Robbo's Posts - ASRA - Australian Skateboard Racing Association2024-03-29T06:03:57ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Davehttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2192574048?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profiles/blog/feed?user=1xrx2izmju3ay&xn_auth=noOn the road to Almabtrieb IDF world cuptag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2014-07-21:2144162:BlogPost:8234442014-07-21T00:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p>News from the <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/" target="_blank">Basement Skate Blog</a></p>
<p><img class="align-full" src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/banner-1024x366.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></p>
<p>Maga and Rob head to Almabtrieb in search of IDF World Cup glory and find a country already celebrating another world cup. IDF WORLD CUP RACE REPORT</p>
<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/road-almabtrieb-idf-world-cup" target="_blank">On the road to Almabtrieb</a> - Rob McWhinnie</p>
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<h2><em>Which World Cup?</em></h2>
<p><br></br> The…</p>
<p>News from the <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/" target="_blank">Basement Skate Blog</a></p>
<p><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/banner-1024x366.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></p>
<p>Maga and Rob head to Almabtrieb in search of IDF World Cup glory and find a country already celebrating another world cup. IDF WORLD CUP RACE REPORT</p>
<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/road-almabtrieb-idf-world-cup" target="_blank">On the road to Almabtrieb</a> - Rob McWhinnie</p>
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<h2><em>Which World Cup?</em></h2>
<p><br/> The swiss mountains had been covered in rain for a few days, we managed to get a shred in everyday and hit some amazing roads, getting one run in before the cops would be busting the fun. With the soccer world cup featuring <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/Skoa-Steam-7-Precision-trucks/">Germany</a> we headed to deuchland a day earlier then planned to watch the match and party hard in the homeland.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/banner-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/banner-2-1024x443.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>Cam's toe was giving him hell after a recent breakage so he sat out the rain runs, Jakoop had no problems heading straight into standies on the butter pavement.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/tall.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-855" src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/tall-671x1024.jpg" alt="SONY DSC" width="671" height="1024"/></a> <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/banner-ded.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/banner-ded-1024x331.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><iframe width="800" height="400" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/100402447" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/100402447">jakoop</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/robmc">Rob McWhinnie</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<h2><em>The road to Germany</em></h2>
<p><br/> We had woke up with nothing to do but drive a hour into <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/Skoa-Steam-7-Precision-trucks/">Germany</a> and find a camp, on the way we ended up finding over 5 different runs , a gnarly first one found by chance, then we spotted another run on the other side of the hill, then another and on and on, we had found a secret valley on the border of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. I tell you this land is amazing, so many pins its just insane.</p>
<p>On arrival to Almabtrieb, the first of the Euro world cups, we set up early and spent a couple of days drinking beer with our feet in a cold local river, relaxing before the race week. teams and riders started showing up and it wasn't long till the campsite was pumping.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ddd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ddd-1024x574.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<h2><em>World Cup practice </em></h2>
<p><br/> Practice was fun, I tried to remember the <a href="https://vimeo.com/73304474">race pace</a> from last year and attack the course at the same speed, I had some problems with my gear and some dodgy shaky bearings on cast trucks prevented me from concentrating and nailing everything. Jacko sorted me out with some fresh <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/bones-bearing-spacers-8mm-3-sets/">hard wear</a> and the next day I was frothing on railing the track.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/push.jpg"><img class="wp-image-852" src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/push-1024x574.jpg" alt="World Cup - a long start line has some guys pushing to the limit" width="641" height="359"/></a><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/startline.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/startline-1024x382.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/taller.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/taller-800x1024.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>The IDF <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEemNpznoM0">timing system</a> has once again been damaged in transit and has failed on quali day. there's not too many options when this happens and the back up plan was to hold a race to Qualify. Some riders had a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8fYw6F34Ws">bitch</a> to the IDF and led a motion to let the top 16 riders on the hill a free pass to race day and then it voted in.</p>
<p>This was the first time I had seen this system in-placed and I was a bit pissed off, a level playing field for all competitors is what's great about our world cup circuit. 16 top level riders now have more wheels for race day and own their own heat come round one, while everyone else has to burn more wheels and only battle for a highest possible position of 17th. There really should be a more legit system in place for when this kind of thing happens.</p>
<p>If the riders are that good then they have nothing to worry about in a race to qualify, and if they are top level riders theres a good chance they have wheels sponsors to load them up for such events.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/corner2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/corner2-1024x522.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kooks.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kooks-1024x403.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<h2><em>Race to Qualify</em></h2>
<p><br/> Race to qualify was broken up into 3 groups of 5 round robins, my draw was pretty good, ended up with a load of fast <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/kahalani-longboard-skateboard-trucks-184mm/">sweeds</a> and a few <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/aera-trucks-the-answer-k4-gold-annodised/">americans</a>, with an extra day on the hill in race conditions its only been beneficial for myself and I'm feeling more and more confident on the hill every run.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/corner3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/corner3-1024x339.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>Maga had some good runs too, testing every way she can of taking the two big left hander corners, she made a few passes on other girls and picked off the guys who crashed, shes on the hill atm racing in repercharge and i've got my fingers crossed for a safe day for her.</p>
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<p><iframe width="700" height="400" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/100412495" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/100412495">Swiss Alps teaser - Maga</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/robmc">Rob McWhinnie</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p>I managed to man up and win all my heats, <a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/these-wheels-pro-kevin-reimer-stage-1-72mm-78a-longboard-wheels/">These wheels</a> are so grippy and after taking a few runs with the likes of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pjs0dcXwmI">krimes and byron</a> i've nailed the track no slides or foot breaks and did so in all my heats, a personal challenge im stoked got pulled off.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.basementskate.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grom-1024x564.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p>Tomorrow is race day, the heats are going to be stacked and the racing will be fast, I'm down to push it really hard on this track and once again I'm aiming for my first top 8 finish. wish us luck and all the other Aussies out here battling the best in the world.</p>
<p>Rob.</p>This is your chance to be in! BoarderX coming to the massestag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2013-10-11:2144162:BlogPost:8005412013-10-11T06:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
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<div style="text-align: center;">Testing out my over vert lines</div>
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<div><p>The <i>Be the Influence</i> Boarder X is being busted out to the masses. If you want in – and believe me you will want in – then you need to get on your keyboard and smash out a few details.</p>
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<p>There is no charge to race these events and you can sign up to as many event…</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Testing out my over vert lines</div>
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<div><p>The <i>Be the Influence</i> Boarder X is being busted out to the masses. If you want in – and believe me you will want in – then you need to get on your keyboard and smash out a few details.</p>
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<p>There is no charge to race these events and you can sign up to as many event locations as you like. To fast-track riding in the event, fill in the below waiver (note: this does not guarantee a place, it just gets you in the mix).</p>
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<p>Official accreditation occurs the morning before each event and practise runs/expression sessions will also be held at each location – registration closes 30 minutes before the event starts.</p>
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<p>It is compulsory for all riders to wear helmets and we highly recommend elbow and kneepads too –remember this is Boarder X done BIG. Get ready for those 18' roll-in ramps!</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2057475925?profile=original" target="_blank">Download the waiver form</a><span> read and sign. Bring it to the event – NO WAIVER NO PLAY</span></p>
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<div><span class="font-size-3">If you want in on the madness than <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/boarderx-rego" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220443130?profile=original" width="165" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/boarderx-rider-list" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220443207?profile=original" width="165" class="align-full"/></a><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/boarderx-rego" target="_blank"><br/></a></span></strong></span></div>
<p> </p>The Next Level is Here - Boarder-Xtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2013-04-23:2144162:BlogPost:7879632013-04-23T21:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220442866?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></p>
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<p>Boarder-X has been the dream of of just about every longboarder since the beginning of time. We have all seen it half attempted overseas on a number of occasions over the last decade. The problem with boarder-x is its not something you can half do, its one of those events that is either go big or go home. Well ASRA has decided to go big!!!</p>
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<p>This all started many years ago with dreams of hug ramps, massive berms and giant humps. Its the event that…</p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220442866?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></p>
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<p>Boarder-X has been the dream of of just about every longboarder since the beginning of time. We have all seen it half attempted overseas on a number of occasions over the last decade. The problem with boarder-x is its not something you can half do, its one of those events that is either go big or go home. Well ASRA has decided to go big!!!</p>
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<p>This all started many years ago with dreams of hug ramps, massive berms and giant humps. Its the event that everybody wants to see and every kid wants to ride. This was going to be the big box event put in front of the eyes of thousands of people to really showcase how exciting the hybrid battle of skateboarding could be. For the last 18 months Travis Horsfall, Ben Perry and myself have been working in a dark room creating, negotiating and building this dream. Over thousands of man hours we have been designing and planning a national Boarder-X series, we have been negotiating with all levels of government and cutting partnership deals across many industries to bring the potential of boarder-x to a level not seen and not done in the world.</p>
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<p>The idea of a boarder-x battle began over a quite of beer at the Erko hotel. The back of a beer coaster was where the idea of battle formats began. The trial was a snake run event in Dulwitch hill, We thought how can we bring the excitement of boarder-x battle to a small ditch slalom event, the result was the ASRA Twisted Jam format. This took the notion of the jam to a new level and created man on man elimination battles to what was a simple one run kind of event. It began with bringing the battle back to slalom. The idea was to create formats that allowed you to take on a fellow rider eye to eye, to eliminate your combatant and to move on to victory. It seemed appropriate to call this event the Shakedown. After watching endless street and bowl events over the years we thought after seeing a version of figure skating formats be the order of the day we decided to create a ramp event that could instill that same will for battle. What the punter needed to see was a clear cut victory, we wanted to see the tragedy on a riders face when they got eliminated and the victory on the other competitors as they knew they just took it to the next level. Out of this mayhem we came up with the ASRA Battle Jam format and after two events at Hopkin Skate we evolved the name to the Shakedown Takedown.</p>
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<p>It seems only fitting that the idea of the skating battle that started on the back of a beer coaster and a small ditch event should take on the name of this legendary battle and be called the Shakedown Series. This is boarder-X on the big scale the kind of event that has never been done to this level in the world. Welcome to the National Boarder-X Shakedown Series. The shakedown will be 4 events in 4 weeks starting in Circular Quay in Sydney than moving up to Merewether beach in Newcastle followed by Brisbane City and finally finishing in Melbourne.</p>
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<p>ASRA has partnered up with the <span style="font-size: 9pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Australian National Preventive Health Agency’s - Be the Influence campaign</i></span> to undertake this massive set of events. Why would we do that? There are a lot of things that skating does to the benefit of society as a whole. It is a truly healthy activity with a huge numbers of participants. It is a sport that a generation that has grown up on facebook and computer games understands because it breaks the mold. For the youth of today this is the new mainstream, an urban culture of individuality. Why does this matter? It means that skating can cut through with a message that Australian youth understands and takes notice of. The message we want to push is about responsible drinking. We don't want to tell people not to drink, god knows we all like a drink ourselves. We do however want to influence people about what it means to take it too far. Every skater out there knows there is a lot of fun to be had in taking it to the extreme, but you only have so many lives, so don't waste them vomiting on yourself in front of your girlfriends parents. Make sure you use those lives doing something awesome and dangerous, something you will remember for the right reasons. So its time to be the influence!</p>
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<p>Over the next 6 months we will be scouring the country for riders who think they have what it takes. Start practicing now, we want the best freeriders and racers in the country to show us what they've got. This is your chance to skate in front of thousands of people in a true battle that only the '<em>Be The Influence</em>' Boarder-X Shakedown Series can bring. This could be the most fun you ever have on a skateboard so get ready for the Shakedown!!!</p>
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<p>To celebrate this awesome achievement the Sector 9 Downhill Division team will be holding a ramp jam at the HopShop. If you want to be part of the launch and meet some of the big Pros from one of the most envied teams in downhill skateboarding than be at Hopkin Skate from 5pm this Friday 26th for the launch of the National Shakedown Series</p>
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<p>For information about how to <em>be the influence</em> drop everything and point your browser at <span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://www.tacklingbingedrinking.gov.au" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.tacklingbingedrinking.gov.au</a></span></p>
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<p>Or get on the Face and spread the word</p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalbingedrinkingcampaign" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/nationalbingedrinkingcampaign</a></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></p>The Serious Business of Organizing Eventstag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2013-03-12:2144162:BlogPost:7850692013-03-12T21:58:58.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p>Taken from The IDF website</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410093681?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></p>
<p>There are many reasons why the IDF came about. For years we wanted a real and legitimately accountable structure, we wanted to end the one man show, we want to bring economies of scale to our sport and direct funding to our riders and our events. We wanted to raise the professionalism for our members and utilize the skills that permeate across our sport but that have been under utilized for years. Some of these things we have succeeded at…</p>
<p>Taken from The IDF website</p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410093681?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></p>
<p>There are many reasons why the IDF came about. For years we wanted a real and legitimately accountable structure, we wanted to end the one man show, we want to bring economies of scale to our sport and direct funding to our riders and our events. We wanted to raise the professionalism for our members and utilize the skills that permeate across our sport but that have been under utilized for years. Some of these things we have succeeded at and some things are a work in progress but one of the really core reasons behind the IDF was to make better events. Nobody has a magic wand but over time and with the right stewardship, structure and support, this is the core goal of the IDF. Better events means a better deal for the riders (our members). Better event means looking for better hills, tracks never raced before, and tracks everybody wants to race again. In the future this will mean brand new events, new hills, new locations and importantly new event organizers.</p>
