Ryan Nyquist Takes Tough BMX Dirt Title in Baltimore

Jun 28 2007 / Baltimore, MD

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Poor weather conditions wreaked havoc on the BMX Dirt event at the 2007 Panasonic Open, with delays and injuries marring what normally is one of the most exciting events for the AST Dew Tour.

However, after a delayed start on Friday night (June 22), Ryan Nyquist powered past a formidable group including Ryan Guettler, Corey Bohan and Cameron White, to take the title.

The rules for this year's dirt competition have been changed to reward a more consistent performer -- something that embodies Nyquist to a tee... Instead of taking the best of two runs, the top two runs of each rider will be averaged together for their final score.

Nyquist's tricks included and opposite 360 whip, along with a one-handed x-up to barspin 360 and a barspin 720.  His final score ended up being an 89.42.  Coming up close behind was Cameron White, with an 88.42 and Chris Doyle with an 88.25.

Injuries did play a part in the contest, with everyone concerned about the condition of rider Stephen Murray, who hit the ground hard in his second run.  He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

"When Murray crashed we were all up there going: 'Should we ride? Should we stop?' " Nyquist told The Washington Post. "I think we all just decided we should go on. You're worried about winning, but I just hope he's okay."

Notably missing from the competition were last year's Panasonic Open winner Anthony Napolitan, who was injured in the prelims, and other strong competitors like Morgan Wade and Steven McCann, who didn't get past the prelims.

Nyquist is no stranger to winning a Dew Tour stop -- he has four total wins previously, including two in BMX Park.  Last year he fought through injuries and still managed to finish fourth overall in the Dew Cup race in BMX Dirt, third in BMX Park.