Want To See Marc de Reuver Ride The 2012 MXoN Track

There are less than ten days until the most exciting motocross event of the year - the Motocross of Nations. Featuring two 2012 champions (Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli) getting a chance to go head-to-head, plus a line-up of racers that containing the best MX riders in the world, which team will emerge victorious is anyones guess. 

Team USA might have walked away with the win for the last seven years but the level of competition means there are no safe bets. We cant wait...

Oh and note - the track is actually still being worked on, so de Reuver is only actually practising half of the track here. We hope the other half has got some of the jumps in!

Jeffrey Herlings in yet more sand

Unless youve been living under a rock for the last year or two, youll already be fully aware of a certain Dutchmans ability to ride a dirt-scooter in sand.

Yup, were talking about Mr Herlings again. In  out opinion, hes THE greatest sand rider Motocross has ever witnessed, a point which was emphasised at both the Motocross of Nations, and the Benelux GP.

Here we see a video of him doing what he does best, hammering round in ridiculously deep sand. With both onboard and track-side footage youre in for a real treat, its really no wonder hes so darn fast.

(Thanks for Lars Van Berkel for the video!)

Edgar Torronteras And The Incredible Whip

Weve seen some whips in our time. But this is potentially the Whip To End All Whips. 

At the recent Supercross Bercy show in Paris, Spaniard Edgar Torrenteras pulled off a whip so awesome he almost when upside-down. Shame that the commentators were far too busy talking among themselves to acknowledge such and incredible freestyle feat...

New At FreestyleXtreme 2013 Troy Lee SE Pro Adidas Colab MX Kit

All of Troy Lees MX kit is great. However, weve just had something arrive at the FreestyleXtreme.com warehouse that is extra specially awesome...

Weve got our hands on this extremely limited edition Troy Lee/ Adidas SE Pro colab MX kit in all sizes that combines Troy Lees premium motocross racewear with Adidas timeless style.

We dont expect this kit to hang around for long so if you want to get some for yourself, youll need to act fast. Once its gone, youll never see it again!

We ship all over the world, so dont forget to check how much it would cost in your country by clicking the appropriate flag at the top of the Freestylextreme.com site.

Troy Lee SE Pro Adidas Team MX Kit Jersey:

• Lightweight ventilated polyester mesh with durable construction.
• Breathable stretch polyester materials move with your body.
• Ventilated polyester mesh sleeves help keep you cool and refreshed.
• Sewn-in elbow padding for added protection.
• Gel print on tail keeps jersey in place.
• 4 way stretch comfort collar.
• SE Pro woven arm patches accents.
• Adidas 3 stripes on arms

Troy Lee SE Pro Adidas Team MX Kit Pant:

• Soft 500 denier polyester/900 denier perforated mesh provides maximum air flow.
• Velcro side cinch strap system can be adjustable within 2” of tolerance on waist size.
• Double and triple stitching in critical stress points for maximum strength.
• Cowhide leather provides heat protection and grip in the knee.
• Sliding rear yoke stretch system allow the pants to stay in place.
• Lightweight TPR logo patches on thigh for added protection and style.
• Oversize 4 way stretch crotch design provides race fit comfort.
• Articulated 2 way stretch rear knee and calf panel provides race fit.
• YKK brand zipper.
• Adidas 3 stripes on legs

Click here to take a look!

FSX Chats To MX1 Rider Clement ‘The MX Panda’ Desalle

Currently sat 55 points behind leader Antonio Cairoli in the 2012 MX1 World Championship, we caught up the Belgian rider Clement Desalle before the 13th round at Matterley Basin, UK, to talk about his season so far, the future and the origins of his nickname…

Over the last three years, you have finished in the top 3 in the MX1 GP Championships. Right now, you are just a thirty points behind Cairoli. Do you reckon that 2012 will be your year?

I’ll do my best and I’m looking really positive in the front to try to get the best results possible.

How did it feel to pick up your first double victory earlier in the year at Uddevalla?

It was a good feeling, not only of the results but also because my riding was really good!

After controlling much of 2011 season, your shoulder injury in Belgium meant the championship was snatched from you. How did that feel?

It’s a real bad feeling because I wanted to finish the season on the best level possible without injury.

How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t riding motocross?

I like to train for MX with different kind of sports, like running, cycling, swimming, and racketball. I like to have fun in my 4X4 with friends, pass time with my dogs (animals are the best!). Plus, I like to ride Enduro with friends and my dad during the winter.

