Right now, our boys Todd Potter and Matt Buyten are on their way over to Gelsenkirchen, Germany to represent the United States in the first ever Freestyle of Nations this weekend.
Unlike anything the sport has ever seen, the Freestyle of Nations will have riders showcase their skills in unique disciplines not just as individual riders but in teams representing their respective countries. Each competing country will send three riders [Mike Mason is the third member of team USA] to ride as a team in an effort to accumulate high scores that will count toward an overall total to decide the most widely talented team from the present FMX nations.
“I’m so stoked to be here in Germany to represent the USA Freestyle Scene! This experience is going to be so awesome and Potter, Mason and myself are going to bring it home for all the fans!” - Matt Buyten.
The one-day team event will feature the traditional Freestyle, Best Whip, Step Up and Speed & Style events. But will also include a very unique and rare “Synchro” event, where two riders from a team perform the same tricks or sequence parallel to each other. Performances will be judged on difficulty, delivery, and synchronization. And last but certainly not least, fans will be in for a treat as this weekend will also be the return of “Best Trick” to professional competition. You’ll have to wait for Saturday to see all the action, but you can bet Todd Potter will be ready for Best Whip and whatever else he gets penciled in for.
Long time Metal Mulisha rider and “jack of all trades”, Todd is one of the few riders that have been able to compete in all FMX disciplines at a single X Games. This makes the thirty year old all American Badass the perfect choice to help lead the USA in battle. And it will be pretty hard to bet against one of the most decorated Step Up competitors to ever throw a leg over a dirt bike when Matt Buyten flies the flag for team USA in the Step Up event. Buyten, like Potter has been pro for over a decade and his impressive resume makes him another perfect fit for team USA.
Live coverage will be available on the NIGHT of the JUMPs’ YouTube page this Saturday May 31st starting at 7pm CET. (9 hours ahead – 10 AM PST)
Team America: *Todd Potter, Matt Buyten, Mike Mason
Team Germany: Hannes Ackermann, Luc Ackermann, Lukas Weis
Team Spain: Dany Torres, Maikel Melero, Jose Miralles
Team Czech Republic: Libor Podmol, Petr Pilat, Martin Koren
Team France: David Rinaldo, Brice Izzo, Jeremy Rouanet
Team Italy: Massimo Bianconcini, Ivan Zucconi, Leonardo Fini
Team Australia: Joel Brown, Truman Carroll, Robbie Marshall
Team Brazil: Fred Kyrillos, Marcelo Simoes, Jeff Campacci
Team Russia: Nikolay Ivankov, Mihael Yarygin, Vladimir Yarygin
Event Schedule (Central European Time = GMT+02:00, exact times may vary slightly)
06:50pm Start Livestream
07:00pm Opening and Riders Presentation
07:15pm Start Freestyle Competition 1 of 2 and Maxxis Highest Air
08:05pm Start Best Whip Contest
08:20pm Start Best Trick Contest
08:40pm Break
09:00pm Start Synchro Contest
09:10pm Start Race and Style
09:25pm Start Freestyle Competition 2 of 2
10:05pm Award Ceremony
10:15pm Interviews
10:25pm Press Conference
