Image: Jeff Crow.

As the sun sets on the 2016 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, a number of the world-class calibre FMX riders who competed in the inaugural Australian FMX Grand Prix will be returning to their respective countries with medals hanging around their neck.

Riders arrived at the scenic Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on the Wednesday and were treated to some phenomenal Melbourne weather, which was expected to run right the way through the days to follow. Melbourne, however, had other ideas in mind.

Over the following four days, riders experienced a vast range of seasonal weather changes, with the sun once again beckoning over the purpose built circuit on Sunday, which was the final day of competition.

The Speed & Style finals came down to a head to head battle between international FMX juggernauts Libor Podmol and David Rinaldo. The two swapped positions heavily during the opening lap before a stall in a turn from Rinaldo meant that Podmol pushed on for the victory.

The bronze duel in Speed & Style saw an Australian face off between FMX up and comer Tom Robinson and established supercross contender, Lewis Woods. Woods won the speed element of the contest, however Robinsons deep bag of tricks including a huge whip flip gave him the bronze medal.

The Best Whip finals proved to be a major hit with the general public of the Formula One event, with an eight-minute jam session provided to the riders to throw down their biggest whips.

Cheyne Boyd would edge out Lewis Woods for the gold medal following his insane upside down supercross-style whips. Woods finished a close second as he threw down a variety of whip techniques, whilst youngster Corey Creed earned the bronze medal.

In challenging conditions, David Rinaldo put together an incredible FMX run that included various flip combinations, along with an arsenal of upright tricks that were extended to perfection giving the flying Frenchman the FMX GP gold medal.

Tom Robinson backed up his bronze medal in Speed & Style early on by throwing down a world-class run in FMX, and would earn himself a silver medal against some of the most established names in the sport. New Zealand’s Nick Franklin rounded out the podium with bronze.