Polish Stunt Cup 2015

All top riders came to Warsaw to participate in the Polish national tournament. Traditionally, four riders contend for the win: Marcin Glowacki, Lukasz Belz, Pawel Karbownik and Rafal Kanik. They decide the podium places among themselves; almost no one can compete with them. In general, the level of competition is high, there are many riders who can show an excellent three- or four-minute run.

In addition to the classic Polish riders on ZX6R, there were fast, hyper-aggressive riders on R6s and GSX750s. Not all of them took part in the competition, because most of them are amateurs. In Poland, it's generally not done to sign up for a competition if you have nothing to show. Top riders rode in different styles, but the set of required stunts was clearly visible. In order to fight for prizes in Poland, it is necessary to do the following minimum besides individual stunts, which should be as many as possible:

• In stoppie, it's 180 highchair, 270, kangaroo. Stoppie 180 with the rider sitting is not a high-level stunt anymore and the riders do it only as part of a combo with a transition to a wheelie. Stoppies in non-standard positions on the tank only count with a 180 turn, because when such stoppies are done in a straight line, it's hard to judge the angle and real control.
• In wheelie, it's deep coasters and scrapes, jumping onto the tank, no hands, figure eight highchair. Coasters have become a compulsory stunt, they are aggressive because of the rev limiter and speed, and they require going into a negative angle and coming back, which demonstrates the control on the wheel.
• In drifting, it's a sharp change of direction, tornado, jumping onto the tank. Drift has become a noisy and fast category of stunts with jump elements. It should be done quickly, at high revs up to the rev limiter, jumping into new positions. The combination of drift and flat stunts (whip, bunny hop) is the highest level.
• In acrobatics, it's a controlled cross with a jump, switchback positions, headstand. Modern acrobatics began to integrate into other categories of stunts in order to maximize complexity and entertainment. There are also some new stunts now, such as headstand burnout; switchback drift, wheelie and stoppie.
• Flat stunts are gaining popularity, and this category will probably soon become mandatory. Whip, bunny hop, and shuffle both separately and in combination with other stunts look great, bring diversity and add dynamics and aggression.

To manage this set of stunts in just 4 minutes, the speed must be high. If the rider wants to add more individual stunts, the speed must be almost unreal, and the stunts should be well connected between themselves. Tough competition and tension make everyone make mistakes. Many riders can do complicated stunts, but only top riders have a well-connected error-free program. Psychologically, it is hardest for the current champion, Marcin Glowacki, because every time he has to prove that he is still the best. So far, Marcin is the best, but each tournament makes it harder for him to win.

Tournament results: