Wazzup Pilipinas!
You friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was invited at the media and VIP event of the PhilBike Expo 2015 event for its opening ceremonies and press conference plus the biking stunts exhibition of the three cycling superstars who visited the Philippines event from Spain, France and Italy, namely Viki Gomez, Matthias Dandois, and Vittorio Brumotti.
The PhilBike Expo is the country’s first and largest trade and consumer show dedicated to the promotion and development of cycling. Top and up-and-coming bicycle and sports brands put their best and latest wares on display and testing for the ever-growing local riding community. An indoor MTB track and BMX street park was also available for both play and competitions.
We took a special video coverage of almost everything so you could also see what went on during the first day of the event that was not yet open to the public. Sadly, I missed out on Vittorio's exhibition as it was scheduled far later in the afternoon of the same day. I actually waited for his turn but unfortunately I was waiting at the wrong end of the SMX halls. I thought he will also be doing his stunts at the same platform where BMX Bikers Matthias and Viki performed noontime.
Below are the videos I took of the event, plus interviews with two of the cyclist. Photo ops with the three cycling superstars are also here, plus photo coverage within the videos to be uploaded soon at our official Facebook page. Check out more videos at our YouTube channel.
Also here are the profile of the two cyclist as per official press release of the organizers.
Born in Paris, France, Matthias Dandois was initially into street riding. In 2002 at age 13, he shifted to the flatland style. After six years of hard work, he established himself as the world’s best BMX flatlander in 2008.
Fellow bikers and BMX fans peg his style as a unique mix of street and flatland riding. His attempts to push the boundaries of the sport have been rightly rewarded with titles from some of the best gatherings of international BMX talent: the Dew Tour Ocean City, VANS rebeljam, FISE World Montpellier, Arnette O’Marisquiño III, and BMX World Championships.
Thus far, 2013 remains his best season with championship claims at the Dew Tour, Bike Days, Astrolabe, Revolkon, and O’Marisquiño III; and a vice-champion finish in the flatland category at the BMX World Championships.
The following year, Dandois took a necessary break after breaking his foot during an attempt of what he considered a basic flatland trick. From the incident, the Frenchman learned: “From now on, I will listen to my body. I’ve learned how to eat healthily, how to be patient, and how to think about something other than bike riding.”
The 2015 season has seen the continuation of his winning legacy with podium finishes at the BMX Summer Camp Contest in San Diego, USA and the IKXA Extreme Barcelona.
Jorge "Viki" Gomez
BMX flatland rider Viki Gómez of Spain is a two-time World
Circuit Series champion who defines flatland biking as a “fight between mind,
gravity, and physics combined with movement inertia; a way of surpassing the
limits of your imagination.”
At the recently held Ride BMX NORA Cup Awards 2015, he
was named “Number One Flatlander of the Year” by fellow pros for the second
time since he was initially given the honor last 2013.
Gómez, who turned professional in 2000 at age 19, has
claimed multiple championships with his signature aerobatic tricks and
unmatched rhythm on two wheels at some of the world’s most prestigious flatland
competitions: the BMX Flatland World Circuit, European X Games, Asia
Championship, and the Red Bull Circle of Balance – regarded as the sport’s
version of the Superbowl.
His participation in games and exhibitions has
brought him to more than 45 countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. The
Madrid native also dabbles in BMX bike design and co-founded GG.M.image, an
athlete management company.