“Extreme Fest” is the only extreme sports festival that takes place in Sofia. During this year’s edition, fans of extreme sports had the opportunity to practice their favourite activities downtown Sofia during the weekend. "Extreme Fest" brought together professionals and fans of extreme sports, who were not just watching the events but could also take part in special practices and demonstrations. The event was held with the support of the Sofia Municipality and it is part of the "Sofia - European Capital of Sport 2018" and "European Week of Sport" initiatives.

The park in front of the monument of the Soviet Army in Sofia was full of people during the weekend. People were taking photos, while others were just watching the bike jumps, while sipping cocktails and having a snack.

Extreme events in the festival included free jumping, wall climbing, bungee jumping from a crane, motorcycle stunts, car drifting, karting, roller skating and skateboard competitions, BMX race, bicycle test rides, taekwondo, fencing, a street dance competition, street basketball and even bubble football (people dressed in inflatable balls, playing football). One of the most interesting things that made the audience hold its breath was the bike jump competition.

Waiting for the competition to begin we met twenty-six-year-old Alexander Mladenov. He told us more about himself and his passion that has been part of his life for more than 12 years now.

"I have several types of bikes. Some are used for jumping and freestyle, while others are good for downhill biking. They have bigger shock absorbers and one can ride them more easily in the mountain. I mostly ride in the Borisova Gradina downtown Sofia, where some dirt jumps exist, as well as in the Southern Park. I have always loved motocross but unfortunately I do not have the finances to practice it. That is how I started being involved with downhill biking and later dirt jumping. We also go to the Vitosha Mountain during the weekends. In Sofia conditions are not very good, but people who love the sport do everything they can to preserve it alive. We sometimes use personal finances to create new ramps and jumps. I personally cannot say that I have idols. I have always shared my experience with friends. Different people are good in different things, so we learn from each other. The "Extreme Fest" has helped me meet a number of people, whom I hadn’t seen for years. I am glad to be part of the show and to see my friends. I try to do attractive jumps for the jury and the people watching us. What is important is to be able to do a few good tricks. This is enough to make you happy and to make your day successful. Riding is movement and freedom. When you take off the ramp you stop feeling friction or gravity. For a few moments one is weightless. "

Young enthusiasts like Alexander breathe life into "Extreme Fest" and their emotions urge amateurs to try new things. Each of the three days of the festival ended with award ceremonies in various disciplines, concerts and a special afterparty that helped in dissipating accumulated adrenaline during the day.

English: Alexander Markov