Sports at Montpellier

This discipline is truly breath-taking. The riders use as much of the park as possible to create astonishing aerial tricks and innovative lines. Riders are judged on the difficulty, quality and range of their runs. Thanks to the riders’ continually developing and pushing the boundaries of their sport, BMX Freestyle Park has recently been recognized as an Olympic Sport and will make its debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Performed on a flat surface with no equipment other than a bike, BMX Flatland is the most artistic, aesthetic and creative form of the sport. Athletes combine skills, balance, and creativity to perform a kind of dance with the bike, more than just a contest they create a show. The event has quickly become a firm crowd favourite and is expanding in popularity around the world thanks to the dedication of the riders pushing the sport.

No equipment is required for Parkour the athlete’s crucial tool is their own body. Parkour is all about getting from one point to another by respecting one key principle: efficiency. Whether it is a Speed Run or Freestyle competition, performers express themselves by combining fluidity and creativity. Coming straight from the street, this discipline initially popularised by cinema, is now blossoming in popular culture.

The Roller Freestyle Park is designed for athletes to achieve maximum speed and air. In this discipline, originality, style and flair are what really counts. Whatever the obstacle Roller riders combine high speeds with awesome tricks resulting in competitions you cannot take your eyes off. Since its beginnings, Roller Freestyle Culture has been shaped by balancing big sessions on the park with street culture.

Skateboarding, initially just a simple way of getting about, boomed in the 1980s to become the force it is today. Its influence has spread into the very heart of popular culture. Riders are judged on the technicality, originality and versatility of their lines. The continual growth and popularity of the sport has led to it being recognised by the Olympics. Competitions held on Street Park and Bowl will be included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Scooter Freestyle is one of the newest action sports. Across the world, an increasing number of people are riding scooters on the streets and in parks. Despite being a relatively new sport, riders are already pushing it to new heights. For the most part, tricks are inspired by BMX as the handlebars and two wheels are often similar in both sports.

Wakeboard was introduced in the early ’80s and is often described as a cross between Waterski and Snowboard. Athletes attach their feet to the board and use it in both directions to facilitate the sequence of tricks which are judged according to difficulty and the height at which they are made. These can be launched on the modules arranged close to the line of the water ski lift, or by using only the momentum given by the latter.

Benches, quarter pipes, rails and other step structures make up the BMX Street area to replicate downtown cityscapes. Judging criteria favour individual expression of style, particularly the launch of new tricks which are enjoyed by a knowledgeable audience receptive to the intricacies of each run.

Whatever the discipline, Spine Ramp is all about putting on a show. Performing to the crowd gathered around, riders exploit each side of the ramp and the central ridge to accommodate their runs. Although the tricks differ in BMX Freestyle, Skateboard, Scooter Freestyle Scooter and Roller Freestyle, the versatility of the ramp structure benefits each sport.