NIGHT of the JUMPs Linz 2012
In 2011, the honor of hosting the NIGHT of the JUMPs curtain-raiser went to the Tips Arena in Linz, where the world’s best freestyle motocross riders fought an almighty battle in the first two rounds of the UEM Freestyle MX World Championships. Now the 2012 season opener returns to the same venue. Once again, the cream of the world championship crop will be mixing it with emerging superstars and Europe’s own FMX elite. They will all be trying their utmost to outperform each other with their most daring tricks and backflip combinations, and to get their title challenge off to a solid start.
The line-up for Austria’s biggest freestyle motocross event leaves nothing to be desired. Top of the bill is Javier Villegas (CHL), fresh from winning the 2011 FIM Freestyle MX World Championship. Hot on his heels is Remi Bizouard (FRA), last season’s world championship runner-up and reigning UEM Freestyle MX European Champion. He will be joined by fellow Frenchman Brice Izzo who triumphed in the equivalent fixture twelve months ago. Jose ‘El Loco’ Miralles, who finished third in last year’s FMX World Championships, will be defending the honour of Spain. Flying the flag for Germany is Hannes Ackermann – the three-time national champion will be going all out to vindicate the organisers’ decision to award him a season ticket. His closest rivals should be Red Bull rider Petr Pilat (CZ) and Massimo Bianconcini from Italy. There is a strong possibility that we will be seeing a NIGHT of the JUMPs debut from Australia’s ‘Volt’ body varial expert and X Games medallist Clinton Moore. This would then complete the list of regular riders for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The remaining starting positions for the Linz show will be contested by international FMX riders in a qualifying competition. Two of the country’s best freestylers, Martin Schenk and Thomas Wirnsberger, have already signalled their intention to participate. Also keen to make their mark are the three FMX youngsters Kai Haase (GER), Ivan Zuchoni (ITA) and Maxime Gregoire (FRA). They will be joined by three Czech riders, Martin Koren, Radek Bielek and Frantisek Maca. There is a possibility that Tom Ferber from Germany, Alastair Sayer from Botswana and local hero Gerhard Mayer could throw their hats into the ring.
NIGHT of the Jumps in Linz guarantees the most exciting freestyle action yet seen in this long-running series, with title action supplemented by two highly entertaining sideshow contests – Highest Air and Race & Style.
NIGHT of the JUMPs made its debut back in 2001 at Arena Riesa. Over the past eleven years, this ‘sportainment’ touring series has developed into the benchmark for excellence in freestyle motocross. It is only at the NIGHT of the JUMPs that fans get to see World and European champions crowned. This is where the heroes of freestyle motocross first come to prominence, attain superstar status and write their names into the annals of the sport. 2012 will see new legends born as fans experience all the thrills and spills – no other motor sport allows spectators to get as close to the action as NIGHT of the JUMPs.
NIGHT of the JUMPs
UEM Freestyle MX European Championship
20th/21st January 2012
Tips Arena Linz / Austria
Field of riders (regular):
Javier Villegas (CHL)
Remi Bizouard (FRA)
Jose Miralles (ESP)
Brice Izzo (FRA)
Petr Pilat (CZE)
Hannes Ackermann (GER)
Massimo Bianconcini (ITA)
Clinton Moore (AUS) tbc.
Rider Pre-Qualifier:
Ivan Zuchoni (ITA)
Martin Koren (CZE)
Kai Haase (GER)
Martin Schenk (AUT)
Thomas Wirnsberger (AUT)
Radek Bilek (CZE)
Maxime Gregoire (FRA)
Frantisek Maca (CZE)
Tom Ferber (GER) tbc.
Alastair Sayer tbc.
Wildcard:
Gerhard Mayer (Linz/AUT) tbc.
More information, pictures, videos:
www.NIGHToftheJUMPs.com
NIGHT of the JUMPs Press-Office
Berlinièros PR
Oliver Franke
Franklinstr. 21 – 10587 Berlin – Germany
T: +49 (0)30 3974 3665 – F: +49 (0)30 3974 5942
Mail: oliver.franke@berlinieros.de
