Andreu Lacondeguy wins first Marzocchi Airdrome
The Marzocchi Airdrome went off with a bang. Fireworks launched the inaugural indoor dirt jump event in Munich’s Olympic Hall on December 15, 2006. The riders kept the spectators’ eyes focused upward as they assaulted the skies with a flurry of flips and spinning tricks. Andreu Lacondeguy, Darren Berrecloth and Lance McDermott bested the field.

The jumps, built for the SuperCross-Over Munich event, were some of the largest ever used for a mountain bike dirt jump contest. The first jump was 35 ft. long and the second one was 20 ft. Most riders were a bit apprehensive upon arrival, but after a few runs during the practice session, everyone was comfortable and began to trick the two massive gaps. The event organizers added plywood to the top of the dirt roll-in to give the riders a little extra speed into the first jump.


Amir Kabbani - No-foot can to Super seater.  Burly.

After a lengthy session qualifying began in front of the 7,000 spectators. Andreu Lacondeguy came out strong with a back flip and a 360 tail whip, enough to secure the top spot for qualifying. Eight riders out of the original fifteen qualified for the finals.

John Jesme, the eighth rider to qualify for the finals, announced on the start gate that he was going to attempt a double-back flip on the first jump. The other riders warned him that the jump was not properly setup for a double but Jesme was unmoved. The loud and boisterous crowd spurred the riders on.


Darren Berrecloth spinning his way to second place.

Jesme’s double-back flip dream came up a little short. After completing his first rotation, he was not able to get the bike around a second time and crashed hard on the first jump. His bike was not able to take the abuse but thankfully Jesme was able to walk away from the crash.

Tthe rest of the riders felt the pressure to bring out their best tricks as well. Each rider had three runs to impress the judges (with their top run used for the final standing) and they did exactly that. Lance McDermott’s second run was a back flip, followed by a front flip. His third run was a tuck no-hander, followed by a back flip-superman. Lance’s efforts were good enough for third place in the final, and he probably would’ve been higher on the podium if he had landed the back flip-superman more cleanly.


Andreu stretching one out.

Darren Berrecloth came in second place with a solid final run, dropping a trick that we haven’t seen previously from “The Claw”. Berrecloth 360’d the first jump, then followed it up with a 360-tailwhip to pedals. A flawless run with a perfect 3-whip was enough to get Bearclaw into the second spot.

Andreu Lacondeguy, the first qualifier, brought down the house with two incredible runs. His first run was a back flip and then a 360-tailwhip, but his second run sealed the deal for the Spanish Flea. He threw a back flip and then he landed a double tail whip. "This is my first big win and it’s amazing! Some years ago I was watching a supercross race and I was dreaming to be one day at a similar competition. It was great to win here especially since you were competing at the same venue during the same weekend with guys like Ronnie Renner!“ He went home with 5,000 Euros.


Lance McDermott putting his head down.

The final results for the event were:
Andreu Lacondeguy (ESP)
Darren Berrecloth (CAN)
Lance McDermott (UK)
Cameron McCaul (USA)
Greg Watts (USA)
Amir Kabbani (GER)
Jamie Goldman (USA)
John Jesme (USA)

Unfortunately Timo Pritzel, one of the local heroes in the event, was not able to compete after a crash during practice. Timo bailed out of a trick and landed badly on his ankle leaving it badly sprained but not broken.

The inaugural Marzocchi Airdrome event ended with the top three riders being presented with huge checks and Ogio travel bags by German go-go girls. The riders then raced off the podium to prepare for a full night of partying, Munich-style!!!


The brodium

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