Monster Energy Backyard Battle Wales Recap

The Monster Energy Backyard Battle series kicked off last week in Wales. The series “aims to pay homage to the classic backyard jams in the early days of freeride that will include both seasoned pros and spotlight lesser-known rippers.”

Vero Sandler and Sam Hodgson hosted the first event in what will be a five-part series. Invited riders showed up to a freshly-completed course and a non-competitive atmosphere, allowing for plenty of creativity and progression.

“It’s the most amazing concept for an event series,” says Vero, who signed with Monster last fall . “For the people who get to put them on, it’s a huge opportunity to bring your favorite people to your backyard and session with them.”

Vero says that while it’s hard to pick favorites, she was particularly stoked to see how Simon Johansson interpreted the course she and Sam spent the better part of six months building. “He was just so, so stylish, and threw the most insane tricks and combos. The way we built the course was, it left it open to the riders to own their own unique styles, so it was really amazing to watch him come up with his own lines through it all.”

“To be able to put your own event on, and have all these people you love and look up to, get to come ride your setup ?” Vero says that was the best part of the Battle for her, personally. “It’s also hugely inspirational as a trail builder to go around to other builders' backyards and see what they’ve built. I hope there’s more to come!”

Rider Hannah Bergemann was one of the athletes invited to this year’s inaugural Battle. “The highlight for me was just cruising fun laps on the course with everyone, and watching everyone having a rad time. So cool to get to see the different ways that each rider interprets the course. I was also super stoked to land my first backflip! I had that goal in mind going into the event and was able to make it happen.”

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Hannah says the Backyard Battle series stands out, in her mind, from other events, because of its format. “It’s super low pressure and you get tons of riding with your friends and other amazing riders. And it’s a cool way for riders, like Sam and Vero, who are also super talented diggers, to showcase and share their talents. I already can’t wait for next year.”