<p>Putting on a major downhill event is serious business, its not something you learn overnight but if an event organizer is serious about getting it right and getting it right the first time than the IDF is here to support you. Some of these events run under the IDF banner and some don't which is irrelevant to us as the goal stays the same. We have spent some serious time on this <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410094801?profile=original" target="_self">Event Guide</a> to give those aspiring to bring better events and a better future for our sport a basic set of guidelines and structure that follows the best practice of event organizers around the world. The <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410094801?profile=original" target="_self">IDF Event Guide</a> is a foundation document but it is a fluid document that will be constantly revised</p>
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<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410094779?profile=original" width="750"/></p>
<p>We are releasing this document now to give event organizers across the world some guidance and support in putting on the best downhill events they can. No matter what teams colors you fly better events mean a better deal for riders, and riders are the core members of the IDF. The IDF is a very accountable body, if an event does not go to plan it would be something we would acknowledge, its something we take very seriously, not to lay blame but with the view towards constant improvement. We certainly don't run every event we sanction but we will be there to provide as much support as we can. We don't do this just in words we do this in deeds, and we will always spread the knowledge and utilize the skills inherent in the people that give up so much of their free time to work for the IDF and the members both riders and event organizers that make up the International Downhill Federation.</p>
<p>So please share this document around, offer suggestions on ways you think great events should be run and remember to join the <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/group/event-organisers" target="_blank">event organizers group</a> so we can collaborate on and breed the next generation of great events. These people need support because this thankless but immensely fulfilling task is one of the most critical elements for the IDF to foster and for the downhill community to thrive.</p>
<p>You can download the IDF Event manual here:</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410094801?profile=original">IDF Event Manual v6</a></p>The World is Watching... IDF World Cup Tour 2013tag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2013-03-01:2144162:BlogPost:7829192013-03-01T06:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441447?profile=original" width="750"></img></p>
<p>The world is watching and its time to deliver. Welcome to the IDF World Tour - the greatest show of downhill skateboarding ever seen. This year we will have eight of the best World Cup race tracks ever ridden to showcase the best talent across the planet. Immersed in that will be a series of WQS events in Europe, North America and South America that will be the stepping stone to world cup glory and form the foundation of the 2013 IDF World Tour</p>
<p>The IDF World Tour…</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441447?profile=original" width="750"/></p>
<p>The world is watching and its time to deliver. Welcome to the IDF World Tour - the greatest show of downhill skateboarding ever seen. This year we will have eight of the best World Cup race tracks ever ridden to showcase the best talent across the planet. Immersed in that will be a series of WQS events in Europe, North America and South America that will be the stepping stone to world cup glory and form the foundation of the 2013 IDF World Tour</p>
<p>The IDF World Tour will begin down under at the world famous <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/newton-s-nation-1" target="_blank">Mt. Panorama race track in Australia</a>. As most of the you would be aware this is one of the most intense riding experiences on the planet with speeds regularly exceeding 100 km/h with super tight racing and danger at every turn. Every minute of the event will be broadcast via live video stream across the world as you watch competitors battling it out for prize money and the chance to lead the IDF World Tour.</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410094560?profile=original" width="750"/></p>
<p>The tour will than leave sunny Australia for the spiritual home of skateboarding, California. The IDF is extremely happy to partner with the guys at Sector 9 to bring a world class downhill event to a place that should never have been without one. Welcome to <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/angie-s-curves" target="_blank">Angie's Curves</a> in Pala, SoCal. A highly technical balls to the wall ride against a SoCal scene that has been starved for world cup racing. You will not want to miss this race!</p>
<p>The traveling mayhem that is the IDF World Tour then travels up the west coast of the USA until it reaches Washington State for the world renowned <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/maryhill-festival-of-speed-1" target="_blank">Maryhill Festival of Speed</a>. This has been the flagship event for top level US racing for a number of years and 2013 will be no different. You'll see the best of the best fighting for glory during five days of racing with riders trying to create their own piece of history on the famous Maryhill Loops Road.</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410092534?profile=original"/></p>
<p>How could we have a World Tour without an event in Canada? The Canadian race scene is possibly the toughest place to conquer in the world. Years of gritty street and outlaw racing have honed a longboard scene with some of the toughest and most competitive riders around. The rest of the world will leave Washington State for Canada, when the IDF tour jumps the border fence, runs from the law, and avoids giant moose to get a piece of world cup glory at the <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/whistler-longboard-festival-dh" target="_blank">Whistler Longboard Festival</a>. This will be a new level of awesome with a week of skate events to tie into the main IDF World Cup event at the former Winter Olympics venue.</p>
<p><img src="http://whistlerlongboard.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/WLF2013-OPen-Podium-Copy--710x300-crop.jpg"/></p>
<p>And so begins the great European adventure.... The tour will cross the Atlantic with competitors freeriding hills all over Europe before it slams head-on at <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/kozakov-challenge" target="_blank">Kosakov</a> in the Czech Republic for a high speed thrill ride on a World Cup track that could only be described as fast and deadly. This track is as gnarly as it gets; super high-speed and highly technical. As usual there will be an enormous party on top of the hill which seems customary to the Czech experience. It is truly one of those events gifting the winner a legendary badge of honor that demands respect across the world.</p>
<p>And so it was written...<a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/peyragudes-never-dies" target="_blank">Peyragudes Never Dies</a>. The IDF World Tour moves to the Pyrenees in France in the alpine station of Peyragudes. Maybe the wine and cheese taste better at altitude - something we will leave you to judge; what is not in doubt is the caliber of this World Cup event. The French races have always been some of the better-run races and this years Peyragudes will be no different. Riders will explode out from the alpine village start line and onto the big fast high speed cornering track that this mountain is known for. The best of Europe will face off against the best of the world to plunder this picturesque mountainside to determine who is the king of Europe.</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410096530?profile=original" width="750"/></p>
<p>After a hectic European race leg the IDF tour will travel south of the equator and halfway across the world to the bubbling capital of Columbia - Bogota, for the <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/festival-de-la-bajada" target="_blank">Festival de la Bajada</a>. This World Cup event will showcase the best South American and worldwide talent to the rest of the world as they battle for supremacy on the tight Bogota track. At 2600 m and with a bustling city of 9 million the oxygen around Bogota will be thin on the ground but the racing will be tight and the festive atmosphere will be ripe for a sensational example of South American downhill racing at its best. The Festival de la Bajada track is very tight and technical with lots of corners giving the spectators a close up view of the best riders in the world.</p>
<p>For the final World Cup round we will cross the continent and head toward Santa Luzia, Brazil for the <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/events/mega-grand-prix" target="_blank">Mega Grand Prix</a>. This mountain top race track seems as though it was built for downhill skateboard racing; a super fast and smooth track with some wicked big hairpins. Like everything Brazilian it will be a festival of downhill on what is a superb track and the whole world will be watching and be on the edge of their seats via a live video stream to see who will be crowned the 2013 IDF World Champion.</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410097631?profile=original" width="750"/></p>
<p>This year will truly be one for the history books as the International Downhill Federation bring the most exciting riders to the best tracks in the world. With our new transponder timing system we will consign the long wait to history and give you the World Tour you have always wished for. Top riders, top tracks, great events - This is World Cup Racing and this is the IDF World Tour!</p>The Greatest Show on Earth Beginstag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2013-02-02:2144162:BlogPost:7787622013-02-02T01:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410092592?profile=original" width="750"></img></p>
<p align="justify">Its that time again...The Newton's show is on the road. Over the years we have had a great time at the world famous Mt Panorama track but after lots of consideration we have decided to make this the last ever Newton's event. If you want the chance to ride this track in your lifetime than this is your time. Priority registration begins on February 16 for your chance to race and win against the world's best on the world's most intense race track.…</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410092592?profile=original" width="750"/></p>
<p align="justify">Its that time again...The Newton's show is on the road. Over the years we have had a great time at the world famous Mt Panorama track but after lots of consideration we have decided to make this the last ever Newton's event. If you want the chance to ride this track in your lifetime than this is your time. Priority registration begins on February 16 for your chance to race and win against the world's best on the world's most intense race track. <a href="http://www.internationaldownhillfederation.org/page/newton-s-nation-priority-list" target="_blank">View Priority List</a></p>
<p align="justify">The International Downhill Federation Directors have been selling hotdogs every weekend and raided their kids college funds to dig deep and invest in an RFID timing system from Tag Heuer, this is a big and expensive asset now owned solely by the members of the IDF. This new system will propel the level of timing professionalism beyond almost all sports with the aim of bringing it to the riders and IDF members that have supported a new member based federation that will take our sport to the next level. What does this mean? more runs on the hill, new tactics for qualifying and every bodies pet hate of the past - no standing around! Unbelievably the dedicated guys at the IDF are bringing this to the table in year one so I applaud the IDF on that. This new RFID system will be trialed at the world famous Newton's track and the IDF have entrusted the guys at ASRA to run it through its paces.</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410094692?profile=original" width="750"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="justify">This year's Newton's Nation event will be live streamed across the world for the full 3 days of the event so nobody will miss a minute of the show. We will be bringing the big man BRICIN STRIKER LIONS out again for another tour of Oz so once again the fans all over the world will be able to call in to the telecast and join in the action. If your bucket list includes 'internet TV star' than you need to get registered.</p>
<p>If you missed last years race you can watch all of the action from qualifying through the triple tree into the Top 10 Shootout and all of the finals by dialing into the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bnAFEQhQcY&list=PL7535F3D7158DBF34" target="_blank">Hopkin Skate YouTube channel</a> where you can see every second of every race.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bnAFEQhQcY&list=PL7535F3D7158DBF34"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/410095571?profile=original" width="748"/></a></p>
<p align="justify">With the new International structure providing a great new set of draft rules for 2013 ASRA can finally do the racing formats we have worked years to perfect this means we can drop the triple tree and the old repecharge and add some elements of round robin points racing to give riders more races and better balanced heats and with the addition of RFID timing every rider will have a serious case of the jelly legs from having so many runs on the Mt Panorama track.</p>
<p align="justify">With this being the only World Cup race in Oz this year and the last chance ever to ride the Mt Panorama track the max rider limit of 150 riders will sellout fast! For your chance to ride this great hill, win some big cash, and lead the inaugural IDF World Tour Rankings for 2013 make sure you have your IDF membership in order and are ready to point your internet browser in the direction of Newton's Nation on the 16th February.</p>
<p align="justify">Like all IDF World Cup events Newton's will be a member only event so get your house in order, dig some loose change out of the couch and join the revolution!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>New Future for Downhill Skateboardingtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2012-10-29:2144162:BlogPost:7685212012-10-29T11:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220442405?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"></img></p>
<p>Welcome to the new future of downhill skateboarding. Over the last five years ASRA has run both World Cup and World Championship downhill events under the banner of the IGSA. While we have had many successes in this relationship we have also had many struggles in the way we believe the international scene should be headed.</p>
<p>At this time and with the growth in our sport, ASRA needs to affiliate with a group that is more closely aligned with the democratic and…</p>
<p><img width="500" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220442405?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="500"/></p>
<p>Welcome to the new future of downhill skateboarding. Over the last five years ASRA has run both World Cup and World Championship downhill events under the banner of the IGSA. While we have had many successes in this relationship we have also had many struggles in the way we believe the international scene should be headed.</p>
<p>At this time and with the growth in our sport, ASRA needs to affiliate with a group that is more closely aligned with the democratic and accountability structures of a real international sporting association. We could no longer adhere to an international company that had complete control over our sport without any accountability to its stakeholders. Without our voices being heard we continued to battle from the inside to reform and modernize a body that refused to change. This has made it very difficult and very expensive for us to give our sport the dynamic and exciting future it deserves. Considering ASRA has had so much skin in the game over the last five years we felt it imperative that Australian voices are heard at the board level of a legitimate internationally elected body - a federation more closely aligned with the structure and principles that govern ASRA. The Australian Skateboard Racing Association has now aligned with a new international structure under the banner of the International Downhill Federation (IDF).<br/> <br/> We have come to a stage in our sports development where ASRA believes our sport at an international level must become more rider focused. It must support and give voice to event organisers, and it must be fully accountable and transparent both in decision making and financially. This new structure will create a body elected by its members, a legitimate association that responds to its stakeholders and gives voice to its riders. This will not be a one-man show, but a body elected by the riders, event organisers and other stakeholders that have put so much into this sport. It will promote events that can stand on their own two feet and support new growth in our sport. It will be a body looking to innovate, respond, and change to develop our sport into the exciting product we all know it is. With this ASRA has joined with the IDF to take World Cup racing to a new level.<br/> <br/> Australia's two World Cup events at Mt Keira and Bathurst will now move to this new structure and form a core part of the 2013 World Cup circuit under the IDF. We are super excited about the future of Downhill Skateboarding both in Australia and internationally and believe the IDF is the positive next stage to the sports development.<br/> <br/> There are many more details to be worked out but I can promise you this; ASRA with the IDF are working hard to take downhill skateboarding to a new level of growth and accountability internationally and we look forward to an awesome year of racing in 2013</p>Jack's Attacktag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2012-10-10:2144162:BlogPost:7638632012-10-10T02:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441916?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Welcome to the West Coasts first ever sanctioned downhill event. On the 24th of November the best of the West will face off against the best of everywhere else to take the <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/events/jack-s-attack-downhill-challenge-2012" target="_blank">Jack's Attack title</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The showdown will happen at Barbagallo Raceway on Jack's Hillclimb Track and will hopefully be the first of many big-time West Australian Downhill…</p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441916?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Welcome to the West Coasts first ever sanctioned downhill event. On the 24th of November the best of the West will face off against the best of everywhere else to take the <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/events/jack-s-attack-downhill-challenge-2012" target="_blank">Jack's Attack title</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The showdown will happen at Barbagallo Raceway on Jack's Hillclimb Track and will hopefully be the first of many big-time West Australian Downhill events</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/events/jack-s-attack-downhill-challenge-2012" target="_blank">Jack's Attack Downhill Challenge</a> will be a full blown sanctioned event so what the F*#k does that mean?</p>
<ul>
<li>No cops to blow it out!</li>
<li>No pissing behind trees</li>
<li>More time on the hill</li>
<li>A safe track to settle old scores</li>
<li>More event photos and videos than you could poke a longboard at</li>
<li>Double ASRA Ranking points</li>
</ul>
<p> <br/> Registration spots are strictly limited to 64 riders so if you miss out it will be a year before you get another chance.<br/>
<strong><a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/events/jack-s-attack-downhill-challenge-2012" target="_blank">Priority Registration</a></strong> starts today October 10th and will run for 1 week. If your a lucky bastard and you have a <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/asra-downhill-rankings" target="_blank">Top 20 ASRA Open Downhill Ranking</a> or you are in the <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/asra-downhill-grom-rankings" target="_blank">Top 10 of the ASRA Grom Rankings</a> you can register right now! If you are not one of these people you will need to wait until Open registration begins on the 17th of October.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/events/jack-s-attack-downhill-challenge-2012" target="_blank">Open Registration</a></strong> will begin on Wed, October 17th at 6pm (WST) 9pm (AEST). Open Registration will close Nov 17th or when rider list is full, whichever comes first.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>BIG SHOUT OUT TO OUR SPONSORS:</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>ASRA - The best skate association in the world<br/> Momentum - The best skate shop in the west<br/>
