The 16th annual DownUnderGround BMX Flatland Championships returned to Melbourne, bringing together riders from across Australia for an epic day of competition, progression, and good times. Known as the heartland of BMX flatland in Australia, Melbourne set the stage for another unforgettable showdown, despite the looming threat of rain and storms. After last year’s event was hit by wet weather, riders were hoping for better conditions. A pre-jam session on Friday night at the IMAX spot saw some showers, forcing riders to dodge water streams, but by Saturday morning, the skies cleared, making way for sunshine and prime riding conditions. DownUnderGround’s unique format gives each rider three runs, with the lowest score dropped and the best two combined for their final result. This system keeps the pressure manageable while allowing riders to stay focused and push their limits. Unfortunately, a few local riders were sidelined due to injuries, reminding everyone just how unpredictable BMX can be.
The expert class saw some intense competition, with Scott Hone taking a well-earned victory through a series of impressive combos. Shaun Jarvis, Freestyle Now CEO, secured 2nd place on his new bike, throwing down classic smooth combos. Jimmy, making a return after a few years away from competition, claimed 3rd place with his signature tricks. It was also great to see Rusty Eylward-Piko back in the mix after recovering from a snapped Achilles tendon, and Kevin Filmer adding to the competitive energy.
Clockwise from top left – Was good to see Rusty back on the bike, 4th place experts. – Jimmy came and rode and did boomerangs and got 3rd in experts, – Shaun Jarvis seat grabbing backward wheelies to 2nd in the expert class. – Scott Hone up and over the front of the bike with a decade for the 1st place in expert class. – Photos Stephen Pretty
The open class delivered world-class riding, with Melbourne’s Indonesian BMX flatland community making their presence known. Bagus impressed with his no-handed rolling backyards, while flatland legend Grant Cruise showed why he’s one of Melbourne’s BMX OGs. Yuki, who has stepped up massively over the past year, rode his way into 3rd place. Lee Kirkman, known for his smooth style and technical ability, took 2nd place with a solid performance. However, it was Gonzalo Bellianti who stole the show, securing 1st place with unstoppable skill, jump switches, and insane spins. Having been on the world circuit, Gonzalo’s progression has been next level, making him the clear winner on the day. It was great to see such a high level of world class riding from him. A notable absence from the competition was Heru Anwari, a regular at DownUnderGround over the past few years and last year’s champion Botay Agata. Both are now back in Indonesia. While they were both missed, Melbourne’s Indonesian flatland crew was still well represented, ensuring their legacy lived on in the competition.
Clockwise from to left – Bagus cliffhanging to 4th in opens. – Yuki sets the spin and get the 3rd in opens. – Living BMX legend Lee Kirkman was on fire in the competition and got a well deserved 2nd place. – The Australian BMX flatland champion Gonzalo Bellanti, 1st in opens. – Photos Stephen Pretty
DownUnderGround 16 would not have been possible without the support of Freestyle Now, Colony BMX, Sneaky Wholefoods, Penumbra, and Blanker. Their commitment to BMX and the flatland scene keeps events like this thriving.
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DownUnderGround – The Australian BMX flatland national championships – official results 8th December 2024
Open – 1st Gonzalo Bellanti, 2nd Lee Kirkman, 3rd Yuki Tokui, 4th Haditri Bagus, 5th Grant Cruise
Expert – 1st Scott Hone, 2nd Shaun Jarvis, 3rd Jimmy, 4th Rusty Eylward-Piko, 5th Kevin Filmer
