OGDEN -- They came from as far away as Australia to showcase their BMX skills during a Gatorade Free Flow Tour competition Saturday.
The event at the 12th Street Jumps, 1720 E. 1350 South, drew 14 competitors ranging in age from 15 to 21, said Josh Jones, director of Ogden Bicycle Collective who helped coordinate the competition.
It was the last in a series of qualifying events across the country sponsored by Gatorade.
The winner of Saturday's event will compete in the Free Flow Tour finals this week in Portland, Ore. The champion of that event will go on to compete in the Dew Tour and will be elevated to professional BMX status.
"They are amateurs looking to get to the big show," Jones said of the competitors.
During Saturday's event, riders sailed over earthen jumps of varying heights to do complicated front flips, 360 tailwhips and other tricks. The tailwhip requires the rider to spin in a full circle while the tail of the bike rotates.
Brett LaCour, a Gatorade representative from Burlington, Vt., said he was impressed by the level of talent at Saturday's event.
"We've got some rippers out here today," he said.
Brandon Loupos, an 18-year-old rider from Sydney, Australia, said his stop Saturday in Ogden was part of an itinerary that has taken him to six states in three weeks.
He wasn't overly concerned about winning the competition, adding his main enjoyment comes from riding.
"I'll always be riding," he said.
The event marked the first time that the 12th Street Jumps, which has been in existence for about 30 years, has hosted a major BMX competition, Jones said.
Improvements planned for the site later this year include the installation of signage and water service.
The 12th Street Jumps is on land leased by the city and is part of a 50-acre free ride bike park.
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