FP Boards - The lightest boards on the planet<br/>
Lost Out West<br/>
Stand fast Down Hill</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information see the <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/events/jack-s-attack-downhill-challenge-2012" target="_self">Jack's Attack Event Page</a></p>
<p>or contact: <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/ScottBouyer" target="_blank">Scott Bouyer</a> - <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/IanMcGlynn759?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_blank">Ian McGlynn</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Australian IGSA World Cup Seriestag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2012-02-01:2144162:BlogPost:6987652012-02-01T02:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/world_cup_series" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432874?profile=original" width="750"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Welcome to the richest leg of downhill racing the world has ever seen. During 10 days in April the worlds best will converge on Australian shores for the start of the IGSA World Tour. Riders from North America, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia will face off against the best riders in Australia for $30,000 in cash and the…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/world_cup_series"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432874?profile=original" width="750"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Welcome to the richest leg of downhill racing the world has ever seen. During 10 days in April the worlds best will converge on Australian shores for the start of the IGSA World Tour. Riders from North America, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia will face off against the best riders in Australia for $30,000 in cash and the title of worlds best.<br/> <br/> It will be 10 days to examine the soul of a rider and determine if they can come out on top and take the title and the big dollars, or crash in a heap.<br/> <br/> Welcome to the Australian World Cup leg, the richest, the biggest, and the craziest show on earth.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">For more information visit the <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/world_cup_series" target="_blank">event page</a> or contact</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Haggy Strom: haggy@skateboardracing.org.au</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">Dave Robbo: dave@skateboardracing.org.au</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3">For information about Newton's Festival ticketing visit the <a href="http://newtonsnation.com.au/" target="_blank">festival website</a><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></p>Bombin the Lighthousetag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2011-09-13:2144162:BlogPost:6317672011-09-13T20:50:54.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p>Taken from the <a href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/blog/" target="_blank">Hopkin Skate Blog</a></p>
<p>Words By <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/RobMcwhinnie" target="_blank">Rob McWhinnie</a></p>
<p><img class="alignnone" height="541" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6139523078_849aa8ddef_o.jpg" title="bombin lighthouse" width="600"></img></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The road trip has begun!</p>
<p>After working for 3 months, out injured for 7, Maga and I have hit the road from Byron and we’re off to Sydney. From there it is back to Peru and South America at the end of October.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" height="900" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6138973063_c799085169_o.jpg" title="bombin the lighthouse" width="600"></img></p>
<p>On the 8th,…</p>
<p>Taken from the <a href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/blog/" target="_blank">Hopkin Skate Blog</a></p>
<p>Words By <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/RobMcwhinnie" target="_blank">Rob McWhinnie</a></p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="bombin lighthouse" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6139523078_849aa8ddef_o.jpg" height="541" width="600"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The road trip has begun!</p>
<p>After working for 3 months, out injured for 7, Maga and I have hit the road from Byron and we’re off to Sydney. From there it is back to Peru and South America at the end of October.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="bombin the lighthouse" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6138973063_c799085169_o.jpg" height="900" width="600"/></p>
<p>On the 8th, I held a Cannonball race down the iconic road from Byron Bay lighthouse. <a title="Bombin the lighthouse" href="../../events/bomb-the-lighthouse">Bombin the Lighthouse</a> was the first time for a lot of the crew to skate the hill, scattered with atomic size pot holes and rough craters it was gnarly and unpredictable. Eleven riders made the accent and we all made it down reasonably safely, the finish line was off in the distance at the main skateboard hangout: The Wreck.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="rough roads" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6138973127_b04c6e2085_o.jpg" height="531" width="600"/></p>
<p>Stoked on another rad event and stoked I took the win at my first race in ages, it was a battle the whole way but fresh wheels and bearings took me to the line with time to skol a beer. Young Ash coffin’d down the steep section and Austin, Matias bomb’d hard, Jon stayed in the game but got swamped at the end. We kicked off a party and all the local skater kids turned up for sunset dancing and a grom bomb.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="view from byron lighthouse" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6138973187_4863a8ba5d_o.jpg" height="400" width="600"/></p>
<p><img class="alignnone" title="party at the wreck" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6139523344_81d861c0de_o.jpg" height="400" width="600"/></p>
<p>So after half a year, 5 events, a shit load of movies, and a whole lot of fun in Byron Bay; Maga and I are heading back to Sydney to hit the streets and terrorize the Hopshop for a while. Gonna ride bomb squad (you have been warned) and get down to Kiera for some mellow riding with boys before flying out.</p>
<p>photos credits: Common Ground, Flavio Bhiel, Matias, Natalia Spain</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 620px;"><img title="Bombin the lighthouse 2011" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6139523038_6b050d6fb9_o.jpg" height="415" width="620"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bombin the Lighthouse 2011</p>
</div>Kiss of the Hilltag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2011-07-03:2144162:BlogPost:5307002011-07-03T10:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="align-full" height="426" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628089?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="737"></img> Tiia (right) riding the race line with Mel</p>
<br></br>
<p><span class="font-size-4">It all began when... <span class="font-size-2">(words of Maga)</span><br></br></span></p>
<p> </p>
<a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/RobMcwhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList" target="_blank">Robby</a> and I moved to Byron at the start of the year and 5 Months ago I started a group of skateboarder-girls called The…
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="737" height="426" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628089?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/>Tiia (right) riding the race line with Mel</p>
<br/>
<p><span class="font-size-4">It all began when... <span class="font-size-2">(words of Maga)</span><br/></span></p>
<p> </p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/RobMcwhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Robby</a> and I moved to Byron at the start of the year and 5 Months ago I started a group of skateboarder-girls called The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/byronchickybabebombsquad">Byron Chicky Babe Bomb Squad</a>. First we were friends skating local carparks and hills in our local town, each with such unique and different style. Since then we've got more girls joining us and leaving their short boards for real and faster longboards.<br/>
<p> </p>
<p>I’ve always been fascinated about the different way of each girl to skate their longboard and since the beginning we've always been learning from each other. So I decided to give them their first downhill skate trip experience, taking them to a 3km long hill with more than 20 curves.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some months ago, I was in a comp up in Brisbane I met this great skateboarder chick Rat, she gave me great tips to improve my style and recommended me an amazing hill to take my crew for a real first contact with speed, adrenaline and long hills: Hill Climb in Noosa.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="368" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079162284?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="368" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079162284?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Phoebe, Maga and Lea Getting some morning sun at Noosa</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I invited all the local crew, friends from Sydney and Gold Coast including <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/sydneygirlscrew">Sydney Girl Crew</a> and a good friend of mine <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/LeaRobbo?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Lea Robbo</a>. Everyone was so excited and counting each day until the trip with some training.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/RobMcwhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Robby</a> like always, helped me organizing posters, hotel, sponsors, support, media and transportation .</p>
<p>The day came and all the girls were frothing to depart into our first skate trip as a crew "only girl skate"....our first kiss to do some downhill in a real mountain together and shred it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And so we did. And it became an amazing adventure it joined us closer. It shows our community is like a big family and gave each of us great experience and an eternal smile with just remembered it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="491" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627318?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627318?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Mel showing the smile of a RAD day of skating</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">So the trip was on... <span class="font-size-2">(words of Robdog)</span><br/></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well First Kiss was not only the first time id been on a road trip with girls but the first in Australia with 12 female riders, Holy Sh*t that’s whole lot of girls, I had no idea what it would be like, we thought that the more fun we have the better the trip will be, it turned out to be an absolute cracker.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433794?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433794?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>Rob McWinnie at the Byron Skate House explaining how he is gonna wake me up at 5am.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Leaving early Wednesday morning <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Robbo</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/LeaRobbo?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Lea</a> from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/">HopShop</a> helped me pack the van with well over 20 boards, all had been dropped off the night before for some Rob-tec downhill tuning, we made it down to the Bayleaf Cafe and found all the girls already waiting, it was so obvious none of them had got any sleep due to their stoke eyes, all of them keen as mustard even as it bucketed down rain.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220434643?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220434643?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>Somehow Frenchy (Bryan) got himself in this car. Kaidee and Tiia obviously planning their race lines in the front</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First stop was gateway 5 in brizzy to meet and greet the crew and have a slide in the carpark, it was still raining and the idea of beating the weather up there was slim, until <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/AshleyArmitage?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Ash Gromatage</a> gave us the weather report from the hill, " clear skies and warm, ready to shred" Noosa was by far the biggest hill all of the girls had skated except for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/LeaRobbo?xg_source=profiles_memberList">lea</a> and Mullet who did a few Oslo Races coming out on top, the stoke was starting to build as we got closer to the Hillclimb, the weather had cleared up and it was warm and awesome.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="406" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627185?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="406" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627185?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Groms will do anything to get on the hill with the girls</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When we arrived at the summit the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/byronchickybabebombsquad">chicky babes</a> where greeted by 10+ grommets and guys all dressed in skanky hilarious dresses and make up, hoping that this stunt might get them a ride on the hill with the pretty and stunning <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/byronchickybabebombsquad">chicky babes</a>, they were right, it was so funny and really helped to break the tension and nerve of the less experienced girls, god it looked funny, Mike English took the cake for dirtiest skank dressed up, I felt sorry for the guy giving him bum draft.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435307?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435307?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>Phoebe and Kaidee geared up and ready</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>All the girls suited up in helmets, pads, gloves and duck tape thanks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Robbo</a> and Hop for bring heaps of spare gear for the girls and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.earlyskateboards.com/newsite/">Early</a> for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.earlyskateboards.com/newsite/products/protectives.html">RAD pads</a>, frothing to have a ride we organized a buddy system for the girls to ride in until comfortable, 1 guy and 2 girls would go at a time and they where coached down the track, thanks all the Gympie boys and locals for helping out, the girls said you all did an amazing job.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="475" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628280?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="475" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628280?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Natalia dialing her tuck in and showing us all why guys love looking at girls skating.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As the girls came rolling in the stoke was off the chart, I had to sit this trip out still with injuries hey, but just the flow of emotion and stoke was wearing off on me and I had an amazing time just feeding off the girls, my wife <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/MagaBarrientosMcWhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Maga</a> has blown me away lately, skating so convincingly and passionately, I’ve never been so proud of her, she has the need for speed now and I couldn’t be happier.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a width="737" height="368" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079161958?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"></a><a width="737" height="454" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628205?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="454" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628205?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Like all the girls a bit of rain was not gonna stop Mel smashing the hill</p>
<p> </p>
<p> Apparently <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/MagaBarrientosMcWhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Maga</a>, Tiia, Mel and Kate really took a liking to the hill and made the run no footbreak and mostly tucking, even over the wet patches and debris after only a few runs, yeeeww.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The girls follow each other and trust each other when on the hill, when one tucks they all tuck, when one breaks or rails they all go, the footage looks amazing huh.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435460?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435460?profile=original" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>The main pack, Maga, Kate, Tiia and Mel loooking for the fast line</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After a massive day traveling and skating we hit the hotel and organized dinner, Kate hit up a local and found a cheap Thai place, we fed all 20 of us for 10 bucks each, then we converged on the conference room in the hotel, hooked up the lap tops and watched some of the days footage a big screen, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Robbo</a> ran an impromptu Raffle, everyone got like 5 tickets and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Robbo</a> opened up his skate bag and started drawing, the girls and grom where so stoked, they didn’t quiet know what a titanium ceramic water proof bearing was but they liked it anyway, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/">Hopkin Racing</a> shirts were like gold being snapped up too.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="368" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079162863?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="368" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079162863?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Lea Robbo and Maga, taking in the morning Noosa sun</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The second day started with a beach trip and then to the hill, it had been raining and whole run was soaked, but <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/MagaBarrientosMcWhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Maga</a> lead the way like mother goose and all the girls geared up and bombed, OMG if I thought they had calmed down after the initial runs I was wrong, every run resulted in hugs and kisses at the bottom, was so cool to see the girls connecting on hill on their longboards like they could never before.</p>
<p> </p>
<a width="737" height="368" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079161958?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="368" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079161958?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a> The stoke that only girls can do at the end of a run<br/>
<p> </p>
<p>we got heaps of filming down and the riding just got quicker and cleaner, soon we would be packing the car heading home via gateway 5 for a sunset session, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/LeaRobbo?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Lea</a> dominated the session riding like a bomb, was stoked to see how aggressive and close she was to the boys. Yewww</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="427" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627402?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="427" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627402?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Pat and Flavio getting a well earned run in at the Gateway</p>
