Red Bull Street Light Sessions Bristol

This first Red Bull Street Light Session was held in Castle Park in the centre of Bristol. A purpose-built course was set-up in Castle Park, designed by Martyn Ashton. A large group of pros came along for the event to demonstrate street trials style, to provide tuition and to compete for a £500 prize in a competition for best trick and ride of the evening. The competition was judged by Mongoose rider and six times national bike trial champion Chris Akrigg. Chris would usually be competing himself, but had to sit it out after sustaining injuries from a fall off a 40ft cliff in a recent video shoot.

Danny MacAskill is also suffering with injuries to his knees after recent intensive work to complete his latest video. This meant that although he was keen to be involved in the Red Bull Street Light Session about which he is so passionate, he had to try to take it easy.

The rain during the evening didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and a lively competition took place during the pro demonstrations. The first demonstration session saw Chris Doney and Martyn Ashton testing each other, pushing themselves to make some huge jumps, moving one of the ramps further and further back.

Andrei Burton, the BIU world number 3 and Guiness World Record holder, completed an amazing feat that wasn’t attempted by other competitors – jumping up the metal ‘ladder’ rather than down – arriving on the highest platform, he then performed a 360 degree drop.

Chris Cook also performed an amazing trick when he bridged a gap of around 6ft with a 180 degree twist. Again, he was the only rider to achieve this particular trick, but only after several failed attempts.

The competition winner, 16-year-old Euan Beaden, was very deserving of the £500 prize after showing great dedication and commitment to completing a range of tricks. Euan was a last-minute addition to the competition and demonstration and is currently only partly sponsored by Inspired Bicycles - with performances this good though, this situation is bound to change!