The Fat Face Night Air – Mountain Board World Freestyle Championships took place after a 24 hour postponement due to a waterlogged track. On a weekend of some of the worst flooding on record the Night Series Gods smiled on Fat Face again!!
There was no way the riders could even take off on Saturday let alone land on the treacherously muddy slope at the South West Mountain Board Centre and the largest dirt jump in the World!
Sunday dawned with sun and wind – perfect drying conditions for the jumps and by 12:00 we knew we were on. Local radio bulletins were sent out to let people know about the event change. By 18:00 the riders were making their way to the top of the 15 foot high scaffold tower perched on the top of the steep run in slope to the first jump.
Nerves were tight as the riders hit the jump for the first time knowing that Fat Face Team Rider and ex-World Champion Tom Kirkman had been taken to hospital on his first jump on Friday and rendered "too broken to compete"! Defending World Champion Alex Downie was also out of action having dislocated his hip so the title was open to all with the Americans, Belgians, Japanese and Siberians looking very strong.
Riding went on past midnight and it all came down to a few points out of over 1000. The World title went to Belgian – Arno with second to American – AJ Lawson and third to Britain – Tom Reed (MBS (new board we are doing for hardware) Pro rider).
The TV coverage from the event was due to be broadcast in 6 UK regions during the sports slot of the evening news giving expected viewing figures of 4.5 million! This is because there were UK riders from different parts of the country that made it to the finals (including Tom Kirkmans 11 year old brother who was just incredible).
The whole team at the South West Mountain Board Centre worked very hard in tough conditions to deliver a World Championships worthy of the Fat Face brand.
Bring on the Night Windsurf on the 8-9th September on Hayling Island.
