Monster Energy’s Moto X Team Dominates X Games Minneapolis With Three Gold Medals in Moto X Step Up, Best Whip, and Best Trick
When all was said and done, Monster Energy’s Jarryd McNeil claimed gold in LifeProof Moto X Step Up for the third year in a row. McNeil kept his momentum to take gold in Moto X Best Whip with Monster Energy teammate Genki Watanabe claiming silver and Axell Hodges took bronze completing a full podium sweep. And in Monster Energy Moto X Best Trick, Australian powerhouse Jackson Strong closed out an epic weekend with his fourth career X Games gold medal.
The day’s motocross action at the second X Games in Minneapolis kicked off at noon, as the roar of motocross engines reverberated inside U.S. Bank Stadium. LifeProof Moto X Step Up saw five finalists looking to post the highest motocross air over a steep kicker and crossbar into a banked landing.
The stakes were high as McNeil battled to score his third consecutive gold medal against a highly competitive field. His teammate Bryce Hudson came in at a disadvantage after dislocating his shoulder in practice minutes before the event. Ultimately, that injury forced the four-time X Games medalist out of running after clipping the bar twice at 38 feet.
From there, the level of competition only intensified. X Games highest Step Up record holder Ronnie Renner found himself eliminated at 41 feet as McNeil climbed into the final three. With the bar posted at 43 feet, Libor Podmol and Colby Raha both missed their attempts, leaving the final word to McNeil. Known to thrive under pressure, the 26-year-old from Yarrawonga, Australia, charged full-throttle and cleared the 43-foot bar on his first attempt, claiming gold and a historic Moto X Step Up gold medal three-peat.
“I wanted to come here and get the three-peat – and I just did it! I’m so stoked! This is the best day ever,” said McNeil after winning gold in Minneapolis today.
While the win brought McNeil’s X Games count to 10 medals, he was far from done for the day. Energy levels were high as McNeil and a field of top motocross riders stepped to the Moto X Best Whip Final. In an eight-minute jam session, riders attempted the most contorted “Whip” aerials – throwing their bike sideways in the air – over the massive dirt chasm.
The Whip is a staple move in motocross, but each world-class rider masters his own unique style. Last night’s Moto X High Air winner and Hodges impressed the judges with a turn-up style Whip, turning the bike entirely backwards in mid-air, only to reverse for a safe landing at the last possible moment for 90.33 points and the bronze medal. Japanese style icon Watanabe blasted a fully contorted turndown-style whip for 91.33 for a silver finish. And still running high on adrenalin from today’s Step Up win, McNeil landed a seat-bounce Whip – practically flying upside down – with a one-foot kick out for 91.66 points and the win.
“Winning my sixth gold medal is amazing, thank you to all the fans for coming out and supporting me today,” said McNeil on winning Best Whip gold today.
Rounding out a spectacular performance for Monster Energy’s motocross team, Strong went blow-for-blow with the world elite of freestyle riders in Best Trick. Charging the jump at maximum speed, Strong pulled a highly technical no-handed front flip for 93.00 points that shut down the competition. After taking silver in last night’s FMX Final, Strong made history as the only motocross rider in X Games history to claim four gold medals in Best Trick.
“Everyone out here puts in so much work just to be here,” said Strong. Competing against these guys is an honor in itself and getting a gold medal is just amazing.
Speaking of medals, the weekend in the Twin Cities helped Monster riders significantly boost their medal counts. Today’s double gold medal strike increased McNeil’s record to 11 medals, including six gold medals. His teammate Strong now boasts four gold and three silver medals after a standout performance. And after claiming gold in Moto X High Air and bronze in Best Whip, Hodges now has one gold, two silver and one bronze medals under his belt in his third year at X Games.
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The focus will change from freestyle moves to pedal-to-the-metal racing in the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing and Harley-Davidson Hooligan Racing events. Make sure to tune in and watch out for Monster Energy’s Ricky Rinauro, Buddy Suttle, and Nick Leonetti in Hooligan Racing and Jared Mees, and Brad “The Bullet” Baker in Flat Track.
ESPN and ABC will televise a combined 19 hours of live X Games Minneapolis 2018 coverage, reaching more than 500 million homes and viewers in 192 countries and territories. X Games Minneapolis coverage will also be accessible via the ESPN App to viewers who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
Don’t miss out on the action in the Twin Cities. Score all the exclusive updates from X Games Minneapolis 2018 including photos and contest results as they happen visit http://www.monsterenergy.com. Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter and watch the official Monster Energy hashtag #unleashedatx on social media.
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About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.
Kim Dresser, Indie Agency Inc., http://www.indiepragency.com, +1 (949) 300-5546, [email protected]
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