Freestyle riders first time at air show

AIRBORNE: It won't just be aircraft taking to the skies at Wings Over Wairarapa.

Two-wheeled as well as winged machines will be on display this weekend at Wings over Wairarapa as bike riders in a freestyle motorcross (FMX) display take to the air with a range of stunts.

In a first for the air show, Freestyle New Zealand, one of the country's leading FMX teams, will perform a series of displays.

Neil Dempsey, Freestyle New Zealand owner, said he expected "edge of your seat" entertainment from the riders.

"The boys will go up three storeys high and do jumps, tricks and backflips. They ride a distance of 25m leading up to the ramp and then they take off," he said.

Wairarapa residents Casey McManaway and Stuart Ewing will join other leading riders in putting on the show.

"We're bringing some of New Zealand's best riders to Wings Over Wairarapa and they will give the crowd an exciting and edgy display," says Mr Dempsey.

"There will be great jumps, tricks and aerials all completed to some cranking music - it will be a real party atmosphere."

Masterton's McManaway will be performing here for the first time.

"Casey has been with us for three years and is one of our advanced riders. It will be his first professional show in Masterton and he is really excited about performing in front of a local crowd," said Mr Dempsey.

FMX is a variation of motocross involving jumps and stunts.

It is less about speed and more about the abilities of the riders who do their tricks high in the air.

Freestyle New Zealand performs in front of about 200,000 people a year.

They are scheduled for 10.30am, 12.12pm, 1.55pm and 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Matt Schubring and the FMX All Stars from Big Screens Australia on Vimeo.