<p> </p>
<p>it was an amazing trip like no other, all the girls did me so proud, Tiia was smooth, Mel was fast, Kate was riding all of the hill, Pheebs was sliding, Natalia was improving every run, Tilly was styling, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/MagaBarrientosMcWhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Maga</a> was shredding, Kaydee was going hard, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/LeaRobbo?xg_source=profiles_memberList">lea</a> was dominating and showing her all round raddness, Lyn was looking good and bombin</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435839?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435839?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>Lea getting her slide on</p>
<p> </p>
Great weekend and heaps of girls shredding, thanks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/">HOPKIN</a> for all the spare gear and helping build this amazing crew of female skaters, same to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.earlyskateboards.com/newsite/">Early skateboards</a> thanks for training the girls down the hill, driving them to the top, spare gear and filming. Thanks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/PatrickGuyRogerHurel?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Pat</a> and Frenchy for keeping the girls stoked and Ash for being a RAD grom<br/>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font-size-4">The Outsider...<span class="font-size-1"> (Lea's words)</span><br/></span></p>
<p>I was not sure what to expect from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/group/byronchickybabebombsquad">Byron Chicki Babes</a> when I arrived for two days of riding on the Noosa Hill Climb track. I’ve known <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/MagaBarrientosMcWhinnie?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Maga McWhinnie</a> for a bunch of years, but I’d never met or skated with the rest. For most of these ladies this was to be their first downhill experience. And gleefully they lapped it up!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="516" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628268?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="516" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628268?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Maga, the inspiration of the Byron girls leads them down the hill</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A lovely thing about these girls is they have style and they have guts. Over the two days I was struck by the individual manner of each girl, in character and in skating. They showed some skill in dancing and sliding, but this event added to that a taste for speed. In spite of the wet track they ALL still skated. Many appeared at the bottom drenched and covered in dirt and grit from stacks, but with a massive smile, totally stoked!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a width="737" height="417" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628155?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="417" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118628155?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Phoebe shredding it up for the afternoon slide session</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As an outsider, I felt privileged to be able to skate a beautiful hill with these ladies. More than this, I felt amped on the vibe of girls learning totally rad stuff from each other and sharing skills and encouragement in a way that women do well. Events like this make me feel excited about the ladies scene here in Oz. Look out boys, this year we’re on the rise!</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435839?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a width="737" height="458" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627919?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="458" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118627919?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a>Natalia getting in 1 last run at the Gateway</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220436211?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220436211?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X7-vzlTFK3M" width="725" frameborder="0" height="442"></iframe>
<br/><br/> Video by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/flaviobiehl?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Flavio Biehl</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.earlyskateboards.com/newsite/">Early Skateboards</a>Ben Hay Continues Winning Run at MOTH IIItag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2011-02-01:2144162:BlogPost:3127312011-02-01T13:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p><img class="align-full" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118561353?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="737"></img></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">NSW rider Ben Hay has continued his recent dominance of the Australian domestic racing scene with a commanding performance to take out the the 3rd Master Of The Hill event. In a highly fancied field he led from start to finish beating QLD rider Corey Leeson who was in a tight battle for second with Jackson Shapeira. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"> …</p>
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<p><img width="737" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118561353?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">NSW rider Ben Hay has continued his recent dominance of the Australian domestic racing scene with a commanding performance to take out the the 3rd Master Of The Hill event. In a highly fancied field he led from start to finish beating QLD rider Corey Leeson who was in a tight battle for second with Jackson Shapeira. </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="737" height="491" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118562747?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118562747?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The ASRA crew arrived at the Pump Station at 830am to find the hill already packed full of riders. When registration opened at 8:45am a line formed not seen since the food rationing of the 1930s. With a rider cap of 80, competitors anxiously lined up not knowing if they would make the final list with the event promptly selling out by 930am.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="737" height="287" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118555682?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="287" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118555682?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">After a brief rider meeting competitors headed to the top of the hill for qualifying. Luca Coleman and Steve Daddow led out the early pace with times of 46.25 and 46.64 respectively before Canadian international Tony Graves shrugged off his recent injury by setting a the top time of 45.411. With seconds rapidly coming off the clock NSW rider Ben Hay immediately rose to the challenge and threw down a blistering run taking top spot with a 44.472 pearler. He than anxiously waited through the rest of qualifying knowing that Jackson Shapeira was near the end of the list and was looking to post a fast run in his return from injury. When the time came Jackson pushed out strong and looked incredibly fast and tight through the bends but in the end it wasn't enough with Jackson posting a time of 44.534 being edged out 0.062 of a second.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="399" height="600" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118555132?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="399" height="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118555132?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="737" height="490" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118563766?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="490" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118563766?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In the Juniors Central Coast rider Ian Coggan announced his arrival on the scene with a time of 46.811 edging out recent World Cup podium rider Cooper Cruize with a time of 47.153. Young Brendan Fewre also posted a very fast time of 47.822 before Toby Dind and Tom Wray rounded out the top 5 with times of 47.859 and 47.875 respectively.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="400" height="600" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118564439?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="400" height="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118564439?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In a strong field in the Woman's event Sydney's Lea Robertson posted the fastest time with 51.330 followed by one half of the Panya twins Deanne at 53.169. Central Coast rider Imi McMillan posted the 3rd fastest time with 56.695 followed by the De Graaf sister act Belle and Brittany with times of 57.418 and 61.515.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="399" height="600" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118557061?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="399" height="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118557061?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In a race friendly format riders were seeded into 5 groups of 16 and were required to progress through a round robin format of 5 races each to take one of the three finals spots available in each group that would have them progress through to the round of 16. In group A, Ben hay, Steve Daddow, and Central Coast Junior Ian Coggan all had early wins with each pushing through to the final rounds with Ben Hay remaining undefeated and looking strong. Group B showcased Hopkin team riders Jackson Shapeira, Junior Cooper Cruize and Luca Colman easily progressing with commanding performances.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="737" height="490" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118566126?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="490" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118566126?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Group C showed a dominant performance by Canadian Tony Graves to win all of his races with Capital Dirty Downhill rider Henry King taking 4 wins. The third spot was a close battle between the 2010 Junior World Cup Series Champion Merrick Wildash and Central Coast surprise packet Tom Wray with Merrick edging him out but Tom still taking 16th spot in the finals as the best 4th place getter.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="737" height="490" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118560475?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="490" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118560475?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In Group D, Brad Pearson progressed undefeated with ASRA President Haggy (the Green Alien) Strom taking second place followed by QLD rider Corey Leeson in 3rd place. In Group E Cameron Kite continued his recent good form to remain undefeated with Sutherland rider Alex Martin taking second place. The third spot was a tight battle between veteran Paul Carey, junior Tom Chirnside and a lightning fast Tom Wolinski. In the end Tom Wolinski won the battle of nerves to take the final spot.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="737" height="491" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118564044?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118564044?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The round of 16 produced a series of photo finishes culminating in an allstar final with Ben Hay, Jackson Shapeira, Cory Leeson and Cam Kite. Ben Hay came around the last corner and into the main straight with lead of 3 body lengths with a tight pack in pursuit and looking for the draft. Leeso and Jacko battled shoulder to shoulder to the finish looking for the draft on Ben. In the end Ben Hay took the win with Lesso edging out Jacko by a wheel in an incredibly tight battle for second and Cam followed into forth by half a board.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433367?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433367?profile=original" class="align-full" width="750"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433822?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433822?profile=original" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>The Woman's final was a fantastic race with Lea Robertson leading from start to finish to take the win and surprise of the day young Belle de Graaf finishing strong to take second ahead of sister Brit de Graff and Imi McMillan with Deane Panya lucky to survive an early crash to finish in 5th.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433999?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433999?profile=original" class="align-full" width="750"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Junior result had Cooper Kruize continue his World Cup form to take a very commanding first with up and coming Tom Wray getting a very fast second place. Ry Ry was unlucky to get disqualified for a push line incident in the final handing Toby Dind the last spot on the podium</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220436616?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220436616?profile=original" class="align-full" width="750"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Big thanks go out to Trav for organising this years MOTH event and doing the early forum gruntwork. BMB's Ross, Steve, and Mountain Mic for running the BBQ and preparing the track. My ASRA brothers for running the racing, rego and all the admin. Mic White for the fantastic images of the day, Lea Shapeira for the finish line results, The gromet at the top of the hill (you know who you are), and all the interstate riders for traveling up, down, and sideways to the event.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">A huge thanks to our sponsors who continue to help us foster a great racing scene and allow us to run these fantastic events:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">James Hopkin at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/">Hopkin Racing</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Glen Mills from OneLiner clothing</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dave Blackwood at <a target="_blank" href="http://completeradness.bigcartel.com/">Complete Radness</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Trav at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.heelsidemag.com/">Heelside magazine</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a width="737" height="413" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118554742?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" target="_self"><img width="737" height="413" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118554742?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Master of the hill event is the first race to contribute to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/asra-downhill-rankings">Australian National Downhill Rankings</a></p>
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<object height="450" width="700" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="bgcolor" value="#"></param><param name="flashvars" value="feed_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2FslideshowFeedAlbum%3Fid%3D2144162%253AAlbum%253A311636%26mtime%3D1297620633%26x%3DxPZ6PeRTIb4N7TFABYNlaWN8IHsX11vB&autoplay=1&hideShareLink=1&config_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2FshowPlayerConfig%3Fx%3DxPZ6PeRTIb4N7TFABYNlaWN8IHsX11vB%26xn_auth%3Dno%26feed_url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%252Fphoto%252Fphoto%252FslideshowFeedAlbum%253Fid%253D2144162%25253AAlbum%25253A311636%2526mtime%253D1297620633%2526x%253DxPZ6PeRTIb4N7TFABYNlaWN8IHsX11vB%26version%3DDEP-6372%253Af1e79f6_217_217_37&slideshow_title=&fullsize_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2Fslideshow%3Ffeed_url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%252Fphoto%252Fphoto%252FslideshowFeedAlbum%253Fid%253D2144162%25253AAlbum%25253A311636%2526mtime%253D1297620633"></param><param name="src" value="http://static.ning.com/socialnetworkmain/widgets/photo/slideshowplayer/slideshowplayer.swf?v=201102102227"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><param name="quality" value="high"></param><embed wmode="opaque" height="450" width="700" quality="high" allowfullscreen="false" src="http://static.ning.com/socialnetworkmain/widgets/photo/slideshowplayer/slideshowplayer.swf?v=201102102227" flashvars="feed_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2FslideshowFeedAlbum%3Fid%3D2144162%253AAlbum%253A311636%26mtime%3D1297620633%26x%3DxPZ6PeRTIb4N7TFABYNlaWN8IHsX11vB&autoplay=1&hideShareLink=1&config_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2FshowPlayerConfig%3Fx%3DxPZ6PeRTIb4N7TFABYNlaWN8IHsX11vB%26xn_auth%3Dno%26feed_url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%252Fphoto%252Fphoto%252FslideshowFeedAlbum%253Fid%253D2144162%25253AAlbum%25253A311636%2526mtime%253D1297620633%2526x%253DxPZ6PeRTIb4N7TFABYNlaWN8IHsX11vB%26version%3DDEP-6372%253Af1e79f6_217_217_37&slideshow_title=&fullsize_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%2Fphoto%2Fphoto%2Fslideshow%3Ffeed_url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.skateboardracing.org.au%252Fphoto%252Fphoto%252FslideshowFeedAlbum%253Fid%253D2144162%25253AAlbum%25253A311636%2526mtime%253D1297620633" bgcolor="#" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never"></embed> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param></object>2011 IGSA World Cup Schedule Announcementtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-11-09:2144162:BlogPost:2459522010-11-09T20:37:21.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432231?profile=original"></img></p>
<h2>World Cup Expands To Nine Events!!!</h2>
<br />
Written by: Marcus Rietema <a href="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/" target="_blank">IGSA</a><br />
<br />
<b>Petaluma, California, USA</b> – The International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) is excited to announce the 2011 IGSA World Cup Series schedule for Downhill Skateboarding and Street Luge. Visiting nine countries and five continents in 2011, the schedule has expanded reflecting the strong international growth…
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432231?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<h2>World Cup Expands To Nine Events!!!</h2>
<br />
Written by: Marcus Rietema <a href="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/" target="_blank">IGSA</a><br />
<br />
<b>Petaluma, California, USA</b> – The International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) is excited to announce the 2011 IGSA World Cup Series schedule for Downhill Skateboarding and Street Luge. Visiting nine countries and five continents in 2011, the schedule has expanded reflecting the strong international growth of downhill skateboarding. Increased media coverage will enable more people than ever to witness the excitement of the IGSA World Cup Series.<br />
<br />
For the second consecutive year, the season will begin June 29-July 3 with the Maryhill Festival of Speed in the United States. A few weeks later, the Series will move to Europe for three consecutive events beginning with the Kozakov Challenge July 21-24 in the Czech Republic. Following Kozakov, the Series heads to Germany July 29-31 with the Insul Cup 2011. The Euro swing will conclude August 5-7 in Italy with the Padova Grand Prix.<br />
<br />
On September 2-4, the World Cup Series will return to North America for the WinSport Canada Cup. The event will feature a $10,000 cash purse, video broadcast with jumbotron’s and live webcasts of all the action. Taking place at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary and the organizers are pulling out all the stops.<br />
<br />
Following a one-month hiatus, the Series will resume in the Southern Hemisphere. First up will be the Hotel Los Portales Tarma November 4-6 in Tarma, Peru. One week later the Series heads to Brazil November 11-13 for the Malarrara Pro Teutonia. Teutonia is the fastest racecourse in the world with competitors reaching speeds in excess of 113 km/h (70 mph).<br />
<br />
