RED BULL STREET LIGHT SESSIONS battled the rain and shone on the righteous sport of Pushbike Trials in the sport’s most exciting display of the year.
Danny MacAskill rode into Manchester town alongside 12 of the UK’s leading Trials riders for the second of two Red Bull Street Light Sessions, giving participants of all abilities the chance to develop their Trials skills in a progressive and unique environment, illuminated under the city lights.
The rain fell steadily, but did little to dampen the spirits of the spectators. The streetlights were far from the only thing that was buzzing. At 5pm the gates were thrown open and the crowd stood stunned before the imposing and surprisingly colourful course laid out before them.
The show was opened by the pros darting round the bespoke setup, giving an awe-inspiring demonstration of the skill and precision required at the elite end of the sport.
Three, one-hour ‘Street Light Taster Sessions’ followed. The course was thrown open to 50 pre-registered members of the public, who were able to ride while Danny and pushbike trials legend Martyn Ashton offered guidance and support for those looking to improve their riding skills and try new tricks.
Inspired Bikes provided a fleet of trials bikes from their 2011 range, which meant that those who arrived without bikes of their own were not excluded from proceedings.
Martyn Ashton was an instrumental figure in the design and construction of the course, which made great use of the site’s existing features and balanced the course so that beginners could have fun, whilst giving the pros a little breathing room to really show what they can really do.
Danny said “I’ve been really impressed by the riding and the steep learning curve many participants have shown, the weather certainly didn’t put a dampener on things.”
As the evening progressed the pros returned to the course periodically, each raising the level of riding. Highlights being Euan Beaden’s foot-jam tailwhip and Danny MacAskill’s step-up 360, landing on the first floor of the building.
Chris Akrigg awarded the evening’s best trick prize to Ali C who walked away with a cheque for £500 and two tickets to XFM’s Live Sessions, “Red Bull Street Light Sessions has been the highlight of my year, Trials has never looked so good.”
New owners of the site on River Street (M15), Chelmer Developments, welcomed the arrival of Red Bull Street Light Sessions, and are confident this will mark an exciting turning point in the building’s future.
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