Do you think that you would consider racing Motocross over in the States?

Yes, I wouldn’t put this option out of my head. But for me, MX is not only the sport, you know? I want to feel good in the life out of motocross too.

You’ve been nicknamed the ‘MX Panda’. How come? Do you love bamboo? 

My nickname came because I love to eat! It was in 2002 and I was with friends in the Futuroscope (a park in France) and they told me about a documentary about the panda and it said that pandas eat 14 hours in a day. It started from there!

Alongside the new addition this year, the 2013 calendar also features a new track in Thailand. What are your views on the new tracks and the championship reaching new parts of the world?

Honestly, I think it’s more about business than the riders. When you see the condition of some tracks we ride, I’ve had more fun on some practice tracks! I mean, it should be okay to ride in parts of the world like this, but the track should be really good. They should be more prepared for it!

Do you think that teams having to go further afield for racing will have any negative affect on championships? There is plenty of speculation as to why there were fewer competitors in Russia, for example…

I can’t really answer of this question because I don’t know how the teams work. We pay for so many things, it’s normal that some say no. Russia for example, it was really not cool to see only 21 riders on the entry list and 14 riders at the gate. What’s this mean for a World Championship?

What does it mean to you to be part of Fox Racing’s team of athletes?

It’s really good! The people I’ve met are really nice and I really like the design of Fox gear and sportswear!

Kickstart 4 The Final Chapter Movie Out Now!

If you couldnt wait until Christmas before watching Moto 4: The Movie, then let us suggest another awesome stocking filler for you - Kickstart 4: The Final Chapter.

Created by the guys at Transworld Sport, the fourth instalment in the series returns things to its roots, transporting viewers to the most exclusive places in Motocross with some of the sports biggest stars. Kickstart 4: The Final Chapter stars Chad Reed, Robbie Maddison, Marvin Musquin, Trey Canard, Eli Tomac, Jeremy Twitch Stenberg and more.

If the trailer isnt enough to whet your appetite, then perhaps the out-takes below starring our favourite Goon rider Ronnie Mac will be more than enough to convince you that this is an essential purchase for MX and FMX Fans.

Kickstart 4 is available now to buy on DVD and will soon be downloadable from iTunes too.

 

Yamaha Unveil 2013 YZR M1 MotoGP Bike

Godammit. Will someone turn up the frickin lights?

Okay, so it doesnt show Lorenzo and Rossi doing their best perfume advert poses and getting all itimate with the bike, but at least we can get a closer look at the 2013 Yamaha YZR-M1 bike that the two multiple champions will be riding this year.

PICS: www.bikesportnews.com

 

Fox Instinct Chad Reed Replica Boots Now Available At FreestyleXtreme!

 
As far as MX boots go, the new Fox Instincts are just about as exciting as they can get. Even so, now the original launch colours are out in the wild, you could be on the lookout something new and different.

Well, we could have exactly what you are looking for right here - Limited Edition Fox Instict Boots with a Chad Reed replica Two Two Motorsports colourway!

With such a worldwide demand for these boots, weve only got limited supplies in limited sizes. So, if you want to get your hands on (or rather, your feet into) these boots, youre going to have to act quick!

Fox Instinct Chad Reed Replica Boots (£348.99/ $401.99)

2012 Shift MX Freeride Tour!

If we had to use one word to describe this video, that word would probably be "Wheeeeeeeeee!" - damn those guys seems to be getting serious air time!

Last year, the guys from Shift MX loaded up a bus with a bunch of riders and headed out to the Glamis Dunes in California for a fun trip that eventually turned into their popular #SANDBOX video. This year, they decided they had such a good time they would do it again - bigger!

Welcome then the Shift Ride On Tour, which has now evolved into a five-stop freeride event travelling across the US, with a bus full of athletes including Bilko Williams, Carey Hart, Josh Hill, Jeff Emig and more. By the sounds of things, the idea is to just turn up, hang around with the riders and have an awesome freeride session!

This particular video was filmed at the Oregon Dunes and if the action there was anything to go by, the rest of the tour is going to be a heck of a lot of fun!

FSX Head To The Fox Racing Europe HQ

A few weeks ago, we went to Fox Racings European HQ. Wed love to say that it was in a super secret location but a simple Internet search reveals its actually in Tyne and Wear, UK.

