Highest motorcycle jump-world record set by
Robbie Maddison
LAS VEGAS, NV, USA -- Australian motocross rider
Robbie
Maddison, 27, catapulted himself off a 10-metre (35-foot)
high ramp to the top of the 30-metre (96-foot) high replica
of the Arc de Triomph-setting the world record for the highest
motorcycle jump. Photo: After landing safely, Maddison
then jumped off the monument, plunging 25 metres (85 feet)
in a free-fall before landing on a ramp so hard that it opened
a bleeding cut on his left hand. (enlarge
photo)
"That was definitely the most dangerous jump
in my life," he said.
"It's definitely a milestone in my life to
overcome the fear I had," a jubilant Maddison, whose left
hand was dripping with blood after the freefall impact, said.
"The hand kills. I think I broke it."
The Australian dedicated last year's stunt
to his idol, legendary American stuntman Evel Knievel
who died in 2007.
He said his friends and family are supportive.
“I’ve worked hard to get here so I guess they’re proud to
see me succeeding,” he said.
“When you’re passionate about something, the
bad things about it don’t deter you,” Robbie
Maddison said.
The spectacle in front of the Paris Las
Vegas was part of the Red Bull “New Year No Limits” broadcast.
Footage of his triumph atop the Triomphe was broadcast live
on ESPN and online, and was witnessed by thousands of fans
and stunned onlookers who lined the Strip to watch the death-defying
leap.