Madrid Urban Sports 2023: Jude Jones claims win in men's BMX Freestyle park

Jude Jones took a stunning victory in the men's BMX Freestyle Park final at Madrid Urban Sports 2023 on Sunday (18 June).

There was a rain delay of close to an hour between the two heats of the 12-man final, but it was worth the wait as the crowd was thrilled by some incredible tricks from all six riders.

And it was Jones, who was first in Saturday's semi-finals, who produced a stellar opening run to take victory and claim maximum Olympic qualification points for Paris 2024.

The 22-year-old Briton started with an incredible decade with 360 into bar spin and ended with a big front flip over the spine. But there were numerous high-tariff tricks in between and he was rewarded with a 94.33 which would not be overtaken.

With victory already secure, he was able to just drop in and coast on his second run.

He told Olympics.com afterwards, "I just feel over the moon. Absolutely buzzing. It's just the best feeling."

On whether he was affected by the long rain delay, Jones said, "I'd be lying if I said no. I felt so weak and tired at the top of the ramp after standing for so long waiting. I was quite unconfident but I was just glad to pull it all off."

Bryce Tryon scored 82.67 on his first run to take the early lead, but it did not last long as American teammate Jacob Thiem's set full of bar spins and tail whips earned a mark of 90.00.

That topped the scoresheets until Jones' decisive run with Irek Rizaev rounding out the podium after his first-run 88.33. 

Venezuelan legend Daniel Dhers had a solid 84.67 for starters, but the Olympic silver medallist lost his momentum at a vital stage on his second and aborted knowing he would not be able to improve. The 38-year-old finished in fifth place.

Next up for Jones is the World Cup in Brussels early next month where he will be "hoping to get the same kind of result", adding, "If I can make it happen here, I'm sure I can make it happen there."

As for Paris 2024, he admitted, "That's the goal. It's going to a hard journey but I believe in myself and I think I can get there. If I'm there, there's no chance I'm not winning that. I've got to."

This was the third Madrid Urban Sports festival at Madrid Rio Matadero. It comprised music, art and competitions in several sports including skateboarding and breaking, both of which will feature at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

• How to qualify for BMX Freestyle at Paris 2024. The Olympic qualification system explained

Results from men's BMX Freestyle Park final at Madrid Urban Sports on Sunday 18 June 2023

1. Jude Jones (GBR) 94.33
2. Jacob Thiem (USA) 90.00
3. Irek Rizaev 88.33
4. Bryce Tryon (USA) 85.33
5. Daniel Dhers (VEN) 84.67
6. Sha Xiaolong (CHN) 77.00
7. Job Arnol Montañez (PER) 66.33
8. Daniel Peñafiel (ESP) 65.00
9. Wei Tianwang (CHN) 64.00
10. Jonathan Camacho (ECU) 57.67
11. Alex Sideris (SUI) 56.67
12. Miller Temple (GBR) 55.67