New Zealand’s Levi Sherwood strung together a highly impressive performance at the 16th edition of the Red Bull X-Fighters in Spain last weekend to be crowned as the 2017 champion.

The Kiwi put in an incredible run, executing two double-flip combos amongst a variation of tricks to take a comfortable win at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas.

Sherwood, who hasn’t won an X-Fighters event since 2014, expressed his relief of securing the win, revealing his significantly modified KTM 250 SX has allowed him achieve a new level of riding.

“You have no idea how nice this is,” said Sherwood. “It’s been a long time coming, the wins are fewer and farther between. It’s been such a long time since I’ve won a Red Bull X-Fighters event – this feels really good.

“I’m fascinated with making stuff better and seeing the sport progress, up to now, our abilities nearly exceeded what our bikes can do. Now, I’m riding my bike and can’t keep up with what my bike can do. It’s opened up a whole new ballgame of what I’m able to achieve on the bike.”

Former X-Fighters champion and Australian favourite Josh Sheehan (Honda) was awarded second, adding to the tally of medals he’s collected in recent years, while Japan’s Taka Higashino (Yamaha) rounded out the podium in third.

USA’s Adam Jones (Yamaha) and Germany’s Luc Ackermann (Husqvarna) were fourth and fifth respectively, as defending champion Tom Pages (Yamaha) withdrew prior to the weekend with a shoulder injury.

2017 Red Bull X-Fighters results:
1. Levi Sherwood
2. Josh Sheehan
3. Taka Higashino
4. Adam Jones
5. Luc Ackermann
6. Dany Torres
7. Clinton Moore
8. Maikel Melero
9. Christian Meyer
10. Rob Adelberg
11. Harry Bink
12. Fred Kyrillos