Whitby's Arenacross blackout at Wembley

The final round of the Monster Energy Arenacross Tour takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday February 27, and will see top Brit freestyle motocross ace Dan Whitby launch himself into the unknown as he performs his insane headline stunt of jumping in compete darkness on a bike covered in LEDs. At every one of the 2016 Monster Energy Arenacross shows, he does so with the confidence that, not only are his riding skills beyond question, but his body is at its peak and all he has to concentrate on is ensuring he makes the pitch-black landing safely. This is easier said than done – especially as every venure is different, making this already dangerous stunt even more unpredicatble.

Whitby and his Lings Bolddog team-mates of Samson Eaton and Aaron Powley opened up the world of FMX to the masses a couple of years ago when they got through to the live semis of Britain’s got Talent. According to Whitby, participating in the show and rubbing shoulders with Simon Cowell was something of a nerve-wracking experience, but the whole thing pails into insignificance when he starts to psyche himself up each time he hooks up the battery packs and swings his leg over his LED-clad Honda CRF450. Apart from bespoke K-Tech suspension and a few strategically-placed grab bars and, of course, hundreds of tiny lights, his bike is standard spec.

Not only is he visually impaired for the jump and landing, but the weight of the battery packs, clothing and lights adds a further 15% to his body weight, and restricts his movements. “My fitness is ultra-important to me,” said the softly spoken, yet maniacally focussed Norfolk man. “I can control what goes into my body and so when I’m physically ready it’s almost that I don’t have to worry about anything else. I guess hurling yourself and your motorcycle into the dark in front of thousands of people isn’t on everyone’s bucket list – it’s not on mine either really, but I’m told the fans love it – and it keeps me sharp.”

• The final round of the Monster Energy Arenacross Tour takes place at the SSE Arena Wembley on Saturday February 27. Doors open at 6pm with the main event getting underway from 7pm. Tickets are still available via the Arenacross website, and will be available on the door – but we’d suggest booking in advance to avoid disappointment.