TEASING THE MOVIE

After two editions canceled due to Covid, the banks of Montpellier have their heroes back, having fun on bikes. In this natural stadium the 24 semi-finalists of the UCI Bmx Freestyle Park World Cup seem happy to feel again the pressure, sparkling and slightly intoxicating. At the end of the semi-final, there will only be 12 left, a strict selection that gives us a pretty unique show. The creator and responsible for this mayhem, Hervé André Benoit was seen taking a break and cheering just as much as the thousands of spectators at the announcement of the usual fan favorites. Daniel Dhers (12th) represents one of the last historic, those who creates so much memories during of the so-called "Mark Webb" era. With a run that hasn't gotten old for a decade, the Venezuelan manages to get into the final once again; but clearly the new generation pushes the bar higher and higher. Justin Dowell (5th) repositioned himself to a 5th place more in line with his Olympic status. The selection in the American team promises to be exciting since we will see five US riders in the final. Nick Bruce (11th) qualifies by mastering the flip double whip. Brian Fox (7th) continues his perfect week and links 1080s and double flips without problem. For his first participation at FISE Marcus Christopher (3rd) sounds the charge with a run of incredible intensity. With only "bangers" - as we say in the jargon - the native of Ohio did some kind of Lebron James personification on his bmx, imposing his will in a powerful and still pretty fashion; as proof, a triple downside whip air. And it seems that he still has some more in his pocket. Not necessarily a candidate for Olympic affairs, Kevin Peraza (8th) is still keen to do well when he participates at a contest. And when everything works as he wishes, it offers us a minute of total ecstasy where the diversity of tricks makes you want more. On the other hand, we regret not seeing the flair barspin at 3 meters high of Daniel Sandoval who could have dropped a run over 90 points (360 double whip to whip back!) but who made two costly mistakes. We will not see the bronze medalist Declan Brooks and his visit of the entire park either, it was really fun to witness his new superman front flip. No Brandon Loupos either but Australia still has the ultimate weapon in Logan Martin for whom it all seems so easy (2nd). Rim Nakamura was clean and fluid, on the pedals and just pretty; he even allowed himself to go back and forth in the corner at “Nakamurian” altitudes. Followers of the circuit will understand this nod to the Japanese rider who scared himself by missing his first run. He comes back with a big 720 double barspin and other combos to qualify in 4th position. Speaking of stress, we understand the frustration (and the fright) of young Kieran Reilly who saw his t-shirt get stuck around his bar on a truck to invert during his first run, then his chain broke on his second one preventing his expected outbreak at the highest level. Eventually, it will be James Jones (9th) the only representative of the team coached by uk legend Jamie Bestwick. The Latinos locos José Torres (Argentina, 10th) and Kenneth Tencio (Costa Rica, 6th) will bring their madness in a final that promises a lot... But wait, isn't there a name missing, a name that repeats itself like a mirage. Jean jean, Anthony by his given name, French, local from the region, raised at the FISE school from a very young age, a newcomer that has arrived and has become a real force on the circuit. French and European champion he is aiming for the Paris Olympics in 2024 and it seems to be ready a bit earlier given the impact of his semi-final run. In front of a loving crowd, he showed that the pressure no longer has any effect on him. Confident, well coached by Patrick Guimez, he adds to yesterday's big and blind transfer a barspin to condor. If the double whip flip is nicknamed “helicopter”, what machine could look like a TRIPLE whip flip? The first forty seconds of his run were quite simply the best of his life, and it seems to be the fruit of in-depth training that could well push Logan Martin in his unlimited …limits. Bmx fans are waiting for this, to see Logan diving deep in his secret bag of tricks. Revelation of the long awaiting bmx movie this Sunday, if the ducks still allow us to play another day on the river.