In early April, Paul Basagoitia became the first freeride mountain biker to land a double backflip on natural terrain (as opposed to a steel ramp). Located near to the border of Utah and Arizona, Basagoitia worked alongside his sponsors to create the perfect set of jumps, which allowed him enough time in the air to pull the double backflip.

The achievement marks an important moment for freeride mountain biking progression. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, Basagoitia finally landed the trick that has eluded him for years. “It felt great when my wheels touched the ground because I don’t think my body could have handled another hit,” says Basagoitia. “It wasn’t easy. I knocked myself out a couple times but I finally accomplished what I’ve been trying to do for years.”

Fellow Red Bull teammate Travis Pastrana, who is credited with landing the first-ever double backflip on a motorcycle, understands what goes into landing a trick of this magnitude. “The double back flip isn’t the most technical trick but it takes a lot of airtime and even more commitment,” says Pastrana. “Once you leave the take-off, there is no turning back and no way to bail out. Paul has guts and it’s great to see that he’s pushing the limits.”