From: Nate Hoppes
Freestyle motocross heroes are going to turn into gladiators on June 24, 2011 (8 p.m.) when Nate Adams (USA), Robbie Maddison (AUS), Andre Villa (NOR) and company perform their gravity-defying tricks and battle for victory at the third FMX competition of the season in the eternal city. The majestic Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital will serve as the venue for the Red Bull X-Fighters. Defending champion Nate Adams (USA) is considered the favorite going into the action-packed spectacle in the stadium that is usually occupied by rival capital city soccer clubs AS Roma and Lazio Rome. Adams rode his Honda CR450F to victory last month at the second stop of the tour in Brazil in front of 100,000 fans and in Rome he will be looking to make it back-to-back victories in the stadium used for the 1960 Summer Olympics to widen his lead in the championship. Adams will have to contend with rival Dany Torres. The Spaniard, winner of the season opener in Dubai, will be back in action after being sidelined in Brasilia (BRA) due to injury.
The biggest story leading up to the season opener of the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship circled around one James Stewart. Everyone asked, "Will he kick some butt, will he choke, was his problem with SX all in his head or has he landed on his head too many times, will the Suzuki be his saving grace, if he was so fond of the Suzuki starting last year, why did he ride for another team if he says he does not do it for the money," and a slew of other questions. Many of those questions may..