The X Games Ramp It Up in Los Angeles

Birds and low-flying planes might want to watch out for a jump in air traffic in the Los Angeles area next week, when the 11th edition of the Summer X Games will take place at venues from Carson to Puerto Escondido, Mexico. More than 150 competitors in 15 events, including skateboarding, motocross and wakeboarding, will take to the skies (and the ramps and the waves) to perform the sickest stunts they can muster for an expected 150,000 spectators and millions more watching on ESPN and ABC. Of course, action sports aren't just an American phenomenon. There will be competitors on hand from 13 countries, from Norway to New Zealand. This edition of Inside/Out takes a look ahead at some of the athletes to watch and a look back at some of the memorable moments in the history of the Summer X Games. --Brian MacPherson

 

Barcelona

Skateboard Street

Bastien Salabanzi took the bronze in his first X Games in 2004, but his score of 95.00 (out of 100) in the fourth session showed that the 19-year-old could be on the road to gold this year.

 

Ventura, Calif.

Surfing

If the West team is to win its first X Games, it'll need a monster performance from Dane Reynolds, the 19-year-old who won Most Radical Maneuver at the California Cup in May.

 

Springfield, Mo.

Wakeboard

Dallas Friday has easily won the last two competitions, but Missouri native Maeghan Major--who won in 1999--could give the sport's golden girl a fight.

 

Greenville, N.C.

BMX Freestyle

Winner of the dirt and park gold medals in 2003, a double that earned him the 2004 ESPY for Best Male Action Sports figure, Ryan Nyquist will be seeking to reclaim his titles from 2004 champ Dave Mirra.

 

Spa, Belgium

Moto X Supercross

Eddy Seel led for six laps but ultimately settled for silver in his X Games debut in 2004--at age 34. He'll be back this year looking to unseat reigning champ Ben Bostrom.

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JOHN SHEARER/WIREIMAGE.COM (SALABANZI)

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PAUL A BUCKLEY/SHAZAMM/ESPN (SEEL)

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STAN LIU/ICON SMI (REYNOLDS)

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PETE DEMOS/SHAZAMM/ESPN (NYQUIST)

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ICON SPORTS MEDIA

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