Some of the best freestyle motocross riders in the world gathered in Bulgaria this weekend for the final event of the NIGHT of the JUMPs. Twelve riders from seven countries battled at the ARMEEC Arena in Sofia Bulgaria to decide the FIM Freestyle MX World Champion.
Remi Bizouard captured the final victory of the season while Javier Villegas managed to maintain the points lead and captured the 2011 Freestyle MX World Championship.
More than 10,000 people watched as Villegas completed a victory lap in Bulgaria. The Chilean rider had taken the podium at every event but one this year and entered the final round with an 18 point lead ahead of Bizouard. Once Villegas made the cut to qualify for Saturday's final, he was untouchable.
I wish I had won today, but hey, it doesn't matter," Villegas said. "When I started the FIM series at the beginning of the year my goal was just to be on the podium as much as I could. I wasn't expecting to be on top of the podium, much less win the championships! I just wanted to make finals at every event and give it my best, but I've been working for years to be here and now I feel like I've finally got my chance."
Bizouard, who won the championship in 2008 and 2009, took five wins during the 2011 season but missed a few podiums during the middle of the season.
"I'm very emotional," Bizouard told ESPN. "I'm really happy for Javier and Jose, and I hope next year I will be on the podium again. It's going to be good."
NIGHT of the JUMPs Bulgaria Results
Remi Bizouard
Javier Villegas
Maikel Melero
Petr Pilat
Jose Miralles
