doing tricks on bikes ever since they were invented. Early MTBs weren’t great for this, but by the late ’90s, frames had become more compact, components more durable and, with a healthy dollop of BMX influence, a thriving dirt jumping scene developed. The UK led the way, with riders such as Steve Geall, Sam Pilgrim, Jim Davage, Grant ‘Chopper’ Fielder and Chris Smith introducing tricks never before seen on a mountain bike and becoming regular fixtures in the pages of and at trail spots across the country. Fast-forward through numerous NEC bike shows, jump jams and international contests, and you arrive at the present-day scene, spearheaded by the FMBA internationally and the Dirt Wars series here in the UK. This summer’s final round at the GT Bicycles Malverns Classic was the perfect opportunity to see how things have changed – and whether the sport’s veterans can
