Congratulations to Luc Ackermann who just wrote a new chapter in the history books of freestyle motocross after landing the world’s first backflip between two moving trucks.
The 27-year-old German hit 46mph on his extremely short run-in and cleared 131 feet between the two flatbeds while airing over a 29 foot highway barrier. Luc only had a half second window to time this correctly and pulled it off to perfection.
“If I didn’t take off at the right speed and moment, I’d either crash into the sign or miss the landing.”
Ackermann is known for being the youngest rider to ever land a backflip on a motorbike and is considered one of the sport’s most gifted riders, this stunt cements his legacy.
Behind The Scenes:
Behind the scenes, the project was meticulously planned and calculated to ensure maximum safety. Thomas Stöggl, Head of Global Performance Innovation at the Athlete Performance Center in Thalgau, Austria, analyzed every detail from the motorcycle’s acceleration and the trucks’ speeds (12mph) to the take-off angle, flight trajectory and wind conditions. This detailed preparation turned what may have appeared to be a high-risk stunt to the casual observer, into what was in truth a controlled and calculated operation. After sticking the landing, Ackermann described the emotional release as overwhelming:
“The feeling after the jump was incredible because I realised it was just enough.The preparations took several days and there was so much tension. To have that lifted was simply overwhelming. I really celebrated – I basically went half crazy.”
The project has been likened to solving a live physics equation, where velocity, trajectory and aerodynamics had to align perfectly in a split-second decision, a breathtaking mix of science and skill.