Two weeks later the Series will be in Bathurst, Australia for Newton’s Nation. Newton’s Nation is much more than a race with an action sports festival and live music featuring the biggest bands in Australia. For the ninth year in a row, the IGSA World Cup Series will wrap up at the Biosphere Reserve in Kogelsberg, South Africa. On December 9-11, Hot Heels Africa will likely be the race where the Downhill Skateboarding and Street Luge Championships are determined.<br />
<br />
The International Gravity Sports Association is the international sanctioning body for downhill skateboarding and street luge, organizing the IGSA World Cup Series. IGSA events involve head to head downhill racing competitions where participants routinely reach speeds in excess of 110km/h (65mph) as they hurtle themselves down mountain roads negotiating ninety degree bends and hairpin corners.<br />
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<br />
<h2>2011 IGSA World Cup Schedule</h2>
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June 29-July 3 Maryhill Festival of Speed Goldendale, WA, USA<br />
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July 22-24 Kozakov Challenge Kozakov, Czech Republic<br />
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July 29-31 Insul Cup 2011 Insul, Germany<br />
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August 5-7 Padova Grand Prix Teolo, Italy<br />
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September 2-4 WinSport Canada Cup Calgary, Canada<br />
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November 4-6 Hotel Los Portales Tarma Tarma, Peru<br />
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November 11-13 Malarrara Pro Teutonia Teutonia, Brazil<br />
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November 25-27 Newton’s Nation Bathurst, Australia<br />
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December 9-11 Hot Heels Africa Kogelberg, South Africa<br />
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<br />
<center><h2>Round #1</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432405?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #2</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432625?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #3</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432748?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #4</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220432820?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #5</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433028?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #6</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433581?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #7</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433764?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #8</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220433683?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<center><h2>Round #9</h2>
</center>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220436706?profile=original" alt=""/></p>Erban Sets a New World Speed Record of 130.08 km/htag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-10-03:2144162:BlogPost:2272782010-10-03T01:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Saturday, 02 October 2010<br />
<br />
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<br />
Boulder, Colorado - Mischo Erban shattered his own IGSA Downhill Skateboarding World Record on Thursday, September 31, 2010 when he reached an official speed of 130.08 km/h (80.83 mph) at a secret location in Colorado. This represents an astonishing increase of 13% over his previous record of 113.02 km/h (70.23 mph).<br />
<br />
27-year old Erban, who lives in Vernon, BC, Canada rode a longboard using a stand up, head forward, arms…
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Saturday, 02 October 2010<br />
<br />
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<br />
Boulder, Colorado - Mischo Erban shattered his own IGSA Downhill Skateboarding World Record on Thursday, September 31, 2010 when he reached an official speed of 130.08 km/h (80.83 mph) at a secret location in Colorado. This represents an astonishing increase of 13% over his previous record of 113.02 km/h (70.23 mph).<br />
<br />
27-year old Erban, who lives in Vernon, BC, Canada rode a longboard using a stand up, head forward, arms back, tuck position to achieve the record. He was wearing a leather suit, gloves and a full-face protective helmet.<br />
<br />
"Honestly we never thought we would hit 130 km/h,” said Erban. “It was an exploratory effort that surprised us all!”<br />
<br />
The speed was recorded by the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) using their Tag Heuer-manufactured, speed trap timing device. IGSA Official Gary Fluitt verified the record.<br />
<br />
Erban was riding a GMR skateboard with stock Seismic 85mm Speed Vent wheels, Ronin trucks and prototype Seismic Bearings.<br />
<br />
Mischo Erban is the defending IGSA World Cup Series Downhill Skateboarding Champion. He has won numerous international races and is recognized as one of the best downhill skateboarders in the world today.<br />
<br />
The International Gravity Sports Association is the international sanctioning body for downhill skateboarding events and athletes, featuring the 8-race 2010 World Cup Series. IGSA events involve head-to-head downhill racing competitions where participants routinely reach speeds in excess of 110km/h (65mph) as they hurtle themselves down mountain roads negotiating ninety degree bends and hairpin corners.<br />
<br />
The IGSA urges downhill skateboarders to always wear protective equipment (including leathers, helmets, gloves and pads) and to only practice the sport under controlled conditions on closed roads.Newton's Calls for Volunteerstag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-09-09:2144162:BlogPost:2033902010-09-09T11:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align:left"><img height="490" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118370046?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="737"></img></p>
<center><b>Aussie legend Steve Daddow gets some much needed protection from the crowd by ASRA hard men and Newton's volunteers Dave "Don't look at me" Miller and Scott "The Guff" Guthrie</b></center>
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The only thing better than smashing into a hay wall at 100km/h is watching it happen from 3 feet away. Without our volunteers events like this just would not happen. ASRA is calling out for volunteers to help make the action happen.<br />
<br />
All Volunteers will be…
<p style="text-align:left"><img width="737" height="490" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118370046?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>Aussie legend Steve Daddow gets some much needed protection from the crowd by ASRA hard men and Newton's volunteers Dave "Don't look at me" Miller and Scott "The Guff" Guthrie</b></center>
<br />
The only thing better than smashing into a hay wall at 100km/h is watching it happen from 3 feet away. Without our volunteers events like this just would not happen. ASRA is calling out for volunteers to help make the action happen.<br />
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All Volunteers will be given VIP 3 day festival passes to the event and free camping accreditation. You will of course get a very warm fuzzy feeling by helping the guys at ASRA who are full-time volunteers help the Australian skateboard racing scene.<br />
<br />
<b>Whats ASRA needs:</b><br />
<br />
<u>Track marshals</u> - to pick up the pieces when it all come unstuck<br />
• Assisting the Discipline Stewards<br />
• Report any rules infractions<br />
• Use designated flags when necessary to signal riders of accidents, debris or other hazards<br />
• Radio communication with stewards<br />
• Removal of any debris and repair of haybale walls<br />
• Track maintenance<br />
• Assisting Starter and Finish Steward<br />
• On-track commuting<br />
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<u>Event staff</u> - The run our check-in, manage communications and organise our riders on the hill<br />
Required - Background or interest in event management and ability to yell at skateboarders with clear direction<br />
• Assisting rider registration and check-in<br />
• Handling accreditation<br />
• Answering rider on-track inquiries<br />
• Assisting the Chief scorer<br />
• Assisting information dissemination<br />
<br />
<u><br />
Video Crew</u> - To film the live track video<br />
Helpful but not essential - Background or experience in video production<br />
• Cameraman<br />
• Video switching<br />
• technical crew<br />
• Audio<br />
<br />
<u>Random people</u> - to do all sorts or weird and wacky tasks all over the mountain<br />
Required - ability to do everything and anything and do it quickly<br />
<br />
<b>What ASRA requires:</b><br />
<br />
Newton's Nation is a 3 day festival so as a volunteer you will be required to be at the mountain on Thursday 25th for an induction and ready to go at 7am on Friday the 26th November. So call in your sick leave, reschedule you UNI exams or simply tell your boss to get stuffed cause your heading to the mountain for the last week in November to be involved in the biggest downhill and music event of the year.<br />
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<p style="text-align:center"><img width="399" height="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118489914?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>The ASRA girls made sure rider check-in was a torrid affair with competitors having to complete at least 1 crossword question to gain entry to the event</b></center>
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<p style="text-align:center"><img width="737" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118491070?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>Charlie Don't Skate legend and ASRA video crew man Braden introduced the Downhill world community to the Dipper at the 2009 event</b></center>
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<p style="text-align:center"><img width="398" height="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118491338?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>ASRA volunteers deliver additional green whistles to the hard pressed medical staff at the dipper</b></center>
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<p style="text-align:center"><img width="398" height="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118489927?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>BMB President Mountain Mic Codner will be back again this year with his BMB crack team to run the carnage at the Dipper</b></center>
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<p style="text-align:left"><img width="737" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118490294?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>With riders approaching Forest Elbow at 90km/h the volunteers did a great job in picking up the pieces</b></center>
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<p style="text-align:center"><img width="399" height="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2079143000?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>ASRA Vice-president and Newton's volunteer Robbo doing the dirty work on haybale day</b></center>
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<p style="text-align:center"><img width="737" height="491" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118490536?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<center><b>Newtons track marshals check for rider indiscretions under the watchful eye of Dipper Captain Mountain Mic</b></center>
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<br />
If your interested in volunteering at Newton's Nation IGSA World Cup than register your details via the <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/newtons-voluteers">Newton's Volunteer page</a><br />
Contact ASRA Director Dave Blackwood for more info at: blackwood@skateboardracing.org.auNewton's Nation registration is now open!tag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-09-02:2144162:BlogPost:2134352010-09-02T08:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437290?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></img></p>
Unless you have been living on another planet you should be aware that open registration for the IGSA World Cup in Bathurst starts at 8am this Saturday 4th September.<br />
At last years event the total rider cap was set at 200; this year's rider cap across all disciplines has been reduced to 160. In combination with a radical new race format never before attempted at an IGSA event and the reduced rider cap you will have more chances than ever to win or lose…
<p style="text-align:left"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437290?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
Unless you have been living on another planet you should be aware that open registration for the IGSA World Cup in Bathurst starts at 8am this Saturday 4th September.<br />
At last years event the total rider cap was set at 200; this year's rider cap across all disciplines has been reduced to 160. In combination with a radical new race format never before attempted at an IGSA event and the reduced rider cap you will have more chances than ever to win or lose the $20,000 in prize money that ASRA is putting up for the event.<br />
<br />
Last year the computer server that hosts our registration system near collapsed in the first hour of registration due to the biggest traffic and user spike in the history of the ASRA website. This year we have hardened the system to take account of last years traffic explosion.<br />
<br />
<b>Priority List</b><br />
<br />
If you are on the <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/priority-registration-list">priority list</a> you should register now to guarantee your place in the richest and biggest event on the IGSA world tour.<br />
<br />
<b>Ordinary Folks</b><br />
<br />
If you are not on the priority list than get yourself ready to be in front of a computer at 8am this Saturday with your credit card on hand. Last year 145 people had successfully registered for the event in the first hour and with a total rider cap of 160 you don't want to miss your chance!<br />
<br />
<b>ASRA Membership</b><br />
<br />
Newton's Nation is an ASRA-run event. This means all Australian competitors must be full Association Members of ASRA to compete at Newton's Nation. If you are not on the official <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/association-member-list">ASRA member list</a> your registration will be void and your place offered to the next available competitor. For all you aspiring grom world champions this means a fully paid member and not just a member of the ASRA website. If you are not a member of ASRA then <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/asra-membership">JOIN NOW</a> or miss out on the glory.<br />
<br />
<b>Grab your widget</b><br />
<br />
We now have an official Newton's rego widget courtesy of the computer nerds at the Hopkin Racing bunker that shows you live rego stats of who's in and who's not. So get the code and post it on your facebook page, blog, MySpace, twitter, or your own website and keep up to date with who's racing against you for the 20 kahunas in prize money.<br />
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</p>Scars, Tattoos & Skateboards: The Rise of the Phoenixtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-08-30:2144162:BlogPost:2113102010-08-30T21:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align:left"><a href="http://www.polymorphbodypiercing.com.au/" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059922641?profile=original"></img></a></p>
Polymorph Art Gallery is hosting a 2 week exhibition as part of Fringe Festival. ‘Scars, Tattoos & Skateboards: The Rise of the Phoenix’ will feature the art of Paul Stragapede; an electrician-come tattooed man-come phoenix.<br />
<br />
Stragapede was part of a work cover debacle with Energy Australia when in the course of his work he suffered third degree burns across his chest, upper arms…
<p style="text-align:left"><a href="http://www.polymorphbodypiercing.com.au/" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2059922641?profile=original"/></a></p>
Polymorph Art Gallery is hosting a 2 week exhibition as part of Fringe Festival. ‘Scars, Tattoos & Skateboards: The Rise of the Phoenix’ will feature the art of Paul Stragapede; an electrician-come tattooed man-come phoenix.<br />
<br />
Stragapede was part of a work cover debacle with Energy Australia when in the course of his work he suffered third degree burns across his chest, upper arms and most of his back. Stragapede argued that as part of his rehabilitation Energy Australia should cover the cost of tattooing over the scarred areas… and he won!<br />
<br />
Stragapede’s work is fun and fiery, consisting of a series of photos explaining his story, a film documenting much of the tattooing process as well as 12 long skateboards he has hand-painted with tattoos from his own body. ‘Scars, Tattoos & Skateboards: the Rise of the Phoenix” is more than just a documentary process, it is the journey of a man instilling meaning into disaster and rising from the ashes in an alternative and relevant way.<br />
<br />
Opening Night: Tuesday September 14th, 7:30pm – 9pm<br />
<br />
For more information contact <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Paul85">Paul</a> at ASRA or visit the <a href="http://www.polymorphbodypiercing.com.au/">Polymorph website</a>Reimer makes it a double at Almabtriebtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-07-18:2144162:BlogPost:1926502010-07-18T19:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<center><h3><b>Australian Jackson Shapeira Takes Second</b></h3>
</center>
<br></br><center><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441244?profile=original"></img> <br></br>Reimer leads Shapiera and Switzer at the entrance of Risch Corner. Photo Pierre Gamby</center>
<br></br><br></br>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hungerzell, Germany- Kevin Reimer continued the domination he showed all week by winning each of his heats and earning his second straight IGSA Downhill Skateboarding World Championship. Australian Jackson Shapiera won a close battle over Patrick Switzer and…</p>
<center><h3><b>Australian Jackson Shapeira Takes Second</b></h3>
</center>
<br/><center><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441244?profile=original" alt=""/><br/>Reimer leads Shapiera and Switzer at the entrance of Risch Corner. Photo Pierre Gamby</center>
<br/><br/>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hungerzell, Germany- Kevin Reimer continued the domination he showed all week by winning each of his heats and earning his second straight IGSA Downhill Skateboarding World Championship. Australian Jackson Shapiera won a close battle over Patrick Switzer and Erik Lundberg to finish second with Switzer taking the final podium spot.</p>
<br/><br/>
<center><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441376?profile=original" alt=""/><br/>Reimer, Switzer, Shapiera and Lundberg braking in a tight pack at 100 km/h in the Final. Photo Pierre Gamby</center>
<br/><br/>
<b>Taken from the <a href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/blog/2010/07/19/almabtrieb-open-downhill-world-championship-race-report/" target="_blank">Hopkin Racing Blog</a></b><br/>
<i>Written by <a href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/" target="_blank">Hopkin</a> Team rider Jackson Shapeira</i><br/><br/>
There was no Almabtrieb in 2009, it returns in 2010, and for the big one, the IGSA World Championships.<br />
<br />
In my experience of racing in Europe, the Almabtrieb event is always the most fun and exciting event in the line up.<br />
<br />
My first Almabtrieb was in 2008 at Jungholz, Germany/Austria (you crossed the border before the finish line) and was organized by the well known Stephan Risch. This year the event was back and was nothing short of amazing. All the riders who came to compete were so impressed by the organization of the event which included a large rider’s tent with a bar, food and great parties.<br />
<br />
The hill was definitely World Championship material, it had technical turns with some late apexes, long straights with speeds up to 100km/h and huge fast hairpins that required a lot of speed control to negotiate so you can exit with a solid amount of speed.<br />
<br />
