Stunts set to be ‘bigger and crazier’

A night of unforgettable stunts is coming to Dunedin as global touring act Freestyle Kings arrives to perform for the first time in the city.

The troupe of international freestyle motocross and BMX athletes will entertain an audience of more than 8000 tomorrow at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

In a statement, freestyle motocross rider Callum Shaw, of Invercargill, said the roofed stadium would allow dirt bikes and BMX riders to go "bigger and crazier" than ever before.

The stadium provided a perfect environment for high-flying athletes, reducing the height restrictions of indoor arenas and weather concerns of outdoor venues, he said.

"This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our team to do our biggest and gnarliest tricks.

"The bonus is, I get to do it in front of 40 of my family and friends, which is equal parts scary and exciting," he said.

The international act had tested the waters in 2023 with its inaugural New Zealand stadium tour and after multiple requests to return to New Zealand’s heartland regions, the daredevils were thrilled to be giving Otago fans what they wanted.

"Our Kiwi neighbours are set to witness the very best in family-friendly entertainment and adrenaline-inducing live action motocross."

The show will be headlined by international riders Ronnie Mac, of the United States, and 007 Bond stuntman Robbie Maddison, as well as FMX World Champions Rob Adelberg and Pat Bowden.

New Zealand BMX rider Ellie "Flying Kiwi" Chew, of Kapiti Coast, said she had been lucky that her BMX had taken her all over the world over the past five years.

"But there is no better crowd to perform in front of than a home crowd.

"Kiwis are crazy for BMX and FMX, and they haven’t had a chance to see an international touring act since our last tour.

"Freestyle Kings is coming in hot."

SOUND SOLUTION

Freestyle Kings attendees can protect their hearing with Kennards Hire’s innovative Sound Sensitivity Station, which offers free earplugs for both adults and children sensitive to loud noises. Inspired by team member Kimberley White’s experience with her son at a major concert, the new station at Forsyth Barr Stadium is the first of its kind in the South Island. Launching ahead of the motocross and BMX show, it provides self-service earplugs to enhance the enjoyment and accessibility of live events. Last year, a similar station at Eden Park distributed over 5500 free earplugs to concertgoers. —APL