X Games Minneapolis 2017 Day One News and Results – Byron Grabs His Second Gold in BMX Vert

Jul 14, 2017

Written by Bart de Jong

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With fanfare across the state of Minnesota, X Games Minneapolis made its anticipated debut today with athletes from around the world competing in a.o. the Fruit of the Loom BMX Vert Finals. After a three year run in Austin, Texas, competition moved north to Minneapolis and the state of the art US Bank Stadium. Continuing through the weekend, the venue will bear witness to Moto X, BMX and Skateboard athletes riding side by side in a one-of-a-kind venue with the majority of competitions under the same roof. In addition, a host of today's hottest musical acts will rock the city each night at the Commons stage located outside the stadium. All of this and a wide range of

entertainment and activities including interactive skate and BMX parks, athlete autograph sessions and sponsor giveaways for all who attend.

Today's action kicked off with the Fruit of the Loom BMX Vert Finals where Vince Byron (AUS) epeated last year’s gold medal performance to top podium once again. In a run highlighted with flawless execution of tricks including back to back 540 flairs, the Australian was awarded a score of 93.00 to take the victory. With a trick selection, style and amplitude a cut above the rest of the field, the 27-year-old is quickly becoming the new face of BMX vert. Narrowly missing the top spot was 46-year-old Jamie Bestwick (GBR), who proved that age is just a number as he threw a barrage of tricks including the seldom seen front-flip flair into his last run. Bestwick’s 92.66 earned him a third X Games silver of his distinguished career — in addition to 14 gold medals. Chile’s Coco Zurita (Chile) took home Bronze with a score of 88.00.

BMX Vert Final
1. Vince Byron, 93.00 (AUS)
2. Jamie Bestwick, 92.66 (GBR)
3. Coco Zurita, 88.00 (CHI)
4. Zach Newman, 83.00 (USA)
5. Mykel Larrin, 86.33 (USA)
6. Douglas Oliveira, 78.33 (BRA)
7. Simon Tabron, 76.66 (USA)
8. Dennis McCoy, 65.33 (USA)

The action continues tomorrow with a host of competitions scheduled including the BMX Street Final, Women's Skateboard Street Final, The Real Cost BMX Big Air Final and the highly charged Pacifico Moto X Freestyle Final, before musical act A Day to Remember takes the stage.