Josh Sheehan wrote his name in the Night of the Jumps record books at the weekend as the Australian rider became the first man to clinch six consecutive victories in the Freestyle Motocross extravaganza.
Sheehan won both FIM Freestyle Motocross World Championship events in the Russian city of Penza, adding to his double win in Basel during the previous round and his two European Championship victories in Munich, Germany, last month.
Sheehan led the qualification round to decide the six finalists for Saturday’s first final and secured the win with a score of 475.0 thanks to a routine that included a Clicker 360 and Lazyflip.
Chilean rider Javier Villegas was second with a score of 466.0, his run boosted by a Nac Underflip and Tsunami Flip, while Frenchman David Rinaldo scored a fine third place thanks to his Airplane and Doublegrab Flip.
Reigning champion Libor Podmol showed courage to finish fourth despite nursing a broken rib, while Maikel Melero was fifth ahead of Jose Miralles.
Sheehan again topped the qualification round on Sunday and cruised to victory in the final with a magnificent score of 482.0 thanks to a routine that included a succession of perfect 360s and flips.
Rinaldo improved on his third place from Saturday to grab P2, pulling off a superb Airplane and Double Seatgrab Flip, while Melero completed the overall podium.
Villegas was fourth, enough to keep the championship lead, ahead of Miralles and Fabien Bauersachs, who made the final ahead of the injured Podmol.
Red Bull’s Petr Pilat didn’t take part in the event having suffered an injury during practice.
FIM Freestyle Motocross World Championship results – Rounds 6 and 7, Penza
Round 6 – Final
1 Josh Sheehan, 475.0
2 Javier Villegas, 466.0
3 David Rinaldo, 450.0
4 Libor Podmol, 441.0
5 Maikel Melero, 421.0
6 Jose Miralles, 411.0
Round 7 – Final
1 Josh Sheehan, 482.0
2 David Rinaldo, 440.0
3 Maikel Melero, 430.0
4 Javier Villegas, 426.0
5 Jose Miralles, 413.0
6 Fabien Bauersachs, 358.0
Championship Standings (after 7 rounds)
1 Javier Villegas, 118pts
2 Jose Miralles, 100
3 Remi Bizouard, 97
4 Maikel Melero, 86
5 Libor Podmol, 81
6 Josh Sheehan, 80
7 David Rinaldo, 76
8 Fabien Bauersachs, 57
9 Romain Izzo, 52
10 Massimo Bianconcini, 36
Next round: 21-22 October, Riga, Latvia
Watch the FIM Freestyle Motocross ‘Night of the Jumps’ Championship LIVE on Motors TV in 2011.
Andy Wilkinson
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