Asian X Games Ready to Kick Off 11th Year in Shanghai

By Matthias Doyle

The Vans-wearing, bike part-collecting, and sk8ter boi-lustin' amongst us have something to look forward to in a month - Shanghai is welcoming ESPN Stars' X Games Asia to our shores on April 30th.

The Games feature extreme athletes from over thirty countries from all over the world competing in in-line skating, sport climbing, BMX biking, motoX, and of course skateboarding. The games also bring with them a variety of musical performances in addition to giveaways, tutorials, and carnival games for fans to enjoy in between events.

Sure, there's no big name sports talent signed up for the event quite yet - unlike their more famous American counterparts the Asia X Games tend not to draw internationally recognized athletes - but don't let not knowing their name make you think these unknowns can't actually shred.

If you want a preview, the promoters are holding the following road shows, which will feature mini-competitions in in-line skating and BMX freestyle. They're free to attend and we've heard there's a chance you could score some free stuff.

• Shanghai 2009 Apr 11-12 Yandang Road 雁荡路, Luwan District
• Shanghai 2009 Apr 18-19 Wanda Plaza 万达广场,Yangpu District
• Shanghai 2009 Apr 25-26 Wanda Plaza 万达广场,Yangpu District

More information and tickets can be found at the games‘ website. The games will kick off April 30th and run until May 9th at the Jiangwan Sports Center on 346 Guohe Lu (创智天地江湾体育中心, 国和路346号).