The biggest mountain bike freeride festival in Europe, the iXS Dirt Masters Festival, had a new highlight this year, the Red Bull Berg Line. A gold event in the FMB World Tour, 26 of the best riders have gathered to impress the judges and grab the points on a brand new slopestyle course, designed by Darren Berrecloth. In the end just one point separated Andreu Lacondeguy and Sam Reynolds, with Lacondeguy grabbing the gold.

Reynolds laid down an incredible score of 94.00 and opted to sit out his second run after puncturing. In fact only nine riders made it to the second run of the final.

Brett Rheeder failed to make an impression with 15.00. Lacondeguy also failed to score big first time out, Sam Pilgrim was not at his best but still good enough for second and 87.33 points. Yannick Granieri crashed so badly he couldn’t even take part in the final’s second run while Cam McCaul’s crash during practice left him unable to compete.

Course designer and ‘old man’ of the contest at 30 years of age, Darren Berrecloth, errored early and scored just 16.00, though he was quick to point out that he’d come to Europe with “no pressure” and added: “I’m just out here having fun.”

Winner Lacondeguy commented afterwards that Reynolds had set a new standard with a double backflip, which Lacondeguy realised he would have to match. He did so, even though he understandably experienced some nerves:

“You’ve got all these people screaming at you… I’m pretty stoked about it.”

Lacondeguy also grabbed best trick for the double backflip, but admitted he felt Reynolds should share the prize “50–50” as it was that same trick that had spurred him to emulate them and win.

FMB World Tour Red Bull Berg Line Results:

1. Andreu Lacondeguy (ESP) 95.00
2. Sam Reynolds (GBR) 94.00
3. Sam Pilgrim (GBR) 92.33
4. Anthony Messere (CAN) 91.67
5. Thomas Genon (BEL) 90.67
6. Mitch Chubey (CAN) 90.33
7. Peter Henke (GER) 81.00
8. Darren Berrecloth (CAN) 75.33
9. Brett Rheeder (CAN) 73.00
10. Linus Sjöholm (SWE) 27.33

Sat 19th May, 2012 @ 5:46 pm

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