Byron Leads the Pack in BMX Vert Prelims

Vince Byron qualified first in the BMX vert prelims, using his second of three runs to edge out Steven McCann for the top spot in the group of 17 riders. Byron claimed the lead at the Dew Tour Championships by throwing down a solid run highlighted by a 540 whip that earned a 90.38.

Vince Byron, 540 no-hander

McCann dropped in immediately after Byron claimed the lead, using his smooth style and a huge tuck 540 to challenge Byron’s top score. However, Byron remained the only rider to break into the 90s during the entire round of prelims.

After the first heat of riders took their runs, Mike Mancuso sat atop the leader board thanks to a flair whip and huge airs throughout his turn on the ramp. But with young guns Byron and Austin Coleman, as well as established contenders Dennis McCoy and McCann coming up in Heat 2, the standings quickly changed.

Coleman bumped into the top seven and finished fifth with a no-handed flair and his signature double downside whip, while McCoy followed suit, jumping one spot above Mancuso with a 900 and finishing third.

Fans sitting poolside at the HRH Beach Club Pool were treated to plenty of great riding throughout the qualifying round of BMX vert competition and were even joined in the pool by competitor Ben Snowden, who ended his third run with a front flip into the water.

Byron and the rest of the top seven from prelims advance to face off against Simon Tabron, Chad Kagy and five-time Dew Cup champion Jamie Bestwick in Sunday’s BMX vert finals, taking place at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from noon to 3 p.m.

Results

1.  Vince Byron, 90.38
2. Steve McCann, 89.75
3. Dennis McCoy, 89.75
4. Mike Mancuso, 89.75
5. Austin Coleman, 88.63

Get the full results from the BMX vert prelims in Las Vegas.