Japanese takeover of the BMX Spine Ramp
It's not even noon, and the sun is already heating up the early-morning crowd gathered around the Spine Ramp for the women's BMX finals.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming as the riders complete their two 45-second runs. Not at all intimidated, they put on a great show to kick off this Saturday at FISE! In the end, it was a trio from Japan who claimed the podium.
Sakura Sugio battled with a barspin to 270 smith on her second run, and took third place. In second position, Minato Oike performed a series of X ups and can cans in a clean, fluid run, punctuated by a beautiful tailwhip.
But at just 12 years of age, it was really Shirai Rena who created the sensation of the finals. For her first international trip, our pink lady was on top form with an X up on the spine, and barspin transfers all over the place before finishing with a bus, landed with such ease that it commands respect! All in all, a great way to kick off the day, and prepare for more great runs on the Spine ramp today, with the Roller Freestyle and BMX Pro Men finals: we'll see you soon for what promises to be a hot Saturday in Montpellier!
