Maddison hospitalised in Melbourne jump crash
Freestyle motorcyclist Robbie Maddison has crashed while warming up to perform a freestyle demonstration for a large contingent of Melbourne media this morning.
Multiple Guinness World Record Holder, freestyle motorcyclist Robbie Maddison has crashed while warming up to perform a freestyle demonstration for a large contingent of Melbourne media this morning.
Maddison last made headlines after shattering the world record for the longest distance jumped on a motorbike on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, soaring the length of a football field, an incredible 322 feet. On his first return to Australia, the ‘modern day Evel Knievel’ was set to backflip with the Melbourne city skyline in the background at Waterfront City, Docklands.
Typically unpredictable weather closed in, but not wanting to disappoint, Maddison pressed on with his first jump, executing the trick perfectly. However on the way down he was hit by a gust of wind and landed awkwardly, crashing on the metal lander and concrete floor. Maddison was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital where a large cut and puncture on his hip and stomach were checked. He may require surgery tonight, however at the time of release he is in hospital under supervision being examined.
“There was a slight drizzle and a bit of a crosswind but I was confident that the move could still be safely pulled off,” explained Maddison. “The kicker (downramp) was slipperier than I had anticipated and the resulting spill was disappointing, as it meant I couldn’t go ahead with the backflip as planned. I’m also concerned about having reopened an old scar, so I’ve got to go to hospital to get it checked out. Had my bike not have been damaged you would definitely have seen me back out there.”
No stranger to the hospital waiting room, Maddison’s list of injuries reads like a novel, with some of the more excruciating chapters including punctured lungs, snapped anterior cruciate ligaments, fractured C2 vertebrae, five spinal taps, a brain hemorrhage and countless broken bones.
Despite today’s hiccough, Robbie Maddison is out to do it all again in front of a ‘home’ crowd at the Crusty Demons Night of World Records presented by Rockstar Energy Drink at Calder Park Raceway on Saturday 29 March 2008 At just 26, Maddison has already forged himself an illustrious career and providing all goes to plan at Calder Park on March 29 he will hold a Guinness World Record for the fourth time.
In addition to his record for the longest distance jumped on a motorbike, Maddison claimed two world records in 2005 for the longest distance jumped on a 125cc motorbike and the longest distance jumped with an FMX trick. Maddison is not the only one vying for the Guinness World Record for the longest distance jumped on two wheels, with Americans Seth Enslow and Ryan Capes also taking part in a death defying jump off with the brash young Aussie.
“Claiming world records is like an addiction to me – once you claim one you just want to claim more and more,” Maddison added. “I know how much the other two guys want to claim my record, but there is no way they will be taking it from me.”
In total more than 10 world records will be set on the night – something which Crusty Demons Night of World Records promoter Mike Porra said is unlikely to happen again. “The event is shaping up to be the biggest in extreme sports history with world record attempts being conducted for all kinds of machines, including road and mini bikes, four wheelers, army tanks and snow mobiles,” Porra said.
“It will be the first time Australians will be able to see more than 10 Guinness World Record holders in the one location – which when you consider it is, is a record within it self.”
The Crusty Demons Night of World Records presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will also feature a full Crusty Demons show featuring US freestyle stars world number one Nate Adams, 2007 X Games gold medallist Adam Jones, Jim McNeil and Nicky Danielson, along with Aussies Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams, Steve Mini, Matt Schubring, Joel Balchin, Cam Sinclair and Jackson Strong.
The five hour fully choreographed show will feature a massive pyrotechnic and fireworks display, along with a light and sound show that will blow fans minds. This will include freaks, stunts and the gorgeous Crusty Babes.
For more information on the Crusty Demons Night of World Records and to purchase tickets visit www.crusty.com .
