Aussie Sheehan wins X-Fighters
Sydney's Cockatoo Island turned on a treat for this year's finale, with Josh Sheehan's victory making it an even sweeter outing for the capacity crowdHonda’s Josh Sheehan has produced a sublime performance to win the first ever Red Bull X-Fighters freestyle event held in Australia, at Sydney’s Cockatoo Island on September 17.
The Honda-mounted Sheehan defeated New Zealander Levi Sherwood (Yamaha) in the final, with the victory propelling him up to fourth overall in the 2011 standings, behind new champion Dany Torres (KTM), Nate Adams (Honda) and Andre Villa (Yamaha).
Sheehan landed his double backflip perfectly at Cockatoo Island to become the first Aussie X-Fighters winner in 2011.
“It was the first time for X-Fighters in Australia and I felt pretty nervous going into the weekend,” said Sheehan. “I’d had two third places already and felt like I really had to go for the win.
“I spent a week with Cameron Sinclair getting as much practice in as I could with the double backflip as I knew I’d need it to win.
“Once things got underway the hardest part was deciding when to use it -- the course was tight and some of the landings went straight into take-offs.
“I qualified fourth and had my first run against Adam Jones which I got through. Next up was Dany Torres, I knew I’d need the double to take him down and managed to time it perfectly.
“It took a lot of stress and pressure off in the final against Levi Sherwood and I held on for the home win which felt incredible with such a huge Aussie crowd and an awesome location."
The Sydney Red Bull X-Fighters victory sits alongside two previous podiums, plus a bronze medal at X Games.
“It’s been a busy but rewarding year,” continued Sheehan. “I started off with a few months of touring before a really successful run in the European IFMXF competitions and two X-Fighters podiums.
“The bronze at X Games was a bonus, I was on the alternate rider list so was called in at the last minute.
“I’m heading home for a few weeks now but will keep up the practice as I’ve got a few more events and demos locked in to round out the year.”
Torres finished third in Sydney, ahead of American Mike Mason (Yamaha) and another Australian, Rod Adelberg (Yamaha).
Victorian Cameron Sinclair (Yamaha) was 10th out of 11 riders, while Australia’s FMX poster boy Robbie Maddison -- and heavily promoted as the 'face' of the inaugural Australian round -- didn’t compete after a heavy fall in practice.
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