Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Motorbike Jump - Robbie Maddison sets record

AUSTRALIA'S Robbie Maddison yesterday jumped 98m on a motorcycle, setting a world record with a feat the legendary Evel Knievel said could never be done.

The brash young Aussie from Kiama in New South Wales stunned the sell-out crowd at the Rio Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas as he went to new lengths on his Honda CR45. Yesterday's event was the perfect warm-up for Maddison, who on March 29 will try to better his mark when Melbourne plays host to the Crusty Demons Night of World Records.

Maddison will go head-to-head with Americans Seth Enslow and Ryan Capes in a leap-off for the longest distance jumped on a motorbike. "There are a lot of people who have wanted to see me, Ryan Capes and Seth Enslow go head-to-head to see who can go the greatest distance. "Now their dreams have been answered," Maddison said yesterday.

"I know I can go further than tonight. I wasn't going to show my full hand before March 29. "There is definitely more left in the tank and I believe, with the support of the Aussie crowd and the awesome facilities being constructed, I will be able to nudge the 340 feet (104m) mark."

Having recently attended the funeral of his idol Knievel, Maddison admitted he wished the famous daredevil had been there to see him make history.

"Evel Knievel inspired me to get involved in distance jumps," Maddison said.

"It was just such a shame he wasn't here to see the jump as he has always said it couldn't be done."


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