The field of riders attending this race was of the best in the world. Crews came from all over the world including the best from Canada, USA, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Australia, Brazil and many more. Being at the top of the hill with so many talented skateboarders on one of the raddest tracks in the world was simply a blessing, mixed with hot sunny days and cheap beer I could not ask for a better time.<br />
<br />
We had one full day of practice to start with to allow everyone to jam out and figure out the lines on the hill. It was a really hot day and the heat was taking its toll, sapping up everyone’s energy, I chilled out a lot in the shade with the Sector 9 crew at the top of the hill waiting for the last runs of each practice round and had lots of fun jamming out with Louis, Jeff, Evran and also James Kelly.<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.hopkin.com.au/hop/alma-top.jpg"/></p>
<br />
After a long day of riding and many runs, we called it quits and went back to the campsite for beers. The atmosphere at the party tent was just rad, everyone had a smile on their face, excited to get the qualifying happening the next day.<br />
<br />
The first day of qualifying allowed a few warm up runs in the morning followed by a lunch break and then into the long process of qualifying all the riders. As the day went on and the faster riders continued to impress, stepping it up and kept lowering their times. Andrew Chapman held the best time for a while until the top 10 riders kept busting out fresh times and raising the gnar bar. After watching everyone push off the start line going for the fastest time Louis and I were having a laugh at how many people nearly fell off while pushing, and then I found out later that Louis actually pushed himself off his own board when he went for his run. Fortunately for him there was a 2nd chance to qualify for a good starting position on the following day’s qualifying. I managed to post a solid time putting me in the 3rd spot on the first day with James Kelly in front of me and Kevin a solid 2 seconds in front of him. Team Orangatang rounded out the top 5 qualifiers for the first day, really stoked to see the boys keeping the gnar bar raised and shredding it up.<br />
<br />
On the 2nd day of qualifying, I opted to sit out and watch. The temperature was high as was the amount of de-hydration. I had already posted a good time and felt confident that my starting spot in the race would be good. It was great to watch the other riders come down the track, I got a chance to learn a few lines and check out the different styles of riding. That night everybody got a good sleep and started to get prepared for the following day of intense racing.<br />
<br />
Almabtrieb really stepped it up this year with a racing bracket that allowed 128 riders. This was awesome as so many people had a chance to go for victory and get in the mix. However this made the race much longer than previous races I’ve attended. From the start the heats were stacked, the amount of talent getting around the world these days is extremely high. At the start line I was always nervous because anything can happen in racing and it gets really tough when you have to battle heat after heat with really fast riders. After a few rounds the heat was really starting to take it’s toll and I was getting ready to be beaten so I could sit down and just watch, but somehow I managed to keep it together in the racing, held my lines and picked my passes right and stayed in the game. Once I got to the round of 8 I was back in the zone, stoked to make it through so many heats and got to a place on the bracket I like to call Bonus Round (after the top 8 your then either in the finals or consolidation final) so you have raced every round of the day.<br />
<br />
In the Semi Finals I was up against Kevin Reimer, James Kelly and Christoff Batt. Both James and Kevin pushed out like animals and got a good start to the heat. I went into hunting mode and chased down James and got into a good drafting spot before the long straight. A little bit of exit speed mixed with a good draft was a good combination for hauling ass down the straight and getting ahead of James to take 2nd spot behind Kevin and into the final round. From there it was Kevin Reimer, Patrick Switzer, Erik lundberg and myself facing off for the title of World Champion.<br />
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Right from the start Kevin was off like a race horse, exploding out of the starting line and into the lead with Patrick followed close behind, and Erik and myself behind them. The pack stayed extremely tight coming into the first few corners and was really exciting to mix it up with these guys, swapping leads and pushing the limits down the track. Kevin held a commanding lead down the whole track with Switzer going for the draft along the fast straight. Chasing these guys down the fast part gave me an extremely enormous draft and I had to make a daring pass on Switzer as he was footbreaking into the last corner. I did not want to mess everyone up with a sloppy footbreak at 90ks, I decided to pick a good spot and throw a mega slide. It was a daring move but then allowed for a chain of events to follow, I scrubbed a lot of speed through the corner and both Erik and Switzer passed me through the exit, however this put two people in front of me allowing a bit of a draft coming down the final section. I felt myself start to pick up some more momentum following them and timed the pass right to take the 2nd place. Kevin just totally dominated and whooped all our asses. He had enough distance before the finish line to look back, stand up, carve twice and fist the air before taking the win. My hat goes off to Kevin, he skated extremely well all day (and has been all year) and is really pushing the limits. He is such an extremely talented skateboarder and getting the chance to race with him at the world championships is truly and honor, well done Kevin!<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220441285?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/></p>
<br />
After the opens were done we all got a chance to hang out and watch the Juniors and the Women’s race. Brianne took another World Championship title with 2 rippers from Norway taking 1st and 2nd in the juniors (Auden Gunnerlussen and Hakon Wegge). Unfortunately young Merrick from didn’t make it to the finals, however he was shredding all week posting solid qualify times and really raising his own level of riding.<br />
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Well done to all the competitors who raced this track, it was definitely not a beginners track and well suited the title of the 2010 world championship track.<br />
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Big thanks go out to Stephan Risch for bringing back Almabtrieb and giving everyone a chance to hang out and ride at one of the sickest hills in the world with some of the sickest riders in the world.<br />
<br />
<b>Almabtrieb World Championships<br/>
Open Downhill Skateboarding<br/>
Final Results</b><br/><br/>
1. Kevin Reimer, Canada<br />
2. Jackson Shapiera, Australia<br />
3. Patrick Switzer, Canada<br />
4. Erik Lundberg, Sweden<br />
5. Christoph Batt, Switzerland<br />
6. Scoot Smith, Canada<br />
7. Douglas Silva, Brazil<br />
8. James Kelly, United States<br />
9. Ramon Konigshausen, Switzerland<br />
10. Nicholas Robert, Switzerland<br />
<br/>
<br />
<br />
<b>Women's Downhill Skateboarding<br />
Final Results</b><br />
<br />
1. Brianne Davies, Canada<br />
2. Dasha Kornienko, Canada/Ukraine<br />
3. Jolanda Vogler, Switzerland<br />
4. Kristina Engstrand, Sweden<br />
5. Kim Edwards, Great Britain<br />
<br />
<b>Street Luge<br />
Final Results</b><br />
<br />
1. Luca Santolamazza, Italy<br />
2. Peter Eliot, Great Britain<br />
3. Cedric Robert, Switzerland<br />
4. Yvon Labarthe, Switzerland<br />
5. Michael Muller, Germany<br />
<b><br />
Classic Luge<br />
Final Results</b><br />
<br />
1. Michael Serek, Austria<br />
2. Yvon Labarthe, Switzerland<br />
3. Craig Deltour, France<br />
4. Eugen Forschner, Germany<br />
5. Luca Santolamazza, Italy<br />
<br />
<b>Jr-II Downhill Skateboarding<br />
Final Results</b><br />
<br />
1. Auden Gunnerlussen, Norway<br />
2. Hakon Wegge, Norway<br />
3. Spencer Smith, United States<br />
4. Riley Crone, United States<br />
5. Luke Melo, Canada<br />
<br />
Lots more to come....Jacko takes second at Sheep Creektag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-06-08:2144162:BlogPost:1752172010-06-08T22:11:09.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
Written by Cailin Cousins<br />
For the local <a href="http://welcometowilliamslake.ca/index.php/the-news/local-news/1509-sheep-creek-for-speed-freaks.html" target="_blank">Williams Lake News</a><br />
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435921?profile=original"></img></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">About 15 longboarders arrived at the Sheep Creek bridge just West of Williams Lake yesterday afternoon, ready to take on 'the hill' for the 6th year in a row at what these extreme athletes called the 'Sheep Creek for Speed…</p>
Written by Cailin Cousins<br />
For the local <a href="http://welcometowilliamslake.ca/index.php/the-news/local-news/1509-sheep-creek-for-speed-freaks.html" target="_blank">Williams Lake News</a><br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435921?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">About 15 longboarders arrived at the Sheep Creek bridge just West of Williams Lake yesterday afternoon, ready to take on 'the hill' for the 6th year in a row at what these extreme athletes called the 'Sheep Creek for Speed Freaks' event.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437276?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Participants recently arrived in British Columbia from as far away as Australia and Japan specifically to participate in the 'Concrete Wave Loco Express Tour 2010' which starts in April and runs through August in BC, Alberta, California, New Mexico, Colorado, as well as several other states and includes the Sheep Creek run. Spectators of all ages, from newborns to octogenarian watched as the 'boarders' arrived at the finish line at Sheep Creek bridge after a nearly 4 kilometre adventure down twists and turns, avoiding traffic, at speeds nearing 100km/hour.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437469?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220438128?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Last year's second place winner, 47-year-old Wes Sampson from the Lower Mainland, advised that Sheep Creek Hill is about a 'seven on the gnar-bar' and definitely high in the 'dangerbility' category. "This is a professional level hill," said Sampson. "There is a little of everything on this run: grade, corners, and major variety in texture of the surface," he added, "including some sections that are like boarding on marbles."</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220438188?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sampson took a fall just before the finish line in 2008 and ripped his leathers up pretty good, but was basically uninjured. "Even though this is an outlaw event (non-sanctioned), there are safety precautions in place."</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: Center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220438499?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">For today's event, there was approximately $500 in prize money, various other prizes and a sheep skull, which Wes Sampson found and had bronzed recently, was the grand prize trophy for this year's event.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220443423?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are organizations which put together large 'sanctioned' events where hay bales are used to pad the course, and ambulance attendants are present. "Some of these events started out small, similar to the 'Sheep Creek Speed Freak' event, but have grown to over 300 participants at a time with $8,000 in prizes donated by both local and national big name sponsors," said one participant. "At sanctioned events the communities often get involved by organizing parades, trade-shows and live entertainment."</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Results Top 5</b> <br/>
1st Woody Woodfine<br />
2nd Wacko Jacko<br />
3rd Prince Dy-lon<br />
4th Reckless Ricky<br />
5th Yate-Dawg</p>
<br />
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<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/12379983">Sheeps Creek for Speed Freaks</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1444518">Skatehorde.com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Newton's Nation just gets bigger!!tag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2010-06-05:2144162:BlogPost:1707842010-06-05T22:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437290?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></img></p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">This years IGSA World Cup in Bathurst is looking to be the biggest yet. ASRA has been hard at work over the last 5 months looking at ways to raise the profile again for this years event. We will be running the 2010 World Cup in conjunction with a festival promoter giving us the ability to put more of our focus into the racing. Alongside the extreme action Newton's will have an impressive lineup of top Australian…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437290?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">This years IGSA World Cup in Bathurst is looking to be the biggest yet. ASRA has been hard at work over the last 5 months looking at ways to raise the profile again for this years event. We will be running the 2010 World Cup in conjunction with a festival promoter giving us the ability to put more of our focus into the racing. Alongside the extreme action Newton's will have an impressive lineup of top Australian acts over the three day festival. Featuring live rock, hip hop, dance and Indie artists on the main stage and DJ towers spread throughout the festival. We will also have major National TV and radio stations broadcasting live from the event.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220444041?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/><br/><b><i>Revelers rock on to the night time action at the Newton's festival</i></b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">To reflect the greater profile of Newtons Nation in 2010 we will be raising the prize purse at this years World Cup to make it the richest downhill event in the world with a whopping $20,000 in prize money. We believe this level of reward properly recognises where our sport and industry is heading and with 20 big ones on the line the best of the best, and the best of the rest will be fighting for glory and a bucket load of cash to be crowned the king of the mountain and the Australian World Cup Champion.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220445382?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/><br/><b><i>2009 World Champion and defending Newton's winner K-Rimes</i></b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">Watching the riders smash and crash their way down the mountain at terrifying speeds last year got us thinking, how do we increase the intensity on one of the most technically intense tracks in the world? Answer, we offer more cash to to more people and we give it out right down the list (to help people like Labarthe pay for a new set of ribs). So in addition to the $5,000 on offer for first place in the Open Downhill skateboard a fist full of cash will be given all the way down to 7th place (F#$K YEAH!!!). This should get the Norwegians sharpening their gangsta knives, team Sector 9 adding extra speed stripes to those sweet black team leathers, Team Geen painting camo stripes on their faces, K-rimes trucking in a pallet of wheels, Yate-dawg growing a new set of ballast hangers and STRYKER TRYING TO GET A WHOLE LIME CITRUS TREE THROUGH CUSTOMS!!!!</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220445585?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/><br/><b><i>Team Greens 2008 World Champion Scoot Smith with team Sector 9 in the hunt</i></b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">We will also be giving away $1,000 to the fastest qualifier in a winner takes all confrontation in the top ten shootout which should get Martin Seigrist adding a security detail to his race setup in an all out effort to grab the cash and defend his fastest qualifier title.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220446068?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/><br/><b><i>Hamish slips under the security detail to get a quick photo with the legendary three time World Champion Martin Siegrist and that race setup</i></b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">We all know how much ASRA and the whole scene loves the woman of downhill. To us there is nothing as hot as a RAD female skater wiping out half the open field and we all know how much the woman of downhill love the cash. We think as athletes they ride at such a high level and deserve reward for the status they provide to an elite event. So in true ASRA fashion we have raised the woman's prize purse from $1,800 to $2,700 because we want to see more of these elite female riders at our events. We hope this will attract the best female riders in the world to the richest female division on the World Cup Circuit.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220446167?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/><br/><b><i>2009 World Champion Brianne Davies takes the glory and the cash</i></b></p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">We all know that the only thing faster than charging down Mt Panorama on your feet is doing it on your back. Only a lucky few people know what its like to hit the hay bales at the dipper shaped like a cruise missile knowing that there is solid concrete wall behind the bales. The Luge guys race the mountain shoulder to shoulder at speeds well over 100km/h and are absolutely fearless. We have decided to raise the prize money for the luge divisions from $3,800 to $5,800, this should help pay for the excess baggage required to bring one of these babies in from overseas and offset some of the bar tab for the aussie guys.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220446429?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/><br/><b><i>2008 World Cup winner and 2009 Street Luge World Champion, Australian Nick Duffield will be looking to make it three in a row</i></b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220446706?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/><br/><b><i>2009 Classic Luge champion and race car legend Andy Lally will be looking for revenge against his local nemesis Nick Duffield</i></b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">For full event details and festival updates visit <a href="http://www.newtonsnation.com.au/" target="_blank">Newton's Nation</a> <br/><br/> For tickets to the biggest action sports festival in Australia visit <a href="http://www.moshtix.com.au/event.aspx?id=37426&ref=NN_Web" target="_blank">Moshtix</a> <br/><br/> For competitor registration and updates visit the ASRA <a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/newtons-igsa-world-cup">Newton's page</a></p>Mischo is 2009 World Cup Series Champion!!!tag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-12-13:2144162:BlogPost:1170982009-12-13T22:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Sunday, 13 December 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Mischo%20Win%20Face.jpg"></img></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Kogelberg, South Africa-</b> Mischo Erban has clinched the 2009 IGSA World Cup Series Championship by winning Hot Heels Africa. His dominating win put an exclimation mark on his year where he showed he could consistently qualify fast and finish on or near the top of the podium at almost every event. After severely spraining his ankle last weekend at the Howteq…</p>
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Sunday, 13 December 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Mischo%20Win%20Face.jpg"/></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Kogelberg, South Africa-</b> Mischo Erban has clinched the 2009 IGSA World Cup Series Championship by winning Hot Heels Africa. His dominating win put an exclimation mark on his year where he showed he could consistently qualify fast and finish on or near the top of the podium at almost every event. After severely spraining his ankle last weekend at the Howteq National event, it was questionable all week if Mischo would even be able to compete at Kogelberg. Mischo showed the true make up of a Champion by overcoming adversity and not simply just competing, but by going out and winning Hot Heels Africa.
