Pastrana's Not Retired - He's Touring with X-Fighters
Mar 21 2007 / Los Angeles, CA 2007 sees the dawning of a new age for the Red Bull X-Fighters: the world's best FMX riders will be going on tour for the first time ever, contesting the prestigious tournament in the form of a series hosted by four cities."I'm retiring from FMX," said Travis Pastrana, the sport's number one rider, last year. The weight of expectation was too great after his double back flip, and it was also too much of a risk to put his life and health on the line for the sake of winning.
Travis will be taking part in the Red Bull X-Fighters again in 2007, because there's no other event in the world that can hold a candle to it in terms of sheer spectacle - either for the riders or the public.
Motoreros - national heroes
The greatest bullfighting arenas, namely Valencia, Madrid and Mexico City, have been filled to capacity nine times by the event in which the international FMX elite compete. The combination of freestyle motocross and elements of traditional bullfighting have made every event a public festival: with a sea of waving white rags and the deafening noise of the power saw motors they bring with them, the fans have proven almost a match for the riders - at least in terms of stirring up a frenzy. The enthusiasm was even soaked up by such prominent guests as David Beckham, Tonio Liuzzi and Juliette Lewis, who are themselves no strangers to the fevered masses, for the first time.
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"If you manage to pull off a particularly difficult trick and are cheered on by 40,000 people, then you feel like Ozzy Osbourne at Wembley Stadium," said Ronnie Renner. "I wish it were possible to experience such a feeling more often."
Two additional host cities
Ronnie will now get his wish, as the Red Bull X-Fighters will be going on tour for the first time in 2007. This year will see two new venues join the already traditional host cities of Mexico City (March 23) and Madrid (July 27). Slane Castle, Ireland, will host the Red Bull X-Fighters on May 26, while Moscow will play host to the event on June 30.
As in Spain and Mexico, the elements of the show will be adapted to the location: in the modern Celtic battle at Slane Castle near Dublin, it will be a fight to become a "Braveheart" on two wheels. In Moscow, there will be a kind of Revolution against gravity: the thrilling combination of FMX lifestyle and local culture will remain a trademark of the Red Bull X-Fighters even at the new venues.
Unlimited action
Not only will the number of events increase in 2007 - the bar will also be raised even higher, as it is each year.
"Tricks that would have given you victory only two years ago will now only get you as far as the midfield," said Travis Pastrana of the amazing rate at which FMX has developed.
Which means that only the very best in the sport were standing on the Red Bull X-Fighters podium. FMX legend "Mad" Mike Jones got the ball rolling in 2001, speaking the unforgettable words "Today the bull won," following his victory. Pastrana won in 2004 and 2006. And the 2005 battle between Nate Adams - the down-to-earth supreme athlete who is extremely talented artistically - and Ronnie Renner - the showman who dances after each run through the arena - is likely to spill over into 2007. Switzerland's Mat Rebeaud, last year's winner in Mexico City, Australia's Robbie Maddison, Japan's Eigo Sato and Mexico's Johan Nungaray will also be lining up alongside them this year.
