This is time of the year where most of the extreme sport accolades and attention are devoted toward Winter X Games. And rightfully so, but as the warmer weather draws closer, the FMX World Championships, Red Bull X-Fighters, and other major contests begin to draw attention.
Most of us already know or could guess which FMX athletes will be riding in what and where. With FMX just being over a decade old and most of it’s original “cast” still competing, at times, it can feel like the same event, with the same faces over and over again. Is it time for some fresh faces to step up?
Some new talent might be just what FMX needs. It looks like 2014 is a very important year for FMX, with the cancelation of Best Trick in 2013 and the sudden departure of the Global stops that has left X Games with just the single event in Austin, Texas. With the X Games being “the” yearly event. FMX will need some fresh faces, stories, and serious “wow factor” to keep the sport on that top level with other popular action sports.
But who can come in and fill the void? FMXnews.com highlights some of the up and coming talents that we expect to step in and carry the torch for FMX in 2014 and beyond…
(Photo: Brandon Demelo)
Kyle Demelo
Known for it’s cold weather and hockey. Canada has never had that guy producing results at a top level when it came to freestyle motocross. That was until now! Hidden away like a golden treasure in British Columbia, Kyle Demelo has the drive, tricks, and program to make some serious moves in 2014.
(Photo: Oliver Franke)
James Carter
After back-to-back injuries left him on the shelf for most of 2012, James Carter has rebounded and looks better then ever. Having got his feet wet internationally in 2013 riding in Europe and starting 2014 off on the Nuclear Cowboyz tour, look for James Carter to make a serious mark in competitions if given the chance in 2014.
(Photo: Monster Energy)
Kris Foster
With Kris Foster’s racing background, the Canadian could easily challenge for a win in any Speed & Style event, anywhere in the world. But if you’ve ever seen Foster ride, you’d know he would also fit in at any freestyle event. 2013 was a big year for the Monster Energy rider, he successful landed multiple 360s to dirt and his video edit #LimeLight has seen 285,000 views and counting. In 2014, it will be all business for Foster. As we type, Foster is in California training…
(Photo: Balasz Gardi)
Brody Wilson
Brody Wilson is no rookie; the highly talented rider hailing from Massachusetts has poked his head in here and there riding some big contests, but has never made himself a permanent fixture at all the major events. Wilson has way too much talent to be ignored and given the right circumstances, 2014 might be the year he puts his stamp on contests.
(Photo: Oliver Franke)
David Rinaldo
David Rinaldo finished an impressive 5th (tied for 4th) place in his X Games debut last year in Brazil. The young French rider seems to improve every time he kicks over his bike, which his 2013 World Championship title is proof of. Once Rinaldo returns from a hand injury his sustained at the end of last season…look for him to be on top anywhere he rides.
(Photo: GoPro)
Lance Coury
Like Brody Wilson, Lance Coury has been around for quite some time. After years of being in and out on the contest circuit, last year’s Speed & Style win in Brazil definitely give Coury a boost of confidence and with the continued support of Carey Hart and his program, 2014 could be his year.