyed the stunt riding and air show.
As usual, the sickest trick competition dished out the most pain for riders. Hoping to impress the U.S. judges, most riders attempted stunts they had only seen on TV or in videos. Toby Ryan from Kent took home the trophy with a 30-mph seat-stander jump to high-chair wheelie after only his second try ever attempting the trick. His first run went horribly wrong when he over-committed and nearly landed on the front tire. He was able to regroup, however, and compose his next run for the top podium position.
As the brake dust settled it was Janis Rozitis from Latvia who would be crowned the overall event winner with strong finishes in all the competitions. Dryden reflected on the event: "The most impressive thing all weekend was the rider camaraderie. That's something we rarely have in the U.S. anymore."
Individual Freestyle
1. Janis Rozitis
2. Chris Walton
3. Toby Ryan
Stoppie
1. Mark Chennel
2. Jeremy Vonk
3. Janis Rozitis
Sickest Trick
Winner: Toby Ryan
Overall Winner
Janis Rozitis