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.
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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.”
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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.”
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Hannah Roberts enjoying the views inside Manchester Central. The female podiumCredit: 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)
Featured Images — Eisa Bakos/Marcus Cole (via Red Bull Content Pool)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
14th April 2025 
