Internationals sweep 2016 NZ Farm Jam

The huge contingent of world-class international riders who travelled to the deep south of New Zealand for the 2016 Farm Jam on Saturday proved to be too strong for the local Kiwi heroes as they took honours in all three BMX, MTB and freestyle motocross contests.

At what has been deemed to be the biggest, most successful and most competitive Farm Jam yet, Australian BMX icon, Logan Martin, came up trumps against three-time X Games Gold medallist and 2013 Farm Jam champion, Kyle Baldock, and a legion of other riders from around the globe. Martin and Baldock could barely be separated all day as they continued to one-up each other on the famous dirt jumps near Winton, South Island, in front of an estimated 2500 spectators. However, when all riders’ votes had been tallied, Martin edged out his fellow Australian and Cambridge’s Paul Langlands for the win.

“It was my first time here to the Farm Jam and it was just amazing,” Martin said afterward. “I’ve never experienced a contest format like that where it’s rider-judged. The vibe just goes crazy. Someone will land a big trick and everyone just feeds off of it. BMX is progressing so fast and I have no idea where it’ll be in five years; right now it’s at the highest level it’s ever been.”

The freestyle motocross competition was a true ANZAC battle as one of Australia’s fastest-emerging talents, Ryan Brown, toppled reigning champion and 2012 Red Bull X-Fighters champion, Levi Sherwood, for Overall honours. Sherwood entered the contest carrying an ankle injury after a crash just two days prior, but Brown refused to give him any quarter and had the crowd cheering with his wide variety of conventional and upside-down tricks.

“I’m really happy with this result and it’s good to know the hard work is starting to pay off for me,” Brown said. “I flipped one of the biggest jumps of my life and landed my first dirt-to-dirt flair, so I’m pumped right now. The Farm Jam is one of the best events in the world in my opinion and as long as it’s running I’ll be coming back for it.”

The mountain-bike contest was an emotional one as all riders dug deep to pay homage to New Zealand mountain-bike legend, Kelly McGarry, who passed away just days before the Farm Jam. However, 2014 Farm Jam champion, Matt Jones from the UK, successfully defended his title with his signature style and huge tricks ahead of South Island pairing Conor Macfarlane and Phil McLean.

“It was definitely an emotional day for everyone after the loss of Kelly, but I can’t think of a better way to remember him than by taking part in the contest he loved the most,” Jones said. “I’m stoked for everyone who comes here because it’s such a sick event and the Frew family puts in so much effort. And I can’t believe the level of tricks that was thrown this year; everyone just one-upped each other and pushed the level higher and higher. It really was world class.”

Farm Jam organisers, Dan and Brett, Frew were ecstatic about how the entire day unfolded and the high level of riding that was on offer.

“The weather delivered, the riders delivered, and right now we’re on cloud nine,” said Brett. “After every event we reflect and say ‘that was the best Farm Jam ever’ but this one is really going to take some beating. Everything ran perfectly and to be able to honour the memory of Kelly with such an amazing day made it really special.”

The next Farm Jam will be held in early 2018 at the same venue in Winton, New Zealand.