Race Report: Tommy Zula's 2021 Pump Track World Championships

Race Report: Tommy Zula's 2021 Pump Track World Championships

The third ever Red Bull Pump Track World Championships were held on October 17th in Lisbon, Portugal. Velosolutions built the track at Parque das Nações for the best riders in the world to compete for a coveted rainbow jersey. Stan's own Tommy Zula made the cross-Atlantic flight to try to defend his title. Having won in 2019 and following the cancellation of the event in 2020, Tommy had grown quite accustomed to being a World Champion. Opting to run 26" wheels on a dirt jump bike, he knew that he'd be in for a tough fight against the smaller wheeled BMX bikes. Giving everything he had, Tommy finished in 5th place against the best in the world. He'll be back in 2022 to try to reclaim the jersey.

The purpose built track at the Parque das Nações in Lisbon, Portugal had riders all over the world drooling.
The purpose built track at the Parque das Nações in Lisbon, Portugal had riders all over the world drooling.
Spectators were able to enjoy fantastic racing and scenery with only a turn of their head.
Spectators were able to enjoy fantastic racing and scenery with only a turn of their head.
Tommy enjoying everything that Lisbon has to offer before going to battle against the best in the world.
Tommy enjoying everything that Lisbon has to offer before going to battle against the best in the world.
Tommy brought his game face across the Atlantic to try to defend his rainbow jersey.
Tommy brought his game face across the Atlantic to try and defend his rainbow jersey.
Riders could opt to run whichever wheel size they prefer. It made for some interesting racing.
Riders could opt to run whichever wheel size they prefer. It made for some interesting racing.
Tommy gave everything he had for a 5th place finish, but wasn't able to defend his World Championship title. He'll be back in 2022 looking to reclaim the jersey.
Tommy gave everything he had for a 5th place finish, but wasn't able to defend his World Championship title. He'll be back in 2022 looking to reclaim the jersey.