The Weekender: Dave Mirra video tribute, the ageless Kelly Slater, more
Every Friday in The Weekender we take a look at the best videos from the week that was—like highlights remembering BMX legend Dave Mirra’s incredible career and Kelly Slater’s latest triumph—and we give you a preview of the most important events in the world of action and outdoor sports.
A Tragic End
The action sports world is absolutely grieving this morning after reports surfaced yesterday that BMX icon Dave Mirra had passed away at 41 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Greenville, N.C., his adopted home. Mirra transcended BMX, and action sports as a whole, by continually pushing the boundaries of his sport and, most importantly, doing it with versatility: he started out riding flatland then upped his game to ramps and dirt before defining the X Games where he won 24 medals, 14 of which were gold. His videos were coveted by a generation of aspiring riders, like Dorkin’ in York. This is a compilation of Mirra’s segments from that iconic series.
- MORE EDGE: Gallery: Remembering BMX legend Dave Mirra
The Ageless One
Kelly Slater is going to be winning contests when he’s 50. After a year where he ended ninth—a solid finish for anyone else—he looks to be in fine form heading into the opening leg of the World Tour after winning the Volcom Pipe Pro this week on the North Shore of Oahu as the Banzai Pipeline was firing. It’s Slater’s second win in the contest—a World Qualifying Series Event—and the 43-year-old looks dialed in. Jamie O’Brien and Makai McNamara ended second and third respectively but this win was all about the continuation of the Kelly Slater legend.
- MORE EDGE: Domke's wave-riding seemingly defies physics
Taking Care of Business
Stories of redemption will always grab us. That’s why This is Everything: the Lifecycles of Lucas Debari works so well. Debari is a pro snowboarder who grew up in Glacier, Wash. near the storied Mt. Baker Resort. Debari becomes incredibly good, incredibly young, but then his life sort of falls apart as he gets into drugs and the trappings of youth. Debari narrates this fun-to-watch flick that gives a brief glimpse into the other side of the grind when chasing your dreams. A cautionary tale with an inspirational ending.
What’s On Tap
Monster Energy Supercross | FS2 | Saturday, 9 p.m. EST
Ryan Dungey continues to be the story during the Monster Energy Supercross series. He won his third straight race last weekend in Oakland in the 450 SX class, opening up an early 22-point lead through four events, and looks to make it four in a row this weekend in Phoenix as the series rolls on. Cooper Webb was heading towards his fourth win in the 250SX class last week but experienced mysterious mechanical problems. He’s now looking up, two points behind in the standings.
World Cup Skiing | NBC Sports Live Extra | Friday, 8:30p.m. EST (and throughout the weekend)
Both the men and women continue their taxing schedule this weekend for important World Cup alpine events. The men are in Jeongseon, Korea over the weekend for the Audi FIS SKI World Cup events at the site of the 2018 Olympics. The women, meanwhile, are in Garmisch, Germany for downhill and Super G races.