Although the purpose of our journey up there wasnt the most exciting, the Headquarters itself were filled with impressive mementos from Fox Racings lengthy history in the world of motocross.

Take a look a our gallery of snaps and play a little game of spot the famous jersey...

Paul Bird Motorsport Rider Michael Laverty Chats Exclusively To Freestylextreme About His Dreams For His First Ever MotoGP Season!

PIC: www.speedweek.de

Michael Laverty has been a FreestyleXtreme sponsored athlete for many years so we may be a little bit biased. Even so, we couldn’t be more excited to see the Northern Irishman racing on the world stage alongside the likes of Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo. Michael very kindly took some time out before the first race at Qatar to talk to us about his hopes for the new season.

How is life in the MotoGP treating you, Michael?

Its been good, although Im not sure you get the full MotoGP experience from the Malaysia tests as the paddock is on quite a reduced scale without the Moto 2/3 teams and none of the GP infrastructure. However life inside my team and on track has been really positive. The travel and climate/cultural changes are something that I quite enjoy rather than seeing them as a pain like some do. Ive been away from home a lot already, so I miss Jodi and our dog but its all good, Im answering these questions with a sea view and sun on my back, no complaints here!

There is a huge amount of fan support behind you this year. We particularly like the ‘open letter’ article to you from SofaRacer. Have you noticed a difference in reaction from them since you started in MotoGP?

Its been quite interesting, Im not one to read fan forums but from what Ive been told by those close to me who do, there has been a major shift from the detractors originally to a lot of support. It has been surprising, BSB [British Superbike Championship] is a top national series but just the fact that you race MotoGP (albeit on a CRT machine) really seems to incite a lot of interest. I shall enjoy the support and like SofaRacer stated, enjoy every minute of being a MotoGP rider!

PIC: www.michaellaverty.com

Your testing in Sepang earlier in the year couldn’t have gone much better. Your confidence must be high after that performance?

Its nice, I wont lie - it feels good. Of course I felt that was roughly where I should be in theory but with no prior experience in GP there was a bit of guess work involved. With experience you learn to gauge things, like your level, the competition, their strengths and weaknesses although there can be things you havent accounted for. I like to analyse everything, I feel Im a realist so it wasnt a big surprise to me however it did seem to shock a lot of people.

Is it satisfying to prove to your detractors that you deserve to be on the world stage?

For sure, although I dont really get hung up on other people opinions, positive or negative, I dont really allow myself to take it on board unless it comes from a source whom I respect, you know? Arm chair critics cant ever have a true grasp of what is going on, but if I get praise or criticism from say my brothers my parents or my peers for example, thats a different story. It keeps your feet on the ground when you’re doing well and your chin off the floor when things get tough!

PIC: www.motogp.com

You must be getting on pretty well with your new bike then? What sort of things are you noticing as you spend more time with your CRT Aprilia?

Unfortunately Ive had a grand total of 30 laps on the bike I will race this season, and it was a very unrefined version with no electronics, etc. Sepang 1 I rode the ART bike that James Ellision rode last year, it was good as everything worked so it allowed me to just get on and ride it, learn all the nuances of MotoGP like the circuit, carbon brakes, Bridgestone tyres, electronics etc.

By the final day I was right on the pace with the top CRT [Claiming Rule Team] guys and finished up 2nd, I was really happy with the ART and felt comfortable on it.

We arrived at Sepang 2 with the new PBM [Paul Bird Motorsport] bike, it was a three day test and I didnt get to ride it until after lunch on the final day. It definitely was a test of patience, I felt I needed more track time to continue my learning process but it was important to get some data for the PBM bike, so rather than using the spare ART [Aprilia Racing Technologies] I let my team get on with finishing the new bike. All credit to them they worked harder and longer than any other team on pit lane to get it running and in the end it was very satisfying for them to put a brand new bike on circuit and get damn close to the necessary lap times with minimal track time.

PIC: www.michaellaverty.com

With the whole season ahead of you, what do you think you are looking forward to the most?

Not one thing in particular but the whole experience, riding on the best circuits in the world against the best riders on the best bikes in front of thousands of fans. It is the pinnacle of Motorcycle racing and I plan to enjoy being part of the show.

What are your hopes for Qatar? Have you or the team set any targets?

I have yes, but it may be a little bit unrealistic at the moment, I should know better what our level is after the final Jerez test this weekend. I want to be battling to win the CRT race, if I was on the ART bike I would say it confidently but as we still have a lot of work to do with the PBM bike just to reach the level of the ART bike in performance I am a little bit reluctant.

