RIPPING UP THE FARM: Sanctuary Point freestyle BMX rider Thomas Glew flies off a dirt ramp during a training session for this weekend Farm Jam event.
SOME of the biggest names in off-road two-wheeled action sports have converged on a 2,600-acre farm near Winton on New Zealand’s South Island for this weekend’s 2013 Farm Jam event.
Among the daredevil freestylers is Sanctuary Point BMX rider Thomas Glew who will be competing in the professional freestyle BMX competition.
The 23-year-old professional rider is one of the rising stars of the sport and recently signed a deal with Metal Mulisha becoming one of only three BMX riders around the world to be part of the Mulisha team.
“I was so stoked when my manager called me and told me that Mulisha were interested.” Thomas said.
“To be noticed by one of the biggest companies within action sports just blew me away.”
This year is already looking busy for the local rider. During February alone he will compete at the Farm Jam and Redbull Roast It events in New Zealand.
“To be invited back to Farm Jam is really cool,” he said
“Last year I got to watch Redbull Roast It and now this year I got an invite, I really can't wait.”
Glew’s manager Luke Thwaites said his rider wasn’t giving away information about his tactics leading into the events.
“I can’t say too much at this stage but knowing him (Glew) there could be a few surprises on the cards.”
The Farm Jam began in 2008 on a 2600-acre New Zealand sheep farm owned by the Frew brothers. From its humble beginnings the event now attracts some of the world’s biggest names in BMX, FMX and MTB and is a bucket-list event for most two-wheeled action-sports athletes.
The “jam” formats see each sport judged solely by the riders, with an emphasis placed on judging riders from other disciplines. Thousands of spectators flock to the annual event and crowd the country side around the natural dirt courses.
Fans can follow Thamas Glews progress on Instagram and Twittre @glewybmx