Monster Energy’s Josh Sheehan Takes Silver in Moto X Freestyle at X Games Minneapolis 2019
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) August 03, 2019 -- Talk about a final for the ages! Monster Energy congratulates Josh Sheehan on his strong silver medal finish in Moto X Freestyle at X Games Minneapolis 2019 on Friday night. In a heated final session that came down to last attempts, the 33-year-old from Donnybrook, Australia, earned his ninth career X Games medal. He was joined on the podium by Monster Energy teammate and fellow Australian motocross powerhouse Jackson ‘Jacko’ Strong, who claimed bronze at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The sheer evolution of motocross freestyle has been mind-boggling over the last decade. While a double backflip aerial was considered a contest-winning achievement only a few years ago, today’s leading motocross freestylists are upping the ante with more and more complex trick variations. And every year, the state of the art in Moto X Freestyle is on full display at Summer X Games.
The biggest stars of the sport were out in Minneapolis, as six riders took two 75-second runs in search of the highest score. The dirt course offered plenty of different terrain to choose from, including several super kicker ramps over 75-foot gaps as well as two quarterpipes into banked landings and plenty of options for transfer airs.
Monster Energy’s Sheehan came to the Twin Cities with a score to settle after closely missing the podium last year. On his first run, Sheehan took the lead by stringing together two different backflip variations and signature moves like Flair Indy flip for an 87.66-point score. On his second run, Sheehan raised the bar with a perfect run featuring highlights such as double back flip, 360 seat grab Indy, Hart Attack flip, contorted Indian air, double grab backflip, and no-hand double backflip for a 90.00-point score and what looked like the win. But ultimately, fellow Australian Rob Adelberg had the last word and leapfrogged into first place with a 92.33-point score.
Joining the all-Aussie podium in Minneapolis, Strong took home bronze on the strength of a heavy-hitting first run featuring two(!) front flip variations: Opening his run with a no-hand front flip, ‘Jacko’ launched into a double backflip, Cliffhanger flip, heel clicker flip and front flip nac for 87.33 points, and a well-deserved top-three finish. After a 2018 season plagued by injuries, Strong is officially back in the saddle after taking gold in Moto X Best Trick at X Games Shanghai. Friday night’s bronze medal brings his total X Games count to nine medals (5 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), and he will be back as a podium threat in Saturday’s Moto X Best Trick event.
Sheehan now also owns nine X Games medals (1 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze) after Friday night’s silver medal. A driving force behind the progression of freestyle motocross, Sheehan became the first (and is still the only) rider to land a triple backflip on a motorbike. The video of the historic feat went viral and currently commands 12.6 million YouTube views.
Another Monster Energy rider had the crowd in Minneapolis on its feet with his unmatched aerial showmanship: Three-time Moto X Freestyle gold medalist Taka Higashino proved why he is one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors in two perfect runs for a strong fourth-place finish. Taka’s highlights included high-flying moves like Cordova flip, Dead Body flip, Cliffhanger flip, extended Dead Body flip, Kiss of Death flip, plus his signature Cali Roll body varial into a one-handed landing… because he's got it like that.
Back from a serious shoulder injury, Monster Energy’s Harry Bink came out in fifth place after posting two flawless runs featuring numerous new combo moves such as Heel clicker to Cordova flip next to fully contorted Hart Attack flip and Rock Solid flip for 83.33 points.
Make sure to tune in on Saturday when Sheehan, Strong, Higashino, and Bink return for the Monster Energy Moto X Best Trick event.
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ESPN and ABC will televise a combined 18 hours of live X Games Minneapolis 2019 coverage. Eight-and-a-half additional hours of event coverage will be streamed live on the X Games Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages to fans in the United States. X Games Minneapolis coverage will also be accessible via the ESPN App to viewers who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
Following X Games Minneapolis 2019, ABC will show four hours of programming on Saturday, August 10, as part of the World of X Games series as well as a one-hour Best of Show featuring athletic and musical highlights on Saturday, August 17.
Don’t miss out on the action in the Twin Cities. Score all the exclusive updates from X Games Minneapolis 2019 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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