Cardwell brothers excited to compete together at X-Games

Last year Austin Cardwell etched his name into X-Games history, bringing home bronze in the Games’ first ever snow hill climb. This year the field has expanded from eight riders to 16, and Austin will be back looking for gold. The big difference, however, is that this year he’ll have a little extra motivation to win, with his brother Tyler Cardwell also set to compete. “It’s unreal to be invited to the X-Games with Tyler,” said Austin. “I mean last year I got a little bit more experience racing, but I got a little pointers I can hand over to him that won’t go to the other riders, but I can’t tell him all my secrets.” Last year Austin took the number one seed out of qualifying, proving to be a real competitor for gold. Tyler was down with his brother during the whole experience, and says he may have already picked up a few things on his own. “The huge thing is just getting a nice good start,” said Tyler. “Being on snow and ice it’s hard to get the traction down, so just kind of watching him and the other competitors trying to figure out what works best on the ice. I think with the bolted tires we have that’s kind of the key to get the traction.” Adjusting to the elements is ultimately the toughest part of the X-Games, but another twist this year will be an actual hill for the riders to ride, as opposed to last year’s drag race style. And with some of the best hills in their own back yards, that’s something both Cardwell brothers can agree should benefit them. “Having all that land out there to go out and ride, and ride the hills and test and everything, it really helps us in competing rings,” said Austin. “There are people who can’t go out and hit a hill in their back yards, we’re only 10 minutes away from the BMC.” “I mean Billings, they have the biggest hill climb in the whole entire world,” said Tyler. “Just having that advantage, having all of the tough hills to ride on and practice on is something that’s huge.” With some of the best hills in the country to practice on, along with a sibling rivalry going on 20 years, and the fact that both brothers got experience last year, it’s not much of a stretch to think both Austin and Tyler could be coming back next week with medals of their own.