FMX Insider No.37: Sheehan’s Triple

Transmoto’s weekly web-exclusive column, the FMX Insider, penned by Ben Heidrich.

What is possible on a motorcycle? Will there ever come a time where someone will be able to answer the question? Perhaps it comes down to the un-denying fact that anything is possible – anything being everything as far as the mind can devise.

In the year 2000, Carey Hart proved the impossible and landed the first-ever Backflip to dirt on a motorcycle. This was one of the most historical events in freestyle motocross history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CluGp5Gg6r8&spfreload=10

Just under a decade ago, Travis Pastrana landed the first-ever Double Backflip to dirt. The Double was said to be impossible, but was then accomplished by an extraordinary human being.

Now, in the year 2015, a new generation has stepped forward to break through the impossible barrier and show what can be accomplished. On April 28, Australian FMX rider, Josh Sheehan, landed the first-ever Triple Backflip on a motorcycle at Pastranaland in Maryland.

“It’s funny, when I started Flipping, Travis had just Double Flipped,” said Sheehan. “I remember saying to a friend that a Double Flip is crazy but there’s no way anyone could do a Triple. I didn’t even think I’d do a Double Flip at that point!”

It’s the revolutionary riders such as Sheehan who are pushing the sport and proving that anything is possible.

“It’s an amazing feeling knowing that no one else in the world has tried it,” Sheehan continued. “It was very surreal because I’d been out to Travis’ four times since I started going for it in October 2013; so I was very relieved knowing I didn’t have to do any more.”

So, what’s next? Rumours are currently floating around about New Zealand’s Jed Mildon (the first man to ever Triple Backflip a BMX) getting ready to attempt a Quad Backflip. Will FMX follow the trend and one day reach that level?

The sky is the limit and the mind is full of creativity and passion. We can only wait and see what the world of freestyle motocross will bring in the near future.