We also read recently that Paul Bird Motorsport landed a sponsorship with an adult movie subscription channel. Not a bad perk of the job, we assume?

Ha ha, yes there has been mixed reviews from fans on that one but I imagine the male fans wont mind a slightly different look from the promo girls! And no I havent been given a free subscription before you ask, lol.

A Chat With X Games Double Gold Medal Winner Kyle Baldock!

UNIT BMX rider Kyle Baldock stamped his name in X Games folklore history over the weekend in Foz Do Iguaçu, Brazil, by becoming one of the few athletes ever to win two gold medals at the prestigious world-series action sports event. On his return to Aussie shores we sat down with the new X Game Dirt and Park champion to talk about his wins, the struggles he faced beforehand, and what he learned from riding against the best BMX riders on the planet.

Kyle, congratulations on the double gold haul at X Games Foz, what’s the secret behind the wins?

 Ha, thanks, good question. I kind of relate it to my early days in BMX when you’d rock up to a comp with the shittiest bike and gear, you don’t really care, and you end up doing well because you’re just focused on your riding and not making excuses because everything’s not perfect. I think at X I just found that happy place, like when you start to expect everything has to be perfect, from the course to bike, etc, you start to lose what’s real and you blame every little thing that goes wrong with your equipment, when in reality all your competitors have to ride the same course and the winner is usually the person who removes himself from making excuses for the way he is riding and is 100 per cent in the zone and enjoying what he does best.

Heading into X Game Foz you were struggling with a wrist injury and the concussion you sustained at Simple Session, how did you cope?

During practice I was really struggling with the Park course until the last day; I couldn’t do anything, couldn’t physically trick the Box, just wasn’t dialing in the course. As for my wrists I just rode through it, although I did two runs in a row and landed a little flat and it smashed me, then I took a step back and remembered what my girl Honey told me before leaving for Brazil, which was to take the time to study what the other riders were doing and what tricks where, and ride smart instead of just trying to huck the biggest tricks on certain parts of the course, like I did in X Games L.A 2012. This time I didn’t make the same mistake and I also worked on changing my runs every time, which helped. 

Then you backed it up in Dirt, talk us through that…

Right after finishing Park I got swamped with interviews for ESPN, which is part of the deal with winning gold, but it gave me little time to prepare for the Dirt contest next up. In my first run I did a Flip Bar No Hander over the first set, then a 450 Bar and a Seven No Hander at the end, and got an 88.33. Personally I thought this was my best run because I’d never done a Seven No Hander in competition before, and I was super stoked I pulled it first go, but it didn’t score that high. My next run I tried a different approach and it worked in my favour and scored a 92, and set the mood for the rest of my runs and the rest is history. 

How was the Brazilian crowd?

The crowd filled the stands for Dirt more than any other sport and they went nuts at the end of every run. They want your helmet, gloves, signature, it was crazy! When I talked to ESPN I was like, ‘You have to bring back dirt in X GAMES forever!’

What was the reaction like after you won your second gold medal, and what did you learn from the event?

Everyone surrounded me after my final run in Dirt and rider’s I’ve looked up to for years were congratulating me and giving me props on my runs. It was so cool as I later found out the last person to win double gold at X Games was Kevin Robinson in 2006. The biggest thing I learned at this X Games was I need to work on my fitness more, spend more time swimming in the pool to build up my cardio. I was a lot better in Park this year compared to last, but it was so hot and a lot of riders really struggled. I know I can do all the tricks, but pumping in and out of the bowls is really hard on your legs and body so I want to make sure I’m on top of my fitness for future events to make sure I can pull all of my big tricks on tap. 

When did the fact you won two gold medals sink in?

Everything happened so fast it didn’t hit me until I was doing an interview a while after the Dirt comp for ESPN. It’s like winning the first gold was amazing, then the second felt surreal, like a smack in the face; is this a dream? Getting those two gold medals helps you understand winning, gives you that deep belief in yourself you can do it again. 

Interview courtesy of Unit. Take a look at our Unti range here:

Retro Motocross Gallery Vol 1!

Several moons before Bubba first scrubbed, Carmichael was proclaimed the GOAT or McGrath crowned the King, these retro dirt biking guys (and girls) were laying the foundations for the sport. Check out our first gallery of vintage MX photography!