With nearly 200 competitors from 26 nations registered, and 6 new world champions, our first Asian world championships was a resounding success, and the roar of the crowd from last nights park finals is still ringing in our ears.
Jayden Sharman did the unthinkable and successfully defended his title on a course that was the polar opposite to the one he took the 2024 title on in Rome. His 2 colossal runs where the biggest scoring of the night as he overcame a rocky semi-final to cement his place as the definitive world number 1. Behind him it was the winningest park rider of all time and Sharman's compatriot Jordan Clark taking silver, and the French powerhouse that is Timon Pharabod claiming his first world's podium with a diverse and stylish run.
Stepping up from her silver medal in Rome and tying a bow on arguably the most dominant season we have ever seen from a park rider, Neve Entwistle took her debut title which looks to be the first of many. USA's Claire Parks missed out on the three-peat by 1 place but continues a storied young career in World Championships, and the Kiwi stalwart Alexandra Madsen locked down bronze, carrying the torch for Oceania and the southern hemisphere.
But we didn't have it all our way, with rain severely impacting the street contests, meaning no finals runs and no 2/3/3 format, a huge disappointment for riders and fans alike. But that should not take any sheen off the well earned gold medals of Kai Martin and Josephine Zgorski who both dominated in the final, and cap fantastic seasons with World titles.
Behind Kai, Lucas Di Meglio wasn't able to take 3 on the bounce and keep it all all French affair slipping to a still impressive 2nd. Martin's countryman and domestic nemesis Jack Walsh made it 2 Americans on the podium, always impressive with the depth of talent in the French squad. Josephine lead her countrywoman Romane Gilliet to highlight that squad depth with a 1-2 in the women's contest with the American Mia Catalano adding a bronze medal to her impressive collection.
What an incredible week, enjoyed by rider's and fans alike here in Sakai, Ibaraki Japan. Our host town has been incredible, and we cannot wait to return to the land of the rising sun for more world class scooter action in years to come.