With event favourite Corey Bohan out after a big fall late in the practice session on day two, the podium was open to all for the taking. Riders were split into two groups, each with an hour session to make their presence known to the judges in order to qualify them for the ten rider final jam. Judging criteria was based around use of all elements of the pipe, style, height and big moves. With that fresh in the rider’s minds, it didn’t take long for the intensity to ramp up. Picking from the vast variety of styles and innovative lines would have been a nightmare, yet ten riders shone above the rest to make the final 45 minute jam. The jam format gave the event an amazing vibe, plus allowed riders to nail some solid runs before throwing down the big tricks as the time ticked down.
Spanish BMX legend, Sergio Layos laid down his signature style on the pipe, tweaking lookbacks and whips alongside local rider Cam Pianta, who’s no-handed front flip blew minds. But simply nailing the odd big trick was not enough, something that young Daniel Campbell took to heart. Stepping up far beyond his age and experience, Daniel put down killer runs that included multiple flips and a big double whip on the last step up.
Potential podium taker Jaie Toohey took a massive crash mid-way through the final putting him out of contention. A real shame as the young Central Coast ripper rode his heart out all weekend. A feat duly noted by all, Jaie taking the Judges Choice award and AUD$500.
Potential podium taker Jaie Toohey took a massive crash mid-way through the final putting him out of contention. A real shame as the young Central Coast ripper rode his heart out all weekend. A feat duly noted by all, Jaie taking the Judges Choice award and AUD$500.
Manly based Brendan Jones brought his high-speed style and guns blazing approach all the way to a well deserved 3rd place. With the likes of back flip turndowns and huge tailwhips, Brendan made full use of the course, including the almost untouched curved wall ride at the bottom of the pipe. Full course usage and unstoppable energy saw Clint ‘the Colonel’ Bensley take a big second place. His versatility and big transition skills were stamped all over the Dirt Pipe, with not a hit left untouched by the giant killer Colonel.
Ultimately, there could be only one Dirt Pipe ruler. And that was the one and only Russell ‘Rusty’ Brindley. Rusty brought his vegan powers to the pipe with easily the smoothest and biggest airs of the weekend, flowing the monster dirt walls with seemingly effortless ease. With combinations of turndowns, no handers and stretched no foot cans, Russell proved to all who witnessed that pure style will always reign supreme in the dirt stakes. This schooling of pipe with text book trail style was rewarded with a cool AUD$5000.
The Dirt Pipe concept, while controversial at first, was more than proven as the next level of BMX course design. Add to this riding that showcased a new generation of Australian superstars and you have one hugely successful weekend that was nothing short of a blast for all involved. Plans are already brewing for a bigger and gnarlier event next year. A massive thanks go out to all involved, especially the Pipe diggers, all the riders and of course the incredible hospitality of all in Mt Beauty.
Results RedBull Dirt Pipe 2008:
1 Russell Brindley (Rusty)
2 Clint Bensley (Colonel)
3 Brendan Jones
4 Sergio Layos
5 Cam Pianta
6 Daniel Cambell
7 Daniel Donges
8 Daniel Dunn (Mozzie)
9 Jaie Toohey
10 Vince Byron
By Red Bull