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2011 World Hardcourt Bike Polo Championships Recap

By Darren Dencklau

If I had only one word to summarize the final rounds of the World Hardcourt Bike Polo Championships (WHBPC) it would be … intense. If I were given the opportunity to use a second adjective it would be … rowdy. That’s because both players and spectators take this sport seriously, very seriously, as they gathered together on a sunny September weekend for the 2011 WHBPC tournament.

Photo by Darren Dencklau

Wisconsin's "Beaver Boys" setting up for the assault.

Close to 70 of the best teams on the planet descended upon Seattle’s Magnusson Park to claim bragging rights of being the best in the world. The city saw five straight days of continuous play, as each outfit fought hard to reach the finals. In the end, a threesome of Canadians earned the sought after title.

After racing cyclocross in Kirkland, Wash., that morning, we arrived at Magnuson Park in the afternoon (along with what seemed like the rest of Seattle) and after feebly driving around looking for a place to park, my friend Max and I eventually decided to leave the truck at the entrance and ride our bikes in. Initially we couldn’t find the polo courts, but it didn’t take long to figure it out, as we could hear enthusiastic yells and some other strange sounds coming from the woods. As we got closer to the venue by following the raucous roars, we came upon four courts which were set up in such a way as to allow spectators to safely and simultaneously watch the action of two matches at a time – a very cool touch by the organizers.

I recognized many folks from the Seattle bike scene, mostly mechanics, messengers and others from local bike shops. The weird noises we heard previously turned out to be spectators beating their fists on the boards surrounding the courts, much like hockey fans beat on the plexiglass that envelopes the ice. The similarities of bike polo and hockey don’t stop there.

Photo by Darren Dencklau

Seattle's "The Guardians" charging.

Much like hockey players, many polo enthusiasts use thickly padded gloves to protect their hands – some also wear full-face helmets. The nets used in bike polo are very similar in size to NHL nets, but perhaps what is most similar is the fast-paced play, which changes directions frequently, and the superior skills of these elite competitors. There are also some serious hits, or checks, and the inevitable spills that happen when two teams are desperate to get control of the puck – or in bike polo’s case, the ball.

In the three hours I spent there I saw fresh blood, bruises, and multiple mechanicals including broken spokes (why many players use homemade discs to cover them), bent rims and snapped brake cables resulting mostly from handlebars being twisted around during a crash. Fortunately, these guys are used to it and any problems were quickly repaired. As for the blood … well, they’re used to it as well. It was apparent they live, breathe and play polo most of their waking hours.

Photo by Darren Dencklau

Talking strategy before play resumes.

There were several big sponsors this year, including Brooks saddles and Skullcandy headphones. While I was there I made several trips to the beer garden where a vendor was serving $2.50 pints of Pabst, after all, journalism is difficult work, and it was downright hot out there.

Local favorites and this year’s North American Hardcourt Champions, “The Guardians,” played extremely well during the tournament. Chants of “TWO-OH-SIX!” were heard throughout the matches every time the team – consisting of Dustin, Julian, and Sebastian (aka Sea Bass) – pedaled onto the court. Their strategy had served them well in prior events, with Sea Bass tending the goal the majority of the time while Dustin and Julian forwarded the ball to the other side with the hopes or scoring. Expectations from the crowd were obviously high, but in the end they placed third after back-to-back losses to Switzerland’s “Iron Ponies,” followed by a defeat at the hands of team “Call Me Daddy” from France.

Photo by Darren Dencklau

Member of France's "Call Me Daddy" waiting for play to resume.

The final showdown saw East Vancouver’s (Canada) “Crazy Canucks” vs. “Call Me Daddy.” The action was hands down some of the best I’ve seen, as both teams made remarkable moves seem easy. With many strategic block-ins and numerous body checks into the boards, it was apparent that both sides desperately wanted to win the title.

“Call Me Daddy” played extremely fast and reacted quickly while the “Crazy Canucks” relied on setup tactics and sheer brawn, as two of them clearly outweighed their opponents, using this advantage to keep the French from playing the ball. At one point there was a check that could be heard, and felt, all the way from the other side of the court. The Canadians won with a lightning quick shot from mid-court after play was resumed following a hotly contested goal by the French team that was overruled by the officials. The goal was scored after playtime had expired – players and spectators didn’t know this because the crowd was so boisterous no one heard the judges, proving we have some great polo fans in Seattle. Many Canadians who traveled down to see the action went nuts and mobbed the Canuck team following the winning goal. A victory celebration soon ensued.

Photo by Darren Dencklau

East Van's "Crazy Canucks" in the driver's seat before the sunset.

This year’s WHBPC will surely go down in history as one of the best polo tournaments on record. Due to Seattleites stepping it up and making sure the 2011 rendition was top-notch, including multiple sponsors and terrific support from the community, I have a feeling the Championships will exponentially grow as more teams and more fans recognize what a truly unique and skillful game bike polo is to play.

A short video clip of the finals can be viewed by clicking here. For more detailed results visit www.whbpc2011.com/results.