Photos of the Step Up and Speed & Style events
Once again, Ronnie Renner was the man to beat in Moto-X Step-up. Matt Buyten and Libor Podmol battled to the bitter end, but Renner’s whipped out airs prevailed, taking him to 38 feet, six inches. Garth Milan Nate Adams has gone through a slew of injuries throughout the past few years, but with a healthy body and an even healthier hunger to win, Adams took home gold in the Speed & Style Finals. Garth Milan Edgar Torronteras (near) and Andre Villa started out with a great battle in their first race, but just after this section Torronteras lost his footpeg, rode side-saddle for a few feet, and ditched his bike, handing Villa the easy win. Garth Milan Mat Rebeaud had great tricks, like this ultra-extended Nac-Nac Flip, but Blake “Bilko” Williams took him out early in the quarter-finals. Garth Milan Nevada neighbors and good friends Matt Buyten and Mike Mason squared off in the quarter-finals. Garth Milan Buyten and Mason were close during their first lap, but before the real dual could begin, Mason’s brake pedal was damaged. Though it appeared to be a result of contact between Buyten and Mason in a tight corner, Mason later claimed that the bent part was a result from a harsh landing off of the single ramp jump. Garth Milan Though Andre Villa has officially retired from X Games Freestyle, it was obvious during Speed &Style; that Villa wasn’t too rusty. Andre threw tons of great tricks and had good speed on the track, earning him a bronze medal in Speed & Style. Garth Milan Villa (near) and Adams battled hard in the semi-finals, but it was Nate who would go on to take the win and move on to the final match against Williams. Garth Milan One-handed and nac 360 flips were just a couple of the insane tricks that Australian Blake “Bilko” Williams brought to the table in Speed & Style. Garth Milan The finals kick off between Bilko and Adams. Although it was important to get the holeshot, Adams proved that it wasn’t necessary to pull off a win. Garth Milan Ronnie Renner was a very happy man after battling Podmol tooth-and-nail for the Step-Up victory, as well as the gold medal that comes with it. Garth Milan (L-R) Bilko, Adams, and Villa celebrate with their fresh and very precious medals following the podium ceremony. Garth Milan