CHRIS SMITH'S SEASON REPORT

2007, despite an injury setback, was a good season for me. I’ve travelled all over the world to compete and also been involved in some exciting photo shoot trips for MBUK.

In terms of my riding there have been a number of highlights, but the ones that really stand out are the competitions where I’ve hit top form. The year started in a really positive way at the slopestyle event in Leogang, Austria. This was a bit different to the usual events I ride in as it took place on snow but it was great fun and I was chuffed to place 3rd.

The ‘King of Dirt’ competition at the Bike Show in Birmingham was an even more successful hunting ground. The atmosphere at the indoor arena was awesome and, pushed on by the crowd, I came 1st, taking the title.

A move outdoors for the ‘Mondraker Air Battle’ in the streets of Barcelona also proved to be a top event. I qualified in 3rd and I reckon I had a good chance on finishing on the podium. Frustratingly I crashed in the final but I was still able to take 5th place.

Unfortunately, the next event I took part in was to be the one that would mess up the last part of my season. The ‘Freeraid Classic’ was a dirt jump comp in France and all seemed to be going well with as I qualified 1st  for the finals. However, whilst doing the last jump of the last demo I slid out from landing a 360, ran my own foot over and broke it badly in three places. The injury was so serious that I required urgent surgery, and had to have plates and screws inserted to hold my ankle together. Although this meant that I was off the bike for nine weeks at least I have a matching pair of reinforced ankles now! After the physio and recovery period I headed up to the World Champs and, along the way, took a small roadtrip to some of the freeride spots up north that I don't get to visit that often.

During this trip I was able to take part in some photo shoots for MBUK to add to ones I’d previously been involved with in Spain, and also a cracking one in the US where I got to hook up with Giant legend Jeff Lenosky.

I feel that I’m now well on the road to recovery, I came 5th in the recent Roc d’ Azur dirt jump comp, and am about to head off to the East Coast of America to meet up with some freeride legends, shoot some pics for MBUK and then compete in the ‘Diablo Freeride’ competition. If this goes well then, providing I stay injury free, 2008 is shaping up to be even better than 2007.

Chris Smith