Ultimate X 2011

Article by Sofia Tosolari - Photos by Eric Palmer

It all went down on Saturday 19^th February at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.  According to organisers, this event, sponsored by ABSA Life Extreme and produced by Old School Productions, was the Mother City’s largest extreme sports lifestyle event. With over 2000 bodies milling around in the heat of a perfect day, events were scheduled from noon to 8p.m.: wake-boarding, FMX, BMX, skating, autograph signing after which PH FAT and Taxi Violence performed.

Skateboarding
In the skateboarding division obstacles consisted of six stairs and a blue rail. Rounds consisting of ten minute heats were to culminate in a final fifteen minute heat, which was unfortunately shortened to only ten minutes. The result was that the competition was given an additional stressful edge with competitors attempting to squeeze in as many 360 flip-lips as possible.

One guy really stood out and caught my attention; Simon Stipcich. This Durbanite seemed to have a death-wish. I’m not sure how he managed peeled himself off the ground every time... he just kept coming back for more. Thought I'd do an impromptu interview with the 20 year old.

How long have you been skating?
Nine and a half years.

So do you basically skate all day?
Nope, I study physics and math at UCT. (I gawk!)

What do you think of the event?
It’s cool. The height and length of the rail is perfect.

Another crowd favourite was Jean Mark Johannes, 20. I corner him. What a legendary guy. He’s from Landsdown, Cape Town. As we chat, two little okes ask for his autograph. The pen doesn’t work properly, but he perseveres.

This guy’s a hero, but who are his heroes?
That would have to be Christi Wiehahn, Kiran Mann and Moses Adams.

And what would do you want to tell your fans out there?
Thanks to everyone who’s supported me through the years, and God bless you all. (Nice!)

Winners
1^st Simon Stipcich (R5000)
2^nd Dlamini Dlamini (R3000)
3^rd Moses Adams (R2000)

BMX
I found myself holding my breath. The stakes seemed a bit higher and when guys bailed, it was thick and fast. I tracked down two of our local heroes, Malcolm Peters and Greg Illingworth.  

We discuss Greg first. He's just landed in S.A. after having ridden in Estonia and Holland. His helmet covers long (ish) blond curls and he looks hot and sweaty.

Your tricks?
I'm aiming for the 360 variations.

Thoughts about the event?
It’s awesome. I really hope this carries on in years to come. (Good point. Me too)

The sand dunes look mean, and there are four of them. The guys get to have five runs, claim three and drop two. They cruise one at a time, but only when the commentator calls them by name. 'Malcolm, Malcolm Peters!’ Peters drops in first, and then orchestrates two 360's and a back-flip. What a hero.

Although prize money is good (R5000), the vibe is chilled. At the top of the ramp, 16 guys applaud their competitors, and groan when a move ends for the worst. . Happening event, Happening day!

Winners
1^st Greg Illingworth (R5000)
2^nd Colin Loudon (R3000)
3^rd Malcolm Peters (R2000)