Empire of Dirt: London 2012

The Red Bull Empire of Dirt is a slope style competition that aims to highlight the best all-round riders from all the BMX categories. This year, the competition will take place in front of the impressive Alexandra Palace in London. 10,000 spectators will enjoy the top 36 riders’ leaps and tricks. They are bound to make every other FMX rider green with envy and impress even the most extreme snowboarders.

Image Source: redbull.com

The first Empire of Dirt took place in 2008, in Devon. The event creator Key Forte, with help from Red Bull, has made this spectacle one of the most famous in the BMX community. Many famous and infamous riders participate each year and give all their energy and passion into becoming the next top BMX rider!
May 19th and 20th will see some breathtaking tricks like 360s, Can Cans, Tire Grabs, Crank Flips and much more. Prepare yourself for some major excitement!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCxaAS7U06w

On Saturday 19th May, the 36 riders will split into four groups of nine riders and the best 16 will go through to the finals. On Sunday 20th, the qualified 16 riders will be split into two groups of eight riders with the top four going through to the super final. The order of riders is determined by score from the final runs with the lowest score going first. The best run counts, including two runs from the previous round.

The athletes are supposed to show to the judges not only how good they are in riding and jumping, but to also impress them with their own unique style, tricks and creativity. This will separate the best from the rest and lead them to victory.

Mad mud tricks

If you bring your bike to the event, do not forget to wear your helmet, gloves and maybe your rain jacket, because sometimes it is easier to do a backflip with your BMX than to forecast London’s weather.