Cold weather, hot event
Rocket Air 2012, what an event! It ended on Saturday evening with a Big Bang. A spectacular contest final taking 15 of the worlds best riders from 7 countries, and letting them entertain a completely crowded (maybe just slight overpacked) Ice skating rink in Thun. The spectators braved unseasonably cold weather to witness flip and trick combos that were not even thought possible last year.
Winner: Martin Söderström
Martin Söderström from Sweden made amends for 2011 and was just able to edge out last years winner Sam Pilgrim to take the crown. Martin laided down a run with heavy trick combos like Barspin to tailwhip or 360 double whip. But not that Sam was out of his element, Sam smashed some big 720s and Frontflips to stay well in the contest. But the 22 year old Martin just managed to keep his nose in front impressing to judges to take to title! Third after Söderström and Pilgrim was the young Frenchman Antoine Bizet, using his impressive flip combinations he was able to capture the judges attention.
The Flying Metal Crew and organisational main man Jerome Hunziker are more than just happy with the Event! With more than 7500 tickets sold over the weekend, the original goal of 7000 tickets was easily reached. Some spectators on Saturday evening had a short wait until enough room could found to fit all, but Hunziker was more than relieved when finally everyone had a place to enjoy the unfolding spectacle.
Teva Trick Showdown
The Flying Metal Crew and organisational main man Jerome Hunziker are more than just happy with the Event! With more than 7500 tickets sold over the weekend, the original goal of 7000 tickets was easily reached. Some spectators on Saturday evening had a short wait until enough room could found to fit all, but Hunziker was more than relieved when finally everyone had a place to enjoy the unfolding spectacle.
Sideveents
Besides the main contests, there were several other shows and events on the program, despite the undesirable weather, everything went off as expected, with some minor changes. Due to the cold temperatures the BMX flatland and Breakdance shows were moved into the main arena, to allow optimal performance.
High level
Course builder Ramon Hunziker was amazed by the extremely high level of riders at the 2012 Rocket Air. The international level of riding is increasing at an amazing pace, if a rider wants to place in contests nowadays then he has to throw down some really heavy trick combos with high risk moves. This is the evolution of Mountain biking today. Organisator Jerome Hunziker is more than happy with the out come of Rocket Air 2012, he would have liked warmer weather, but as he is happy to note, this is exactly the advantage of having a contest in a Ice skating rink. The roof keeps the riders, the course and importantly the spectators out of the weather.
