Sport

BMX history made in Manchester at inaugural Red Bull event

Some genuinely mind-blowing stuff.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 14th April 2025

More sporting history was made in Manchester this weekend as a city centre venue saw several world firsts in the realm of BMX as Red Bull kicked off a brand new high-octane event.

The inaugural edition of Red Bull Featured here in the UK saw thousands pile into Manchester Central on Saturday, 12 April, for a day of bike-based athleticism, truly impressive tricks and, in some cases, quite literally death-defying stunts.

Not only did the new event series get off to huge success, the BMX riders taking part also pulled off some truly incredible feats, with not one, not two, but 11 different world-first tricks in the space of just three hours.

For instance, Great Britain’s Kieran Reilly from Newcastle, who finished first overall in the male category, did this frankly ridiculous thing:

What you’ve just seen is called a ‘540 Triple Tailwhip to Bar Spin’ and it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to world-first moves pulled off at the event, with Reilly being joined by several other BMX stars in setting records and making history on the night.

For instance, not only did he pull off a 720 Triple Tailwhip as well – you can see both tricks HERE– but his colleagues managed to hit these:

Reilly, still just 23, said of his spectacular performance: “Learning a new trick is the best feeling, and doing something no one has ever done before just tops it. The last trick was one of the scariest I’ve ever done, and to even just leave here healthy is amazing, let alone achieve two world’s first tricks.”

As for American Hannah Roberts, who pulled off an equally impressive world-first with a Backflip Barspin to Tuck No Hander to win the women’s event, she added: “I came into the round and I didn’t know where I sat, and I wanted to end it well.

I’ve been doing the trick for quite some time in training and as I didn’t land my double fire, I wanted to land one world’s first at least. I’m so sore but I’m absolutely pumped. It’s been one of the coolest events as it gives us the opportunity to try all these tricks without the risk of hurting our scores.

The event was absolutely mindblowing.”

Hannah Roberts enjoying the views inside Manchester Central.
The female podium
Credit: Eisa Bakos/Marcus Cole (via Red Bull Content Pool)

It was quite literally a showcase of some of the very best BMX talent in the world and yet another historic date for sport here in Greater Manchester.

With Olympic riders from all over the globe competing and getting the chance to attempt world-first tricks without their score taking an instant hit, it made for a mind-blowing display.

The new format, created by BMX legend and Red Bull athlete, Sebastian Keep, gave riders a new-found freedom on the course, entertaining the audience across the four feature format – and we’d have it back in Manchester in a heartbeat.

Well done to all those involved, and here’s to more Manc sporting history!

Logan Martin performs a 540 flair downside whip at Red Bull Featured in Manchester Central (Credit: Red Bull Content Pool)

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Featured Images — Eisa Bakos/Marcus Cole (via Red Bull Content Pool)

Sport

Salford Red Devils supporters group outline plans for the next major protest march

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Salford Red Devils supporters trust, The 1873, have outlined details of their next major march in protest over the club’s well-publicised ownership troubles and financial crisis.

The fan group, which has mobilised on multiple occasions already this year, is set to hit the streets once again this month and in larger numbers than ever, confirming another big demonstration before their next home game this weekend.

Sharing the update with fellow Red Devils on social media, 1837 leaders are demanding “truth and accountability from the top” ahead of the peaceful protest through Salford.

They have dubbed the event ‘The Last Rally’, but we can only assume there’ll be more fan action as the weeks and possibly months of uncertainty continue.

As you can see, The 1837 are calling for like-minded supporters to rally outside another nearby amateur rugby league football team, Salford City Roosters, before marching on to a second meeting point and, ultimately, the Salford Community Stadium.

Starting in Eccles, with a stop at Barley Farm, before arriving at their club’s home ground in Barton-upon-Irwell, the plan is to gather as much awareness, support and local attention as possible.

Writing in the caption of the above post, they added: “We’ve dominated headlines. We’ve exposed bad ownership. We’ve stood together.

“A history worth fighting for. A future worth protecting. Our last chance to be heard. Don’t stay silent. Make it count.”

Following a recent meeting of the RFL and the two Greater Manchester Mayors, Andy Burnham and Paul Dennett, Salford Red Devils were given somewhat of an even further stay of execution, as it was confirmed that their ‘winding up’/administration deadline has now been adjourned until October.

Nevertheless, the majority of fans are still being kept in the dark about the exact and up-to-date nature of their rugby league club’s situation at present.

Back in June, it looked like new investors could very well still be injecting vital funds to keep key players and staff on the books, but jump to now, and it looks like they don’t know if even things like the big screen even belong to them much longer.

Once again, the march and peaceful protest will take place this Friday, 19 September, prior to the next fixture against Wakefield Trinity.

Getting points on the board will no doubt be a big plus for all, but the game looks like it will very much serve as the backdrop to the wider ongoing saga.

Are you a Red Devils fan, and if so, will you be attending the demonstration? Better still, even if not, what do you make of the circumstances surrounding your side at the moment?

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Featured Images — Ben Whitehurst (supplied via X)

Sport

Mayor Andy Burnham promises Greater Manchester will honour Ricky Hatton ‘properly’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Mayor Andy Burnham confirms Greater Manchester tribute plans for Ricky Hatton

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has promised that the city and wider boroughs have plans to honour Ricky Hatton MBE following his passing this weekend.

Hatton, just 46, sadly passed away this Sunday, 14 September, with the region left shocked by the sudden and tragic news.

Details surrounding his exact cause of death are still scarce, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said that it is not being treated as suspicious.

Posting on social media, Mayor Burnham has now assured that there will be official tributes paid to the boxing legend.

“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes”, writes Burnham, adding: “He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly.”

There seems to be a clear intimation that at least one or more public tributes will be carried out at the earliest opportunity.

In fact, several already have up and down the country, including a 10-bell salute, which rang out at the World Boxing Championships at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on the 11th day of the competition.

Locals and ‘Hitman’ fans alike have been leaving flowers, wreaths and other personal tributes outside his address in Tameside as well as his gym in Hyde.

The minute’s appreciation before the 197th Manchester derby also saw his friend, fellow die-hard Blue and City Square fan zone presenter, Danny Jackson, deliver a touching speech before applause rang out around the stadium, with the Man City manager himself looking visibly moved by the moment.

Manchester City dedicate derby win to late and beloved boxing blue, Ricky Hatton
Pep Guardiola is one of many members around the club, both past and present, to have offered their condolences.

His nephew Jack Hatton has now posted on social media too, saying simply: “I love you so much Uncle Rick. I will always remember all you have done for me and the great times we had together I love you so so much I’m going to do all I can to make you proud.”

Brother Matthew, also a boxer, shared similar, collating pictures of the two together over the years.

énergie Fitness Hyde, home to his well-known gym and popular community outlet, have also shared a statement online, writing: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals.

“His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.

“We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
As a mark of respect, the gym will be closed for the rest of the day. Rest in Peace, Ricky.” Since then, his family have now shared their own statement in full via GMP.

Asking for privacy during this difficult time, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather,and brother, and a true friend to many.

“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.

“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”

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Featured Images — Aeropixels Photography/Scottish Government (via Flickr)

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