Photo: Oscar Carrascosa/Red Bull Content Pool

Close to 20,000 excited fans watched one of the closest FMX competitions the legendary Spanish bullfighting ring ever witnessed, featuring the O’Neal Riders Luc Ackermann and Maikle Melero.

German rising star Luc Ackermann was the last minute replacement for Tom Pagès, who did not heal up quickly enough after shoulder surgery. But Ackermann proved his worth by reaching the semi finals again, after his stunning Red Bull X-Fighters debut in Munich, when he placed in 4th position.

Photo: LCS Fotografie  

Not happy with his qualification result, the 19-year old German was happy with his 5th place overall, loving the electric atmosphere created by super enthusiastic fans.

Luc Ackermann:

“I am so stoked. Las Vestas is so special. I always dreamed of riding here and my dream became true. I had so much fun riding in front of such a massive crowd. It was amazing!“

Photo: LCS Fotografie

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Maikel Melero (ESP) is the top placed Spanish rider and he was the only rider to perform a Front-flip, the first ever landed in competition during a Red Bull X-Fighters event in Las Ventas. He was rewarded with a solid 4th place with his great extension, good use of course and great variety.

Photo: Oscar Carrascosa/Red Bull Content Pool

But Maikel might be the unsung hero of Madrid after landing the first ever Front-flip in the epic arena in the qualification and upping that by landing a perfect Nohand Front-flip in his first run.

Unfortunately the 4th placed qualifier had a little crash on a Flair Nac just before attempting the new trick, ending his night and leaving the local hero disappointed.

Photo: LCS Fotografie

Maikel Melero:

“I arrived to Madrid in a great shape and totally focused to get a podium as I knew I had more options than ever before. Since my first practices I pull my Front-flip in order to remove the pressure and everything went smooth and well. All my runs were super clear in my mind and even I saved one of my new tricks for the semi-final round.”

Photo: LCS Fotografie  

“Unfortunately, I did a mistake with my Flair Nac on my first run. I couldn’t understand how I could do this mistake with this trick but this is freestyle…sometimes you win and sometimes you learn. I’m still pretty sad for this but on the other hand I’m happy as I tried to do my best and I’m already looking forward next edition.”

Photo: LCS Fotografie  

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