In his first time competing in the X Games Best Trick competition since 2006, when he landed the first-ever double backflip, Travis Pastrana once again took to the Staples Center as industry and fans held their breath waiting to see the much anticipated “Toilet Paper Roll” from the legendary X Games freestyler. Joining in the event were several other riders who each had a unique trick to debut in the Moto X Best Trick competition.In the end the last man standing (almost literally) was Kyle Loza, who successfully completed an “Electric Doom to Kiss of Death” which is a variation of the seequence that won gold last year. Loza scored an 89.20 to defend his X Games gold in the event, also becoming the first rider in history to three-peat in the Moto X Best Trick.”It was pretty much the same thing as last year, but if you look at the video, it’s different,” noted Loza. “But I struggled with the landing and my hand blew off, so I didn’t think I’d win.”Pastrana ended up going down hard on his hip after attempting a backflip 360. Pastrana completed the flip rotation, but was still perpendicular to the landing when he touched down and crashed. Pastrana didn’t appear to be knocked out at any point, but was down for a few minutes before getting up to address the crowd.Frenchman Gharles Pages experienced a similar fate when he unsuccessfully attempted a front flip. Scott Murray also hit the deck twice in an attempt to complete a double back-flip.Blake Williams was given an 88.00 score and a silver medal for his “Flying Dutchman,” a 360 Indian Air trick. Spontaneously naming the trick at the post-event press conference, Williams explained how that same loose attitude helped him achieve podium success
“Tonight I came here and thought, ‘just stick my trick and let everyone else do what they’re gonna do,’ ” said Williams. “I’ll wait until tomorrow and then hopefully have more to celebrate.”
Todd Potter earned a bronze medal with an 83.40 after executing a cliff hanger off the 75-foot ramp. “I’m so pysched. I’ve got five total X Games medals. Either way, I’m happy about the finish,” said Potter.
All three riders dedicated their medals in memory of the late Jeremy Lusk.X Games 15 Moto X Best Trick
July 31, 2009
Name Hometown Score
1) Kyle Loza Foothill Ranch, CA 89.20
2) Blake Williams Baxter, Victoria (AUS) 88.00
3) Todd Potter Winchester, CA 83.40
4) Travis Pastrana Carlsbad, CA 61.40
5) Paris Rosen Apple Valley, MN 57.80
6) Charles Pages Tosse,France 55.00
7) Scott Murray Yelps, MI 51.80
8) Willy Watts Broken Arrow, OK 37.60
