Webmaster posted on March 31, 2009 00:55
Cam Sinclair has finished an impressive fourth place in his first ever X fighters event, held in Mexico City on Saturday night.
The event featured 12 of the best FMX riders in the world. In order to go head to head for the event win Sinclair first had to qualify via two 90 second runs. He did so comfortably with a sixth place despite riding fairly conservatively.
Initially Sinclair had planned to include his new trick the double backflip into his run at X Fighters which he was confident would give him a great chance of a podium placing. Unfortunately however this was not to be, as the high altitude sapped precious horse power from his YZ250, meaning he would not manage the quick acceleration needed for the double flip.
“It was disappointing not to be able to double flip in Mexico. I’m sure my YZ250 was the best running bike out there, but it lost just enough power that attempting the double flip would be just too dangerous.” Cam Sinclair said.
Without the incredible stunt in his arsenal, Sinclair would have to dig deep and utilise his regular array of tricks to overcome his competition.
Going up against French rider Thomas Pages in the quarter finals was never going to be easy for Sinclair, Pages a former X Games medallist. He did however step up to the plate, his run described as “amazing” even without a double backflip. He dominated the duel with seven huge tricks and no mistakes.
In the Semi Final Sinclair went head to head with eventual event runner up Eigo Sato. The Japanese veteran narrowly defeating him for a shot at the final.
The new X Fighters format meant that third place was automatically handed to the number one qualifier for the event, Swiss rider Matt Rebeaud and Sinclair relegated to fourth.
Sinclair, whilst disappointed in not being able go for the double backflip and claim a podium position most definitely proved to the world of FMX that he means business in 2009 and that even without a double backflip, he has the skills to mix it with the best.
“I would have loved to get a podium result in X Fighters and even go for the win, but today it just wasn’t meant to be. The conditions weren’t right for a double flip, so I decided to be smart. It’s a long year and I have a lot of big events to stay healthy for.” Sinclair said.
Final results for round one of the X Fighters in Mexico City were:
1.Levi Sherwood
2. Eigo Sato
3. Mat Rebeaud
4. Cameron Sinclair
5. Thomas Pages
6. Andre Villa
7. Adam Jones
8. Jeff Fehr
9. Dany Torres
10. Petr Pilat
11. Johann Nungary
For more information, images and videos of Cam Sinclair go to www.camsinclair.com.au