Leaping motorcyclist and somersaulting trucker break world records in Las
Vegas to welcome in 2009.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA (DECEMBER 31, 2008) SMARAGD -
Thousands of revellers in the U.S. city of Las Vegas were treated to
two motoring world records as they prepared to welcome in the new year.

New Zealander Rhys Millen, 36, succeeded in becoming the first to
back-flip an off-road truck in the air at an exhibition on Wednesday evening
(December 31). Millen approached a specially designed ramp and performed a
record-breaking back-flip before landing off balance, forcing his vehicle to
flip on its side a few times after landing. Rescuers were on the ground but
Millen walked away from his vehicle unharmed.

He initially planned the jump at last year's new year celebrations but
was forced to withdraw then after injuring himself in the final practice
session.

Australian Motocross rider Robbie Maddison, who had already astonished
crowds at last year's event by leaping 98 meters and breaking the record for
the longest jump, prepared to break another record.
Maddison drove his motorcycle at high speed up a near vertical incline
to leap onto the top of the 30-meter high Arc de Triomphe to cheering crowds,
before dropping off the other side onto another ramp below.
The Australian, who injured his left hand in the landing, called the
record his most difficult jump ever.