The world famous Las Ventas bullring in Madrid will play host to a freestyle motocross fight of the highest order this weekend, with a strong Australasian contingent eyeing off the top prize at the Spanish stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour.
Australia and New Zealand will field a single rider apiece in the competition where 12 contestants will pair off for their chance to battle through to the all-important Grand Final.
New Zealand’s top FMX export Levi Sherwood already has a Red Bull X-Fighters win to his credit in 2012, taking a sensational victory on the beach of Dubai to open the year.
Sherwood’s move to a larger rural property has allowed him to work on creating his own freestyle motocross course to get the edge on his competition.
“I think having the new property and the area to ride has brought the fun back into it for me, I can ride everyday without having to travel or worry about anything,” said Sherwood.
“I’m building a course to replicate the tighter Red Bull X-Fighters layout at home – it’s never finished as I’m always changing it but it’s been helpful for my preparation.
“Competing in the bullring in Madrid brings a different and unique kind of energy which we don’t come across anywhere else.
“I’m looking forward to it and of course towards the final round in Sydney.”
Australia’s hopes lay with credentialed Victorian rider Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams.
Williams is enjoying a run of solid form of late, and was unlucky to miss out on a medal in his favoured discipline during last month’s 18th running of the X Games in Los Angeles.
Accustomed to the pressure of big events, Williams is hoping to upstage home favourite, Spanish rider Dany Torres this weekend.
“This event is like no other – the fans are so close and the stadium is so small. You can hear everyone while you’re riding,” said Williams.
“I crashed at the first X-Fighters of the year and missed the second stop in Glen Helen so this is a good chance for me to bring the tricks I’ve been working on to the table.
“It will be a good chance to score some tour points and get me ready for competing at Sydney in a few months’ time.”
Torres comes into the event as a favourite and thrives on the energy of his home supporters.
"Madrid is the best event for me, it's the best country, and the best location in the bullring," said Torres.
"The crowd is crazy in Madrid. It's great to see the crowd there. It's my crowd."
The Red Bull X-Fighters tour began in 2001 in Valencia but the Spanish stop has been in Madrid at the famed Las Ventas bullring since 2002, becoming the most anticipated stop on the calendar each year.
US rider Todd Potter currently leads the World Tour standings, followed closely by Sherwood.
