Truncated Nitro Circus show draws apology for fans

BMX riders' stunts were performed in bad weather at the Albany Stadium show last Sunday. Photo / Getty

Nitro Circus has officially apologised to Kiwi fans who turned out to their show in Auckland that had to be cut short because of bad weather.

The popular US action sports television series - which features athletes performing extreme stunts on dirt bikes - put on a live show at the QBE Stadium in Albany on Sunday.

Acclaimed as a spectacular show, bad weather forced the team to cut their approximately two-hour routine to a 45-minute gig.

That did not go down well with some Kiwi fans who had paid top dollar and had come from afar to see the act.

Global tour promoter Mike Porra posted a message on the Nitro website and Facebook page apologising to fans and told the Weekend Herald he had responded to each person who had emailed.

Mr Porra said that because organisers decided to go ahead with the show, insurance did not cover them. Therefore, no refunds could be given.

"As you know, we unfortunately had to run with a shorter show in Auckland. We decided to go ahead because the weather forecast from our meteorologist gave us a window to run the show on Sunday and utilising the reserve day the next day was not an option as the forecast was worse.

"The show we ran cut out all the non-action segments such as the introductions at the beginning and long theatrical lead-ins to segments.

"We would like to apologise to those fans who have contacted us expressing disappointment, but also thank the thousands of fans who have thanked the riders for risking their lives in such terrible conditions and still throwing down the biggest tricks in the world."

Mr Porra said the slippery conditions saw the athletes cut out all the non-action segments, including introductions at the beginning and the long lead-in segments usually part of the performance.

Kiwi rider Nick Franklin - who took part in the show - crashed his bike at one point and that was when a decision was made to stop.

"In the end, the vast majority of the tricks and stunts were run - albeit in a shorter and faster format. We thought this was a much better option than leaving Auckland fans with nothing and with no immediate plans to return."

Mr Porra said that of the 62 responses on Facebook to his message, 57 were "overwhelmingly positive and thanked us for putting on a great show and risking our lives instead of giving them nothing".

One fan told the Weekend Herald that she had paid $300 for two adults and two children.

Each child managed to get about 12 autographs and photos with members of the team and they loved it.

But the apology has fallen on some deaf ears as fans who have contacted the Weekend Herald blasted the company for not postponing the show.

Many have called on Nitro to offer a partial refund, as the show they got was not what they had paid for.

Among the disgruntled fans were several families who wrote into the Weekend Herald.

Kath Robertson said she paid $540 for her family and had contacted Ticketmaster and made a formal complaint to Nitro Circus.

"I feel ripped off and would like half my money back," she said.