Hibbert Runs away with Gold Medal Four-Peat at Winter X Games 14
In front of thousands of viewers worldwide, Monster Energy/Arctic Cat’s Tucker Hibbert ran away with his fourth consecutive and fifth overall Snocross gold medal Sunday afternoon at ESPN Winter X Games 14.
02.02.10 Goodridge, Minn. In front of thousands of viewers worldwide, Monster Energy/Arctic Cats Tucker Hibbert ran away with his fourth consecutive and fifth overall Snocross gold medal Sunday afternoon at ESPN Winter X Games 14. Hibbert was the heavy favorite heading into Aspen, Colo. and didnt disappoint by winning the final with a 23 second lead; making him the most decorated Winter X Games snowmobile athlete with nine overall medals.
After a rough practice session Saturday afternoon, Hibbert lined up for his qualifier focused and determined to get the holeshot. When the green flag flew, he grabbed a hand full of throttle and nearly tipped over in the first corner. He managed to hang on and consistently laid down solid laps to grab the number one qualifying position for the final event. He lined up for the 15-rider final confident and again took the holeshot. He almost went down in the second corner after another rider tagged his rear bumper, causing his hands to fly off the handle bar. He regained control and maintained his lead, finishing the first of 20 laps exactly where he wanted to be, out front. He rode a race of his own and was never threatened for the lead.
Sunday night, Hibbert competed in the all-new Snowmobile Knock Out event after hitting a freestyle ramp for the first time the night before. After avoiding being knocked out of the first two rounds, he failed to advance to the medal round to finish fourth. He is already planning on how perfect his technique and sled set-up to be a medal contender at next years Winter X Games.
Next up for Hibbert is the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series Eastern National in Farmington, New York Feb. 5-6. It will be his sixth and final snocross event of the season.
Tucker Hibbert - 11th Appearance at ESPN Winter X Games
Holds Most Snowmobile Medals - Nine
2010: Gold[Gold Medal Four-Peat] 2009: Gold 2008: Gold 2007: Gold
2006: DNQ 2005: Silver 2004: Silver 2003: Bronze 2002: Silver
2001: Mechanical Failure 2000: Gold, Youngest Gold Medalist in WX History[15]
Tucker Hibbert - #68 Monster Energy/Arctic Cat
The Winter X Games is my favorite event of the year and like always, I had a lot of fun. I was busy with interviews, appearances and competing from the time I landed in Aspen Wednesday morning until Sunday night. My goal was to win snocross and Im so pumped we(the team) were able to do it again. Its really satisfying being able to run away with the win at the biggest event of the season.
Knock Out was a cool experience. I didnt know what to expect and was pretty nervous to hit the ramp for the first time Saturday night. Once I did a couple runs, I felt way more comfortable. I tried to learn something every time I hit the ramp but unfortunately didnt make it to the medal round in the final. Im already thinking about a testing plan so when next year rolls around, Ill be fully prepared to jump for gold!
Noteworthy: Jeff Tweet, who was paralyzed racing snocross in 2001, finished fourth in the inaugural Snowmobile Snocross Adaptive event. Unfortunately on the final lap of the race, Tweet took a hard landing and broke his tibia. He was able to finish the race and was immediately taken to the Aspen Valley Hospital. He a pin placed in his leg Monday afternoon and is expected to make a full recovery.
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