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 Kevin Robinson, Superman at the Action Sports World Tour in Phoenix, AZ |
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 Simon Tabron with his signature ÒRubbermanÓ at the Action Sports World Tour in Phoenix, AZ.
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 Sixteen year-old park and dirt ripper Dennis Enarson took first place at the Action Sports World Tour in Phoenix, AZ.
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Don't Get Out of Your Seat!
The Ones to Watch in BMX Street and Vert
By Jared Souney
With so many of the world's best in town for the LG Action Sports Championships, it might be hard to know who to keep your eye on. In fact, your eyes should be on everyone all the time, as you'll never know what's gong to happen. But there are a few guys out there who are sure to drop some serious bombs on the street course and the vert ramp, and you won't want to be at the concession stands during their runs! Here's a quick rundown so you know not to leave your seat.
BMX Vert:
Jamie Bestwick: He's won this (and every other) event many times over, and he's not going to be content leaving Dallas anywhere but at the top. He's coming into Dallas as the year end Dew Cup Champion, but his second place finish to Chad Kagy at the Orlando Dew Tour finals will have him on top of his game at the LG Action Sports Championships. Look for some of the highest and smoothest airs of the weekend, in addition to incredible flow and big tricks.
Chad Kagy: After beating Bestwick at the 2006 X Games, many had Chad pegged for a top-notch year this season, until a bad collar bone break and supsequent surgery kept him off his bike for a few months, and caused him to miss a good chunk of the contest season. Chad is in the midst of his comeback, though, and an 80% healthy Kagy just took home his first ever Dew Tour victory. If he's feeling good, he's a contender for the Championship.
Simon Tabron: You WILL see a 900 out of Simon. Perhaps more than one. Perhaps back to back. No one on a bike has 900s near as locked down as Simon. Coupled with a smooth style, and big 540s, the British native is another top threat for sure.
Kevin Robinson: Without a doubt Kevin has some of the biggest tricks in the game. No one else is doing double flairs (flip 180), or even trying them on a vert ramp. Robinson has a few under his belt, and Dallas just might be in for a treat. Kevin also has some of the biggest 540s in the business, and is the master of the flair variation. He recently added 540 tailwhips to his repetoire, so if Kevin's on, expect him to crush his competition. If he's not on, expect his body builder physique to crush the vert ramp after the contest.
Zack Warden: Zack is a new face you may not be familiar with, but get familiar. Zack is the new generation of vert riding, and he's bringing a fresh approach to huge tricks. Earlier this season Zack landed the first ever Windshield Wiper, a tailwhip to tailwhip back. He also brings barspins to downside tailwhips and bikeflips (a trick which only he and John Parker have ever done on vert). At 18, Zack is competing against riders old enough to be his father, but he rides like a seasoned vet.
Steven McCann: You may be familiar with Steve from his many years of placing well in BMX dirt and park, but this year he's also brought his skills to the vert ramp. With a smooth style, and a the best riding partner he could hope for (Jamie Bestwick) McCann has quickly moved to the top of the ranks. Also, be sure to watch Steve on the street course, as he tries to make his way to the finals in both events!
BMX Park (Street):
Dave Mirra: You know him. You love him. He's got some of the biggest tricks in the sport, and the Gold Medals to prove it. Dave recently learned 1080s, a trick only Mike Spinner has done on the park course, and if he puts it together you are in for a show.
Mike Spinner: Mike is a fresh face, and just turned Pro this season, however he recently finished a close second in the Dew Tour overall standings. In just a year Spinner has landed several "holy grail" tricks that riders have been chasing for years, including the 720 tailwhip and the 1080 (three rotations). Mirra (coincidentally Spinners boss through MirraCo) recently learned the trick, but Spinner has them on lock down. Look for lots of tailwhips, and, well, spins from Spinner.
Dennis Enarson: He may only be 16, but he can already do three tailwhips at once! Not bad. Dennis is one of the few riders throwing down triple tailwhips, and this season he's had them more consistent than anyone. Dennis took home a victory at the Action Sports World Tour in Phoenix a few months back, and he could do it again in Dallas.
Daniel Dhers: The 2006 LG Action Sports Champion has won nearly everything he's entered the past two years. Daniel is a machine. It must be something in the South American water, because both the street skate and BMX winners in '06 hail from Brazil. Dhers brings all sorts of flair and tailwhip variations to every ramp on the course, and his brand new variation of a 360 flip has everyone in disbelief. Daniel is one of the most consistent riders ever, so everyone else in the BMX street will have to bring their A-Game if they want any shot at this years Championship.
The LG Action Sports Championships will take place in Dallas November 9-11, 2007. To catch the action live, pick up tickets online, or tune in to the LG Action Sports Championships on CBS, Spike TV, and Versus.
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