BMX riders from across the country came together on Friday for Fish Jam 2022, the first flatland event of its kind in Puerto Escondido.
But rather than being related to in any way to either fish or jam, Flatland is freestyle BMX riding performed on smooth, flat surfaces that do not include any ramps, jumps, or grindrails. It is sometimes described as a form of artistic cycling with a blend of breakdancing.
The event was held at the small square across from the Arcoiris Hotel in Zicatela, where riders competed in four different categories: expert, pro, mid-school, and old school.
After what the newspaper El Imparcial described as “an exciting battle on the track,” Francisco Santiago was crowned victor in the expert category, while rider Bando Vargas from Mexico City placed second and Ángel Contreras from Córdoba, Veracruz, took home third.
In the pro category, Isaí Orbe from Querétaro was the best rider, Miguel Guzmán from Oaxaca was ranked second and Arturo Contreras Alegría from Córdoba was third.
The mid-school division was dominated by Antonio Gómez from Puebla. Arturo Contreras Zamudio from Veracruz placed second and Fernando Poison from Sinaloa, third.
Finally, in the old school category, the three first prizes were won by Fausto Jesús, Ernesto Alavés and Roberto Camacho, respectively.
The organizers of the first ever Fish Jam stated that one of their goals was to promote flatland BMX among riders of the coast and that, given the number of participants assembled and their expertise, their hope now is to consolidate the Fish Jam as a regular BMX event.
With reports from El Imparcial
