Yesterday, 192 metres above the concrete ground and roads that surround the Sky Tower, freestyle motorcross sensation Taka Higashino became the first person to ever pull off a supercross stunt on our famed landmark.
With both the bike and rider harnessed, Taka rode the circumference of the SkyWalk. To make things more difficult, the Japanese rider had to overcome a fear of heights to make it out onto the two-foot wide platform.
"The first time around, halfway I wanted to cry, stop and jump off. The view was trippy, I was going, 'Oh my god, I can't watch'. Sometimes, watching the floor felt like a dream – not real," says Taka.
"It looks easy out there but it's actually pretty hard. It was pretty scary."
The stunt took place ahead of the 2018 Monster Energy SX-Open Auckland, held at Mt Smart Stadium this weekend, where Taka will perform alongside other international riders for over 25,000 fans.
SX-Open Auckland is proudly supported by Monster Energy and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). ATEED are supporting the event as part of Auckland’s Major Events Portfolio, which generates social and economic benefits for the region. An important aspect of our Destination AKL 2025 strategy is to attract large-scale international events such as this.
ATEED Head of Major Events, Stuart Turner, says the SX-Open Auckland firmly puts the region on the map as a host city for a dynamic sport with large local and international broadcast and social media followings, at a time of year when there is plenty of accommodation capacity in the city.
“It is exciting for Auckland to add this fast-paced, action-packed event to our 2018 calendar, and we look forward to welcoming supercross fans from around New Zealand and top riders from around the world here to enjoy a great blend of high-energy motorsport and live entertainment along with everything else Auckland has to offer.”
Visit www.sxopen.com for more information on this exciting event.