Taiwan's 2001 Asian X Tour event in front of Taipei's Warner Village came to a close yesterday with the inline skating, skateboarding and BMX biking finals, whittling down the competitors who will travel to Kuala Lumpur for the Asian X Games early next year.
The winners of the event in Malaysia will compete in the US Summer X Games in Philadelphia, joining competitors from around the world.
Drawing a raucous, mid-afternoon crowd was the final in the main inline skating event.
Crowd favorite Chen Chi-chuan (
Other competitors had attempted the same trick only to end up splayed on the second ramp.
Each competitor was allowed two runs of two minutes each, during which judges evaluated the skaters, bikers or board riders for the complexity of their tricks, the use of the terrain and the number of tricks successfully completed.
The course was lined on two ends with various types of ramps of different heights between which were positioned several ramps, rails and platforms designed to test jumping skills and technical ability.
Many of the tricks performed drew gasps from the audience as skaters launched off ramps and slid down a specially installed 5m-long handrail.
Adding to the sense of danger was the presence behind the course of an ambulance, apparently ready to cart away injured skaters.
Indeed, many of the bike riders, skateboarders and inline skaters lingering in the stands were nursing scratches, bruises and the occasional cast.
Most competitors, however, were clearly in control of their bikes, boards or skates. "Everyone has improved a lot. The level is much higher now than at previous X Games," said Chen, reflecting on his previous appearances at such events.
Another of the extreme elements of events yesterday was the heat. But despite the stifling air crowds cheered enthusiastically and clapped mercifully when a competitor rose from a nasty spill.
The event also offered the chance for children to try out these extreme sports on a scaled-down course.
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