Benalla's Rob Adelberg in action at the 2024 X Games in California. Photo: X Games.
Fresh off a successful X Games season, where he won gold and silver in the Moto X disciplines at the Chiba and Ventura stops, Rob Adelberg has returned to his home town Benalla, where it all began.
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Now living on the outskirts of Benalla at Lurg, Adelberg's childhood in the City of Roses shaped him as a person and rider in adulthood in all the right ways.
“Whether it was riding at the skate park or on the dirt bikes with Dad, living here gave me all the opportunities I needed to expand my skill set,” Adelberg said.
Since risking it all by leaving school in Year 11 and packing his bags to chase his freestyle dreams, Adelberg’s star has shone brighter every year.
Benalla's Rob Adelberg performed some death-defying stunts as part of his runs at the X Games in Ventura, California. Photo: X Games
First appearing on the X Games tour as a fresh-faced 22-year-old at the 2010 X Games, Adelberg's breakthrough moment was winning silver in the MTX Freestyle category at the 2013 X Games in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil.
There was a three-year gap until his next appearance on the podium, a second at the X Games Austin 2016 event in the same category.
Benalla's Rob Adelberg. Photo: X Games
For a man from Benalla, whose residents are much more used to scorching summers than snow-filled winters, it was the surprising location in Aspen, Colorado, where Adelberg finally stepped on top of the podium after seven years of trying.
On his first run, a spectacular body varial California roll secured gold in the Snow Bike Best Trick category.
Since that night on the freezing Colorado slopes, Adelberg has been a constant top-of-the-table presence in the winter or summer X Games category.
Despite being a 16-time X Games medallist, including victories in Sydney, Aspen, Minneapolis, Southern California and Japan, Adelberg is astonishingly humble.
Crowds watch on as Benalla's Rob Adelberg performs at the X Games in Vantura, California. Photo: X Games
He attributes his success to his support network.
“I would not be at the level I am without my dad’s constant support,’’ Adelberg said.
“He is at my compound almost every day I ride and is there when I try the most dangerous tricks.”
He is also grateful for the support the Benalla community has given him throughout the years.
“I would like to thank everyone in town who takes the time to say hello and show their support.”
A young person is inspired by Benalla's Rob Adelberg, sitting atop their dad's shoulders at the X Games in Ventura, California. Photo: X Games
“It means a lot and I enjoy being back home and seeing familiar faces,” Adelberg said.
His trip back home will only be a brief one.
Adelberg jets off to South Africa for a tour in November and, with his X Games and Freestyle Kings commitments, 2025 is shaping up to be a busy year for the Benalla superstar.
There is also the potential for another Adelberg to be thrilling crowds soon.
“My son has started to show a lot of interest in freestyle motocross, so I'll give him the best opportunity to ride, progress and see where he can take it,” Adelberg said.
