VIDEO: Noise free bikes making Arenacross history at Sheffield Arena

Arenacross fans will be part of history this weekend as Sheffield Arena hosts its first all electric motorcross race during the tenth round of the Monster Energy Arenacross Tour.
Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.
Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.

They will also get the usual daredevil bikers soaring 40ft in the air over death-defying ramps as they race around the specially created dirt track on conventional motorbikes.

But 10 leading Junior 65cc pilots will line up for the first of a two-round four-lap race on Saturday evening, February 13, all riding identical 14kW Kuberg Cross battery-powered mini-crossers.

The bikes are noise-free and require no oil or fuel.

Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.
Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.
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A heavy-duty design and with a custom-made suspension, the Cross is super clean.

The young riders, aged between seven and 10 years, have impressed at every round of the 2016 Arenacross series with their gutsy race performances and endless determination as they’ve tackled the same technically-challenging circuits as the professional riders.

Kuberg CEO, Michal Kubanek is thrilled to be involved with Arenacross. “I think the audience will be shocked at just how amazing this 14kW Cross bike is – and what better way to showcase it in front of packed out audiences at both Sheffield and London – we are excited at this new partnership with Arenacross and who knows, FMX could be next”.

The unique series is set to raise the roof with the rest of the traditional evening, full of noise, grease, full-on indoor Supercross-style racing, lights, music, pyrotechnics and unbelievable high air Freestyle motocross antics.

The Kuberg Cross battery-powered mini-crosserThe Kuberg Cross battery-powered mini-crosser
The Kuberg Cross battery-powered mini-crosser
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Showboating Arenacros superstar Edgar Torronteras, the self-proclaimed godfather of FMX, is amongst the big names taking part in the tour, powered by Ford Ranger,

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'ET’ has no fear. He has one of the biggest and craziest personalities in the game.

FMX riders are very much a part of the Arenacross family and all cite the trust and confidence they have in each other as a major factor towards pushing the boundaries of each performance, as they whip and flip their way over the AX ramps, flying through the air, each trying to outdo one another with the latest trick.

Local youngsters hoping to follow in the tracks of Torronteras and contesting the youngest class in the series at the Arena include nine-year-old Kian Knowles from Doncaster .

Kacey Hird, 12, from BradfordKacey Hird, 12, from Bradford
Kacey Hird, 12, from Bradford
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Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, won the Small Wheel class of the 85cc championship last year.

He moved up to the Big Wheel class this year but at 5ft 9ins had outgrown the machine size, so he is competing against the ProLites, the next class up - some of then 10-years older than him.

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After contesting five of the 11 round ProLites championship he is placed a creditable 10, with two rounds remaining. Whilst daunting to ride with a group of semi-pros he has looked up to, he is coping well with the technical tracks on the bigger bike.

He took delivery of his 125cc last August but then broke his arm and didn’t get back on the machine until late November.

Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.
Schoolboy Kurt Griffiths, 13, from Worksop, taking part in Arenacross at Sheffield Arena.
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Mum Lisa said: “We think he’s had enough upheaval this year and so to see him smile and finish the races without breaking a bone is enough for us. He on the other hand wants to be back winning and especially this weekend with all his family and friends in the audience.”

Other regional riders include10-year-old Bailey Johnson from Swillington and Kacey Hird, 12, from Bradford,who is currently second in the SuperMini 85cc championship.

Doors open at 6pm and the evening performance kicks off at 7pm.

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Tickets are available in person from the venue’s box office, call 01142 565656 or visit www.sheffieldarena.co.uk

Tickets are adults £19.95 to £40.95, children £10.50 to £30.45. Buy in person at the Sheffield Arena, call the box office on 0114 256 5656 or visit www.sheffieldarena.co.uk.