Levi Sherwood Wins London at X-Fighters

New Zealand’s Levi Sherwood recharged London’s iconic Battersea Power Station on Saturday as he won the fifth stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2010 in the British capital. The 19-year-old kept a cool head in front of 30,000 fans packed into the former coal-fired power station as he threw down huge trick after huge trick with his inimitable style. Nate Adams (USA) and Dany Torres (ESP) took the remaining spots on the podium, while Tour leader Andrè Villa had to settle for a disappointing ninth place.

With the rain teeming down in London on Saturday night, it was only a question of time before the course began to cut up, leading to slippery run-ins and increasingly soft landings. “We couldn’t go right to the limit in the evening – it was too dangerous,” explained America’s Nate Adams, who took a strong second place. As all riders had benefitted from the same conditions on the dry course during Qualifying in the afternoon, it was decided that the result of that session should stand as the final result.

Despite the wet conditions, Battersea Power Station was sold out right down to the very last seat for an evening of spectacular FMX action. “The fans certainly fired up the old coal power station,” grinned third-placed Dany Torres (ESP). Crowd favourite Robbie Maddison, famous for his jump over London’s iconic Tower Bridge in 2009, could only finish in tenth place after falling hard during Qualifying.

In the overall standings Nate Adams (305 points) and Levi Sherwood (290 points) are closing in on current leader Andrè Villa (310 points). “It’s insane,” commented Levi “Rubber Kid” Sherwood, who now lies only 20 points behind Andrè Villa. “I’m going to give absolutely everything at the last event to try and knock Villa off top spot.”

The final round of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2010 will be relocated to the Stadio Flaminio, famous for having hosted the 1960 Olympic Games and home of the Italian Rugby national team. This change grants a proper season final and a big show for the Italian fans, allowing an even bigger track and more fans to witness the final stage of the 2010 Series – but it also calls for an extra day and change of calendar. The final stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour will be held on October 2nd in the Stadio Flaminio, Rome.

Pics: Red Bull