<br />
Mischo started the year with a dominating performance at the Vernon Downhill to earn the IGSA North American Champion crown. At the eight 2009 World Cup events Mischo had three wins in England, Brazil and South Africa. He also finished second in France along with a fourth place finish at Peyragudes (France) and a fifth at Maryhill (USA) . No other skater was able to win more than once.<br />
<br />
Erban also completely dominated qualifying in 2009. He was the number one qualifier four times (France, England, USA, South Africa) and the number two qualifier twice (Brazil, Australia). Over the entire season he never qualified lower than fifth. During the Malarrara Pro Teutonia in Brazil, Mischo also set the official IGSA World Speed Record of 113.02 km/h (70.23 mph).<br />
<br />
The organisers suspected that the Hot Heels track would have something new to throw at them this year. The baboons did not put in an appearance at all, but after a forecast of clear skies, 30° temperatures and strong winds, we awoke to rain and a “black” South-Easterly, with the track soaking wet!<br />
<br />
The organisers retreated to breakfast at the Hangklip Hotel and after perusing “wind guru’, which predicted an end to the rain and an increase in the wind, all moved up to the track which was already nearly dry. “Black” South-Easterly winds produces gale-force gusts and the mountainous terrain means that these swirl unpredictably. The wind was whipping up white horses and clouds of spume on the Buffelstal dam, and blowing hay-bales onto the track.<br />
<br />
It also put paid to ideas of showing DVDs and videos to spectators on the Red Bull big screen, which could not be erected. Practice runs started late again! The arrival of lots more spectators than expected caused a few headaches, as there is limited parking and access at the Hot Heels track. As usual, a plan was made, the Sector 9 van was commandeered as a spectator shuttle and all settled in for an exciting day’s racing.<br />
<br />
The racing got off to a protracted start, with a crash in the second street luge GP heat, when Glen Phillips sustained an injury to his fingers, shed quite a lot of blood on the track, and had to be taken to hospital. He is home tonight, but will need surgery on the hand tomorrow. Thereafter street and classic luge GP starts interspersed with downhill skateboard heats and all ran smoothly. The Mitsubishi shuttle did its’ usual impressively efficient rider transport.<br />
<br />
The heats ran pretty much as predicted by the qualifiers, with Mischo and Scoot making their way to the final, along with Mike Zietsman and Oliver Nielsen. Richard Dweza confirmed his qualifying time with a place in the Consolation Final, along with number six qualifier Stephan Ruefli. Olivier Bareaud used his international race experience to beat the number seven qualifier Guilherm Neto from Brazil. Ben Malherbe confirmed the excellent form he had been showing in the practice runs by making it to the Consolation Final, despite qualifying 16th.<br />
<br />
The conditions were wild and extremely challenging with strong gusting head winds down the straight and uphill past the dam, changing suddenly at Baboon Bend to a tail-wind, (which put paid to all drafting tactics down the final straight), with a few exciting cross-drafts to contend with in the little S-bend near the gate before the final straight.<br />
<br />
In the final, Zietsman did his usual fast start, while Mischo was pushing mongo to prevent damage to his injured ankle, and took third behind Nielson. Scoot was holding back in fourth place. Zietsman was first coming into Lloyd’s Left, but then air-braked quite hard, and the other three riders shot past him.<br />
<br />
Mischo brushed the bales with his knee coming out of Lloyds, however he recovered and flew into the lead down the straight. The other three were trying to stay close enough to draft him in the strong head wind. Zietsman took advantage of the draft from the three other riders to shoot past Scoot and Nielson on the uphill but he could not catch Mischo going into Baboon Bend. This was the same place that Mischo had passed him several times last year!<br />
<br />
Erban then had a tail-wind all the way to the finish,leaving no possibility of drafting tactics for the following riders. There were several anxious moments for Zietsman and Scoot in the side-winds near the gate, when both were nearly blown off the course as they battled for second place. Nielson was still sitting back in fourth prepared to capitalize on any misfortune that might occur.<br />
<br />
Mischo came charging down to the finish with the tail-wind behind him to take the Hot Heels Africa and 2009 IGSA World Cup Series titles, in a well-deserved and popular win. Zietsman managed to stay ahead of Scoot down the straight to finish second. Nielson finished fourth in his first World Cup final after making the Consi at Eastbourne. The top riders seemed to revel in the challenges presented by the wild conditions and came out of the race totally stoked<br />
<br />
The Consolation Final saw an ecstatic Richard Dweza take first, with Stephan Ruefli second, true to their qualifying times. Olivier Bareaud finished in third, while Ben Malherbe fell at Lloyds and did not finish.</p>
<br />
<h2><b>Kornienko is Women's World Cup Series Champion</b></h2>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-6.jpg"/></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Dasha Kornienko was declared the winner of Women's Downhill Skateboarding. Her victory means that she clinches the 2009 IGSA Women's Downhill Skateboarding World Cup Series Championship over Rebekka Gemperle. Rebekka decided she could not risk re-injuring her already broken wrist in the treacherous conditions, so no race was run. Dasha Kornienko was awarded the Women’s prize and earned first place points for her victory. Gemperle was awarded second place based on her qualifying performance. Their presence and example has inspired many potential local women riders and there are already plans for a women’s race at Hot Heels next year.</p>
<h2><b>Naude wins both Street Luge and Classic Luge</b></h2>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">The ranks of the Street Lugers and Classic Lugers were thinned by 33% with the injury to Glen Phillips, and only two riders took part in each of these divisions. Both races were won by Russell Naude. Brian Isham finished second in Street Luge and Andreas Johnsen in the Classic Luge.
There were a bunch of new riders at the race, and the non-racing entry option proved popular, with the non-racers doing timed 4-man runs after the qualifiers to get a feel for racing. There were many very broad smiles among this group after these runs. New Project skateboard decks were awarded to Raoul van den Berg as the most promising new rider and Ben Malherbe as the most improved rider respectively.</p>
<br />
<br />
<b>Downhill Skateboarding Top 8 Results</b><br />
<br />
1 Mischo Erban, Canada<br />
2 Mike Zietsman, South Africa<br />
3 Scoot Smith, Canada<br />
4 Oliver Nielsen, Denmark<br />
5 Richard Dweza, South Africa<br />
6 Stephan Ruefli, Switzerland<br />
7 Olivier Bareaud, France<br />
8 Ben Malherbe, South Africa<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Women's Downhill Skateboarding</b><br />
<br />
1. Dasha Kornienko, Canada/Ukraine<br />
2. Rebekka Gemperle, Switzerland<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Street Luge Results</b><br />
<br />
1 Russell Naude, South Africa<br />
2 Brian Isham, South Africa<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Classic Luge Results</b><br />
<br />
1 Russell Naude, South Africa<br />
2 Andreas Johnsen, SwedenFLYING INTO THE DANGER ZONEtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-11-30:2144162:BlogPost:1115462009-11-30T18:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<b>Western Advocate - Fairfax Media</b><br />
BY MIRIAM SIERS<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/multimedia/images/full/650132.jpg" style="float:right;"></img><br />
EVERYONE was on a gravity-fuelled high yesterday at Mount Panorama for the final day of Newton’s Playground 2009.Competitors from all over the world braved the violent, gusty wind on that famous track unique to Bathurst.<br />
<br />
Despite the windy conditions there was a decent audience on hand throughout the weekend to cheer on the dare devils as they shot down the Mount on only skateboards, small bikes and street luges.<br />
<br />
Kevin Reimer…
<b>Western Advocate - Fairfax Media</b><br />
BY MIRIAM SIERS<br />
<br />
<img style="float:right;" src="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/multimedia/images/full/650132.jpg"/><br />
EVERYONE was on a gravity-fuelled high yesterday at Mount Panorama for the final day of Newton’s Playground 2009.Competitors from all over the world braved the violent, gusty wind on that famous track unique to Bathurst.<br />
<br />
Despite the windy conditions there was a decent audience on hand throughout the weekend to cheer on the dare devils as they shot down the Mount on only skateboards, small bikes and street luges.<br />
<br />
Kevin Reimer from Vancouver BC in Canada took out the 2009 IGSA World Championship in Downhill Skateboarding and was on a high after his big win.<br />
<br />
“I am stoked and really happy, exuberant, awesome,” he said. “It is a long way to get here and I had no idea I would get this far. My uncle is here from Adelaide and it is just awesome to be here.<br />
<br />
“This is such a heavy event. The track is really fast and steep and very technical. The pavement is unlike anything else in the world, it is just craziness.”<br />
<br />
Mr Reimer was also impressed with his stay in Bathurst. “It is a small, little town but beautiful,” he said.<br />
<br />
St John Ambulance were on hand throughout the weekend, ready for any accidents which might occur.<br />
<br />
Spectators were kept entertained by Brycin “Striker” Lyons from Canada throughout the weekend, whose “radical” commentary on the race did not slow down once.<br />
<br />
The 1.3 kilometre course starts from the Skyline at the top of the Mount and finishes on Conrod Straight, with riders reaching speeds of more than 100km/h. Wind gusts of up to 57km/h just added to the thrill of the race.<br />
<br />
More news:<br />
<br />
<b>Prime News - 7 News media<br />
Western Advocate - Fairfax media<br />
Grand-Am road racing</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/general/reimer-beats-worlds-best/1692297.aspx" target="_blank"><br />
REIMER BEATS WORLD’S BEST</a></b><br />
BY BRENDAN ARROW<br />
01 Dec, 2009 08:11 AM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://news.csu.edu.au/director/regionalnews.cfm?itemID=48416AFCFF86AFB85B07F32FAA81D5CC&bprint=true" target="_blank">Newton's Playground champions celebrate at CSU</a></b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://bathurst.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/injuries-galore-in-bathurst-gravity-sports-video,220831" target="_blank">Injuries galore in Bathurst gravity sports</a></b><br />
30/11/2009 | 06:34 PM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/news/general/flying-into-the-danger-zone/1691152.aspx" target="_blank">FLYING INTO THE DANGER ZONE</a></b><br />
BY MIRIAM SIERS<br />
30 Nov, 2009 07:54 AM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/general/track-offers-excitement-gemperle/1691164.aspx" target="_blank">Track offers excitement: Gemperle</a></b><br />
BY BRENDAN ARROW<br />
30 Nov, 2009 08:11 AM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/general/strong-wind-gusts-provide-some-relief-at-the-mount/1691163.aspx" target="_blank">Strong wind gusts provide some relief at the Mount</a></b><br />
BY ANYA WHITELAW<br />
30 Nov, 2009 08:10 AM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/general/new-thrill-for-two-bathurst-hockey-talents/1691162.aspx" target="_blank">New thrill for two Bathurst hockey talents</a></b><br />
BY BRENDAN ARROW<br />
30 Nov, 2009 08:09 AM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/general/newtons-attracts-the-worlds-best/1691161.aspx" target="_blank">Newton’s attracts the world’s best</a></b><br />
BY BRENDAN ARROW<br />
30 Nov, 2009 08:08 AM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/general/extreme-october/1691160.aspx" target="_blank">EXTREME OCTOBER</a></b><br />
BY ANYA WHITELAW<br />
30 Nov, 2009 08:07 AM<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bathurst.iprime.com.au/index.php/timeout/james-grant,1542/out-and-about,1546/daredevils-on-the-mount,216481" target="_blank"><br />
<b>Daredevils on the Mount</b></a><br />
26/11/2009<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/general/nascar-driver-to-streetluge-at-the-mount/1687070.aspx?storypage=0" target="_blank">NASCAR driver to streetluge at the Mount</a></b><br />
25 Nov, 2009 08:13 AM<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.grand-am.com/news/index.cfm?series=r&cid=24363" target="_blank">Lally Heading To International Gravity Sports Association World Championships</a></b><br />
Nov. 19, 2009Newton's Playground Announces $10,000 Pursetag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-11-09:2144162:BlogPost:1056892009-11-09T12:00:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align:center"><img height="402" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118330674?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="601"></img></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Australian Skateboard Racing Association and Newton's Playground event organizers are happy to announce a prize purse of $10,200 for this years event. We have moved heaven and earth to lift this years prize money to reflect the growth in participation and professionalism of our sport in Australia and around the world. We think this is reflected in the level of riding we are now seeing and hope this creates a…</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img width="601" height="402" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2118330674?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Australian Skateboard Racing Association and Newton's Playground event organizers are happy to announce a prize purse of $10,200 for this years event. We have moved heaven and earth to lift this years prize money to reflect the growth in participation and professionalism of our sport in Australia and around the world. We think this is reflected in the level of riding we are now seeing and hope this creates a benchmark of reward for all the athletes that are about to compete for the IGSA World Championships.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220435286?profile=original" width="400" alt=""/></p>
<br />
<h3><u>Newton's Playground / IGSA World Championships Prize Pool</u></h3>
<br />
<h3><b>Open Downhill Skateboard</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>1st - $2500</li>
<li>2nd - $1200</li>
<li>3rd - $600</li>
<li>Fastest Qualifier - $200</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3><b>Woman's Downhill Skateboard</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>1st - 1000</li>
<li>2nd - 500</li>
<li>3rd - 300</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>Street Luge</h3>
<ul>
<li>1st - $1500</li>
<li>2nd - $1000</li>
<li>3rd - $500</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>Classic Luge</h3>
<ul>
<li>1st - $500</li>
<li>2nd - $300</li>
