Fans have criticized the confusing formats in many of these events. To clue you guys in, here’s the rules explained over at ESPN’s live blog covering motocross at the X Games:

In case you were wondering, tonight’s qualifying is the exact same as earlier today. Two brackets of four riders. Each bracket get three 60 second runs and the judges take the best two. Then they combine the best two and the top two riders out of each bracket move onto the final, which will consist of four riders.

In what is pretty much thought of as the semifinals, both Adam Jones and Todd Potter were unable to advance to the finals. The commentators kept on saying that Jones wasn’t getting the flexibility he usually is able to pull off. I don’t know. What these guys are doing is just insane. I wouldn’t know how to judge any of these tricks. I know this is a competition, but I’m just so amazed at what each of these guys are doing that I completely forget they’re being scored.

Nevertheless, I felt Blake Williams was the most impressive throughout the day. His runs just seemed to have the most energy in them. Each trick was always somehow more confounding than the last. He definitely deserved to take the gold.

I’ve never watched this much coverage of the X Games in my life. I have to admit that I was never convinced of their appeal. Now I can say I’m a real fan. Maybe it’s because these guys are simply getting better. It’s almost like the Slam Dunk Contest in that they have a year to think of a performance that will top the greatest from last year. Also, ESPN has done a great job profiling the athletes and adding drama to the events. So far, it’s been very exciting.

At only 24 years of age, Adam Jones is already one of the top riders in professional motocross. Interestingly enough, the Warrendale, PA, native didn’t get on a bike until he was 10 years old. Since then, however, it’s been all uphill. Jones spent seven years in the racing scene before an injury forced him to take a year off. He used that time to re-evaluate his perspective on racing. Realizing that he was taking the sport too seriously, he came back with the attitude of trying to have more fun. It was then that Jones decided to take his chances on the IFMA Freestyle Motocross Circuit.

Jones first garnered some attention at an IMFA X Games qualifier where he performed well enough to take the last position. This was to be the start of Jones’ success. Jones took a gold medal at the 2007 X Games and it remains the crowning achievement in his career. Adam’s dominance in 2007 was recognized as he was named the 2007 International Rider of the Year as well as the prestigious 2007 Transworld Motocross Rider of the Year. Since then, Jones has consistently finished in the top three positions at most of the competitions he enters.

Jones has been criticized in the past for sometimes giving a lackluster performance. Some days he might leave everyone in awe while others he simply leaves the fans wanting more. Nevertheless, when he’s on his game he is obviously one of the most creative riders out there. Jones’ repertoire includes great let-go stunts, big bar tricks, and excellent extension.

Adam’s sponsors are Fox Racing, DC Shoes, Smith Optics, Monster Energy Drink, OGIO, Maxxis, Pro Taper, Pro Circuit, Factory Connection. He rides a Yamaha YZ 250.

News and Commentary

Official website

Jones wins the Vans Invitational

GrindTV.com page

Jones in Vienna

Videos

X Games 13 Gold Medal Run

X Games 12 Best Trick Finals

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