Dallan Goldman Makes His Mark at King of the Whip

Photo Credit: Charmaine Botes Visser

The South African rider claimed two second-place finishes in the Best Trick competitions and also received the prestigious Ricky Raaff award.

Johannesburg, South Africa (10 November 2026) – South African motocross rider Dallan Goldman gave local fans plenty to celebrate at this year’s King of the Whip, delivering an impressive performance against some of the world’s leading freestyle motocross athletes in Johannesburg.

The 23-year-old was among more than 20 international and local riders who took to the ramps at Montecasino on Saturday, 7 November, for one of Africa’s biggest freestyle motocross competitions.

Goldman secured two podium finishes in the Best Trick events, placing second in the Right Side Up category and third in the Upside Down competition.

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His performance in the Right Side Up contest saw him finish behind Japan’s Genki “Wanky” Watanabe, while Spain’s Edgar Torronteras took third place.

In the Upside Down competition, Japan’s Takayuki “Taka” Higashino claimed top honours, with Belgian Julien Vanstippen finishing second and Goldman rounding out the podium.

Goldman’s achievements were not limited to the competition results. He also received the Ricky Raaff award, which recognises a rider who displays exceptional heart, resilience, determination and a never-give-up attitude throughout the event.

The award honours the late South African motocross champion Ricky Raaff, who tragically lost his life during a regional championship race in July 2025.

Reflecting on the evening, Goldman said he was overwhelmed by the opportunity and the result.

“Honestly, I’m on top of the world right now. I’ve been having some of the roughest times of my life lately and the way I’m feeling right now, I can’t describe it. I’m just so happy and grateful that I got to be here and have this opportunity and wow, I’m speechless.”

The night’s main attraction was the Best Whip final, where riders competed for the coveted King of the Whip title.

Belgium’s Vanstippen ultimately reclaimed the crown for a fourth time, having previously won the competition from 2022 to 2024. American Tom Parsons finished second, while Watanabe claimed third.

The event also produced a memorable moment when Spanish rider Marc Pinyol performed a front flip jump for the first time on African soil, leaving the sold-out crowd at Montecasino in awe.