Maybe some of this weekend's X Games competitors began using boards and bikes as transportation, but now they're head over wheels in love with devising the wildest tricks and grabbing the biggest air. Are events catching on? There's more than a shred of evidence.
Justin Rivera was stoked after finishing a high-scoring run during the Skateboard Big Air elimination. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Italo Penarrubia rolled down the Skateboard Big Air ramp during a Thursday practice session, preparing to compete in the elimination round. ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com The first day of X Games competition kicked off Thursday August 1, 2019 at U.S. Bank stadium with many of the big air events. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Jarryd McNeil clears the pipe during the Moto X Step Up event in front of U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.]ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.comThe first day of X Games competition kicked off Thursday August 1, 2019 at U.S. Bank stadium with many of the big air events. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
![A BMX biker does a back flip during the BMX dirt elimination round on Thursday.] ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com The first day of X Games competition kicked off Thursday August 1, 2019 at U.S. Bank stadium with many of the big air events.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RKGJZGT3SGZHDZQEZ7XAY2OTPM.jpg?&w=1080)
![Justin Rivera reacts after finishing a high scoring run during the skateboard big air elimination round on Thursday. His last run secured him a spot in the finals.] ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com The first day of X Games competition kicked off Thursday August 1, 2019 at U.S. Bank stadium with many of the big air events.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6PCXNYIC4O6GX6WL4YKQTJQIBM.jpg?&w=1080)
![Jarryd McNeil clears the pipe during the Moto X Step Up event in front of U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.] ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com The first day of X Games competition kicked off Thursday August 1, 2019 at U.S. Bank stadium with many of the big air events.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JRKPREUDEG3T2F2SDVUIPKNQLE.jpg?&w=1080)
