Metzger flips as Byrne takes Sheffield honours.

Mike Metzger wowed the Sheffield crowd as the Godfather of freestyle performed the backflip for the first time outside the USA on Saturday night.

Metzger flipped three times for the Sheffield Arena crowd, including a no-footer which sent the fans into a frenzy. Metzger was backed up by British star Jamie Squibb and Canada's Andy Bell who performed a repertoire of freestyle stunts. But it was Metzger who brought the house down with the trick he has made his speciality.

Meanwhile, on the race track, Australian Michael Byrne won the International Supercross race with a gate to flag victory which gave the opposition no chance.

West Coast 125cc SX Champion Travis Preston made it a one-two for the CAS Honda team with a second place finish, showing he has a liking for the larger capacity machines.

Ivan Tedesco, racing a Dixon Racing/Yamaha UK bike, made up for a bad start to claim the final spot on the podium.

Mark Hucklebridge made up for a poor showing in the International final by taking the first round of the British 250cc Championship. Hucklebridge passed early leader James Noble, on the RWJ Honda, through the whoops and was never headed.

Ryan Voase made the most of mistakes made by other riders to claim second on the WOR Motoxmania Suzuki. Jason Higgs finished third despite injuring his hand landing off the triple. The Yamaha rider was forced to sit out the international final as a result.

Neil Prince got his British 125cc title defence off to a fine start with a convincing victory. Richard Fitch took a fine second and Danny Tollett finished third (both Yamaha).

Matt Winstanley's title hopes suffered a blow when the Albion KTM rider crashed out of the final on the triple. Antti Kallonen had suffered a nightmare start to his Awai Yamaha career earlier in the evening when he crashed and broke his leg.