As the freestyle competitors hit the freshly painted course features, the judges knew they were in for a tough decision. Last year’s winner, Josh Boothby, was looking to land the first ever in-competition flare, a full 180 degree backflip, while riders like 2011 winner Matt Reyes were cruising the course with an uncanny consistency. A surprise to most but certainly a welcome one was seeing Zawada on the course throwing huge tuck no-handers and making his way onto the elite list of just three people to pull a backflip in fixed-gear competition.

In the end there was no stopping Reyes from reclaiming his place atop the podium. He came out of the gate strong, linking more tricks together than any other rider and had no trouble staying on his bike in his winning run. His dialed 360s over the flybox, super tucked no-handers and quick whipped 540s helped him impress the judges and secure the number one spot.

“The whole event this year was so good,” said Reyes. “The ramps were on point; the competition level had never been this fierce or crazy. Everyone was breaking themselves off and really going for it this time. I’m stoked to be here and see all my friends who live all over the world. Red Bull brings them together and this place is so good. I can’t even say how it feels to come out on top. I’m still trying to figure it out!”-