For the second straight year, San Francisco will become a playground to some of the biggest names in action sports as they compete in the Toyota City Championships – the second leg of the 2013 Dew Tour. The three day event kicks off this Friday and will feature a variety of events in skateboarding, BMX and motocross, along with a whole entertainment atmosphere around the Asian Art Muesum and San Francisco Public Library.
Many of the same athletes preformed at the Beach Championships back in June, where the focus was a mixture of high flying air and street course events, but this time around it’s strictly for street athletes.
While some of San Francisco’s most iconic spots – like Hubba Hideout and City Hall – will be transformed, you won’t see many of the prototypical X Games athletes perform on dirt and pavement. Instead you’ll get a glimpse at some of the sports’ up-and-comers – with the big names mixed in – and some of the best competition before the 2013 season comes to an end. With so many storylines and athletes, we decided to choose five things to watch for this weekend in the city by the bay.
Ryan Nyquist Looks To Sweep BMX Park
The BMX star has been relatively quiet – other than business ventures – recently but the Street Championships are a homecoming of sorts for 34-year-old, who grew up in the area and now lives in San Jose. A Dew Tour perennial staple, Nyquist won BMX Dirt last year and won BMX Park at the Beach Championships. Now he’s back – and looking to sweep the event.
Skate Street Dynasty
It’s difficult to argue that any skateboarder has been better in the street discipline in the last year than Nyjah Huston. He killed it in the skate street event at last year’s City Championships, winning by over four points and since then has been on a tear – winning three X Games street gold medals in 2013 at Brazil, Barcelona and Los Angeles. The kicker is he’s only 18, but he’ll be up against some solid competition, including a man who has four X Games gold medals of his own – Paul Rodgriguez.
Garrett Reynolds Hoping to Rebound
Last year in San Francisco, Reynolds took first in two events – BMX Street and BMX Streetstyle. Considered by many to be the best when it comes to street, Reynolds finished with silver in X Games Los Angeles and could be back with a vengeance to regain his title. It won’t be easy if Liam Dobson competes – the official athlete list hasn’t been released – or Ben Wallace, our sleeper pick in the event.
A Potential Freestyle Motocross Back-to-Back
Though it isn’t slated to be televised, those in attendance will be treated to motocross action as it returns to San Francisco for the FMX Triple Threat contest. Motocross fan favorites such as Taka Higashino and Adam Jones will try to pull off their best tricks on a ramp that will surely be propped in a picturesque position. Jones took home the win last year but can he make it two in a row?
Live Performance From Common
After you’re finished watching all the action, stick around – sorry to those viewing on TV – and give your ears a treat. On Saturday, two-time Grammy winning hip-hop artist Common will take the stage of the Regency Ballroom for fans 18 and over. There is one, little catch – its $50 to watch the rapper spit his game, along with a mystery special guest. The sports are all free, so it’s definitely worth the fee.
Editor’s Note: It was announced recently that Nyjah Huston will not be participating in the Skate Street Dynasty event — or any event — at Dew Tour this year. The author has made the additional revision below in light of the news.
With Nyjah Huston not participating this year, all eyes will focus on Paul Rodriguez for Skate Street. Rodriguez has won four X Games gold medals in the event – most recently in at X Games Los Angeles 2013 – to accompany his two silver medals at Barcelona and Munich this season. A few more wins for the street extraordinaire and we might be calling it a dynasty.
Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
