GT BMX Blows Up In Berlin!

Aug 27, 2012

August 23rd – 24th 2012 RedBull Revolution Berlin Germany

GT Bicycles’ Corben Sharrah and Mike Day took on a stellar field of contenders to finish 2nd and 3rd, respectively, at the RedBull Revolution this weekend in Berlin Germany.

The event, the first of its kind in BMX, assembled BMX racers and freestyle riders to compete on a SX-style BMX race course but with super-sized jumps and other challenging obstacles where the athletes not only race to the line but get cash bonuses for high risk tricks and maneuvers. RedBull and GSX Events collaborated to organize the event that put a spin on traditional BMX race events by creating more of a “show” that was entertaining and captivating for spectators and viewers. Over 7500 spectators poured into Mellowpark in Berlin Germany to watch the history-making event.

The organizers went all out to cater to the athletes during the days leading up to the race. As all of the riders arrived they had a BBQ/Meet & Greet at the Mellowpark bark where the racers got to meet the freestyle riders as well as the Revolution staff. On the following night a double-decker bus picked up the crew and took them on a tour around sites of Berlin then to a “secret” dinner location. The evening before the race everyone got a special treat as all received customized RedBull letterman jackets, shirts and a limited edition Ikonix number plate hand made and autographed by the legendary Bob Haro. Who said Christmas only comes once a year? It was a very special week for all who attended.

The race started off with 48 racers and freestyle riders broken out into eight groups. They would race it out through a qualifying system until they whittled the field down to the top-8 for the final. For Sharrah and Day the progressive track allowed them to display not only their world-class speed but also their incredible bike handling skills on the massive and unique jumps. Both would pilot their GT Speed Series bikes easily through the qualifying rounds and even earned a little “Style-bonus” money for laying down a few tricks during their races.

Mike Day would have to step up his game in his semi run after having to overcome a bad start. Out of the gate Day would find himself in last, 8th place, but did not panic as he put on a display of why he is one of the most respected riders in the sport by passing riders at will all the way up to 2nd place which brought the crowd to their feet.

Loading up in the gate for the final would be another GT-mounted rider along side of Corben and Mike. StayStrong/GT athlete Darren Goodwin (GBR) not only raced well enough to earn a spot in the final but did so while throwing down tricks during every single lap he took. He was a definite crowd pleaser with his flips over the finish line jump.

The huge crowd fell silent as the final gate dropped with eight riders abreast raced down the thirty-foot-tall start hill. Corben would get one of his patented starts and was battling for the lead with Twan van Gendt of the Netherlands. Mike was sitting mid-pack but everyone knew that is not where he would stay as he started to work the field. Sharrah would continue to work to get around Twan but coming into the last turn Day was charging hard making a run for the leaders. At the line Corben would take 2nd and Mike earned a hard fought for 3rd.

It was an amazing event that will definitely change the face of Elite BMX racing.

The GT Bicycles team is honored to be supported by the following:

• www.GoProCamera.com
• www.AlpineStars.com
• www.tiogausa.com
• www.lizardskins.com
• www.AlienationBMX.com
• www.SDGComponents.com
• www.TroyLeeDesigns.com w
• ww.Shimano.com
• www.KMCChain.us
• www.Sapim.be