<li>3rd - $100</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>Grand Total = $10,200</h2>Sponsors Announced for Newton's Playgroundtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-10-22:2144162:BlogPost:1004202009-10-22T09:30:00.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2167669400?profile=original" width="400"></img></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">Putting on a big event like newton's Playground is only possible with the help of our sponsors. Most of these businesses have been part of building the downhill and racing scene in Australia from the start and now continue to contribute cash and time to make the big events possible. We also have some new partners that see the same potential that we do in building a series of big downhill events in Australia and have…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2167669400?profile=original" width="400" alt=""/></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">Putting on a big event like newton's Playground is only possible with the help of our sponsors. Most of these businesses have been part of building the downhill and racing scene in Australia from the start and now continue to contribute cash and time to make the big events possible. We also have some new partners that see the same potential that we do in building a series of big downhill events in Australia and have taken this opportunity to jump on board. These people have helped us enormously in putting on this years event and deserve as much exposure and support that ASRA and the whole racing scene in Australia can provide. The ASRA committee for Newton's Playground would like to proudly announce the sponsors for this years IGSA World Championships.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Newton's Playground Major Sponsor</b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cre8ivesk8.com/home.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220436712?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">For many years now Ado at Cre8ive Sk8 has been a major supporter of the racing scene in Australia. Whether its slalom, Downhill, luge or inline Ado has always been the first guy to jump in and make a very considerable contribution to getting races off the ground. Cre8ive sk8 has also been an enormous help in getting a number of Australian riders onto the world tour by providing sponsorship and other assistance For the last 10 years Ado has been the go to man for everything in high end precision race gear. Cre8ive is unrivaled in the world for its range of rare and precision decks and trucks. Because of the products that Ado provides we can get our race gear in 48hrs instead of 6 weeks. If your new to the scene his advice about equipment and setups is second to none.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Newton's Playground Major Category Sponsors</b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hopkin.com.au/" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220436842?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">James Hopkin of Hopkin Racing has been a major supporter of ASRA for a number of years now. Along with Ado he has been a major importer of high end racing gear and has put an enormous amount of personal time into helping develop ASRA as a relevant professional association. Many racing events would not have got off the ground without Hopkin Racing's support. As a member of the Newton's Playground organising committee Hop has been an integral part of developing this event over the last 3 years and given a huge amount of his personal time and financial support to develop skateboard racing as a genuine product in this country. Hopkin Racing has sponsored a number of up and coming Australian riders on the World Tour that have gone onto big things including taking Jackson Shapeira as a young 17 year old and giving him the chance to develop into the top ten rider he is today. Hopkin Racing is an innovative skate store that continues to offer great downhill, longboard and slalom gear to the new generation of Australian riders.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dragginjeans.net/index" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437056?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Draggin Jeans is relatively new to the racing scene in Australia but has seen the potential the sport has to offer. Draggin jeans offer an innovative product that has been used by many of Australia's top riders. Draggin makes Kevlar freeriding jeans that could be the killer product for racers throughout Australia and the world. They are the only casual motorcycle brand in the World to have EVER passed the CE Tests for Abrasion, Burst and Tear resistance.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Newton's Playground Sponsors</b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raynelongboards.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437299?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Rayne Longboards was the first skate manufacturer to jump on board and sponsor Newton's Playground. Rayne is a brand that creates incredible downhill and freeride boards and is always at the cutting edge of innovation and design in this industry. A large number of the world's top riders use Rayne boards including Australia's Jackson Shapeira who is a team rider for Rayne Longboards.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.boardshop.com.au/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437373?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Tony at Boardshop Australia has a long history in the skateboard scene both in Australia and in the US. Boardshop Australia has developed over the years into a quality outlet for longboard, slalom and street gear and has been increasing their exposure to the racing scene in Australia.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landyachtz.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220438297?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">When most people think of Downhill boards they think of landyatchz, this is a company with a rich history that has driven the downhill scene worldwide for a number of years now and continues to deliver quality boards and top riders.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skillset.com.au/" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220438440?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Skillset was a major category sponsor of last years event and continues their partnership with Newton's Playground 09. Skillset is one of Australia's largest group training companies and offers a full range of services to growing Australian enterprises and businesses.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Newton's Playground Minor Sponsors</b></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220438555?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify">Pete Hill and Ash at Glyde were one of the first young companies to offer support for Newton's 09. Glyde has shown over the last year that an Australian board maker can compete with the best in the world through innovative design. This is a brand that has a big future in the sport.</p>
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<p style="text-align:justify">If you have ridden a classic luge in Australia over the last 5 years it is likely you were riding a Sparks Buttboard. When you ride an Adam Sparks buttboard you know your riding a quality Australian made product that won't fail you at 110km/h.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.earlyskateboards.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220443031?profile=original" alt=""/></a></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify">After a long hiatus Early Skateboards Australia is back with an awesome new range of boards and wheels that have been ridden and tested by the best. This is another great Australian board maker that you will see a lot of in the near future</p>Switzer wins Maryhilltag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-09-11:2144162:BlogPost:888472009-09-11T06:04:53.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
Written by Marcus Rietema, IGSA<br />
Monday, 07 September 2009<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Switzer_Win.jpg"></img> <br></br>Patrick Switzer celebrates the biggest win of his career. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Goldendale, WA, USA</b> - On a day that must be considered the craziest in the history of the IGSA, Patrick Switzer battled the elements to win the 2009 Maryhill Festival of Speed. Throughout the day, the weather was constantly changing from sunshine to strong winds to pouring rain…</p>
Written by Marcus Rietema, IGSA<br />
Monday, 07 September 2009<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Switzer_Win.jpg"/><br/>Patrick Switzer celebrates the biggest win of his career. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Goldendale, WA, USA</b> - On a day that must be considered the craziest in the history of the IGSA, Patrick Switzer battled the elements to win the 2009 Maryhill Festival of Speed. Throughout the day, the weather was constantly changing from sunshine to strong winds to pouring rain and back again. This cycle occurred no less than six times through the day. Douglas Silva from Brazil finished in 2nd and James Kelly was 3rd. Rounding out the top six were Nathan Lang in 4th, Mischo Erban in 5th and Scoot Smith in 6th.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Rider%20Intros%202.jpg"/><br/>A good crowd was on hand for the Top 12 rider introductions. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">It had rained off and on during the morning racing classes but the weather forecast predicted improving weather conditions for the afternoon. The sun was out and the track was driying during the introduction of the Top 12 qualifiers. While the riders were at the top awaiting the first round heats, a strong wind blew in followed immediately by a heavy rain shower. The first round of racing was held under very wet conditions. Then it stopped, the sun came out and the track dried again. This ended up being a cycle that would continue throughout the afternoon.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Uhlman%20&%20switzer%20qtr.jpg"/><br/>Frank Uhlman beat Switzer to the line in the Quarter Finals. Tim Delrosario was 3rd. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">By the time the race came down to the Semi-Finals, it came down to the veterans versus a few of the young lions. In Semi-Final #1 it was Mischo Erban, Scoot Smith, Alex Tongue, Frank Uhlman, Patrick Switzer and Tim Delrosario. Shortly after the start, Scoot was in the lead but crashed and fell to fourth. He quickly picked himself up and began pushing like a crazy. Erban, Switzer and Uhlman had passed him so he put his head down and took off in pursuit. First he was able to get passed Uhlaman. As he exited Seismic Cowzer Corner he had Switzer in his sights and was gaining fast. They rouded the last corner and he somehow managed to make the pass. At the line it was Mischo, Scoot, and Switzer who were going to the finals. Uhlman, Tongue and Delrosario finished in 4th-6th respectively and were headed for the Consolation Final. Delrosario had crashed hard in the heat injuring his ankle.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Switzer-Scoot%20Finish.jpg"/><br/>Smith managed to get by Switzer in the last few centimeters before the finish of Semi #!. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">In Semi-Final #2 it was Kevin Reimer, Nathan Lang, Louis Pilloni, James Kelly, Douglas Silva and Zak Maytum. At most races around the world, this line up of riders would be a dream final but this was only the semis! Silva pulled out in the lead with Reimer close behind. Reimer had him in his sights but then crashed hard at about the halfway distance dropping to 6th. Zak Maytum then inherited 2nd place Kelly 3rd and Lang moved up to fourth. In Seismic Cowzer Corner, Maytum crashed and he was passed by everyone. At the line it was Silva, Kelly and Lang going to the final. Pilloni, Reimer and Maytum went to the Consolation final.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Scoot%20&%20Switzer%20Pits.jpg"/><br/>Scoot and Switzer relaxing under a tent and mingling in the break before the finals. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">In the Consi-Final it was Uhlman, Tongue, Pilloni, Reimer and Maytum. Delrosario dropped out due to his ankle injury. It was another crazy heat held quickly darkening conditions since the event had run late due to the multiple rain delays. With multiple riders crashing in different corners it was a crap shoot. At the line it was Pilloni taking the win and earning 7th place. He was followed by Maytum, Uhlman, Tongue and Reimer respectively.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Mischo%20Finish(1).jpg"/><br/>Mischo was really looking like the rider to beat until his dream fell apart in the final. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Switzer.jpg"/><br/>Switzer headed through Seismic Cowzer Corner. Photo Marcus Rietema</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">The final lined up with Erban, Smith, Switzer, Silva, Kelly and Lang. Mischo and Scoot took off in the lead and looked set to battle it out for the win until they both crashed at the halfway point. There would be no victory for the #1 qualifier and current points leader or the two-time defending Champion. Silva was now in the lead with Switzer and Kelly in hot pursuit. As they made their way down the straightaway headed for the final corner, Switzer passed Silva. Kelly was also on his tail but couldn't find dry enough pavement to make a pass. That was how they finished with Switzer earning his first World Cup victory. Silva finishing an amazing 2nd in his first ever rain race and Kelly in third. Nathan Lang finished in 4th with a dejected Erban in 5th. Defending Champion Smith finished in 6th.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Dalua%20finish.jpg"/><br/>Douglas Silva was elated to finish 2nd in his first ever wet race. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/Kelly%20podium.jpg"/><br/>James Kelly rode a great race to finish in 3rd. Photo John Ozman</p>
<br />
<h3><b>Maryhill Festival of Speed Open Downhill Skateboarding Top 24</b></h3>
<br />
1)Patrick Switzer CAN<br />
2 Douglas Silva BRA<br />
3 James Kelly USA<br />
4 Nate Lang CAN<br />
5 Mischo Erban CAN<br />
6 Scott Smith CAN<br />
7 Louis Pilloni USA<br />
8 Zak Maytem USA<br />
9 Frank Uhlmann SUI<br />
10 Alex Tongue USA<br />
11 Kevin Reimer CAN<br />
12 Timothy Delrosario USA<br />
13 Kyle Wester USA<br />
14 Nick Dunmall CAN<br />
15 Andrew Mercado USA<br />
16 Adam Auger CAN<br />
17 Calvin Staub USA<br />
<b>18 Corey Leeson AUS</b><br />
19 Robin McGuirk USA<br />
20 John Rogers USA<br />
21 Billy Meiners USA<br />
22 Ryan Sorensen USA<br />
23 Riley Harris CAN<br />
24 Rylan English CAN<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Australians</b><br />
27 Jackson Shapeira<br />
38 Jeremy Rodgers<br />
43 Adam Yates<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Woman's Downhill Skateboarding Top 10</b></h3>
<br />
1 56 Davies Brianne CAN<br />
2 199 Vukorep Dominique CAN<br />
3 695 Hebert Emilie CAN<br />
4 74 Evans Glenna CAN<br />
5 106 Kapka Vanessa CAN<br />
6 148 Neilsen Katie CAN<br />
7 84 Gregersen Christin CAN<br />
8 188 Startup Kim CAN<br />
9 29 Bayly Renee NZL<br />
10 162 Richardson Carley CAN<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Street Luge Top 10</b></h3>
<br />
1 110 Lally Andy USA<br />
2 111 Lang Matthias GER<br />
3 113 Lavoie Charles-Antoine CAN<br />
4 34 Bouchard Louis-Etienne CAN<br />
5 167 Rogers John USA<br />
6 125 McIntyre Mike USA<br />
7 94 Hicks Christopher USA<br />
8 153 Ozman Bob USA<br />
9 58 Dean David USA<br />
10 156 Parks Kolby CAN<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Classic Luge</b></h3>
<br />
1 110 Lally Andy USA<br />
2 34 Bouchard Louis-Etienne CAN<br />
<b>3 207 Yates Adam AUS</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/2009_maryhill_DH_Skateboard_Results%20Results.pdf" target="_blank"><b>Full Results</b></a>Erban Completes His Perfect Weekendtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-08-24:2144162:BlogPost:850012009-08-24T09:09:14.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<b>Race Report: Eastbourne Speed Days Day 3</b><br />
Written by Marcus Rietema, IGSA<br />
Sunday, 23 August 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-1.jpg"></img> <br></br>Patrick Switzer leads Mischo Erban in the Downhill Skateboard Final. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<b><br />
</b><p style="text-align:justify"><b>Eastbourne, England -</b> Mischo Erban completed his sweep of the 2009 Eastbourne Speed Days IGSA World Cup race with a dominant performance. He laid back and dropped to fourth at the start and then picked off his…</p>
<b>Race Report: Eastbourne Speed Days Day 3</b><br />
Written by Marcus Rietema, IGSA<br />
Sunday, 23 August 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-1.jpg"/><br/>Patrick Switzer leads Mischo Erban in the Downhill Skateboard Final. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<b><br />
</b><p style="text-align:justify"><b>Eastbourne, England -</b> Mischo Erban completed his sweep of the 2009 Eastbourne Speed Days IGSA World Cup race with a dominant performance. He laid back and dropped to fourth at the start and then picked off his opponents one by one before pulling away at the finish line. Scoot Smith and Patrick Switzer had an incredibly close finish that required careful video analysis before second place could be awarded. Switzer came on really strong at the finish but eventually it was determined that Scoot had crossed the line first. Finishing in fourth place was Christoffer Sanne from Sweden.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09-4_2.jpg"/><br/> William Brunson slides sideways in the 2nd round as Christoffer Sanne steers to avoid him. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_3-2(1).jpg"/><br/> Brunson crashes out and Sanne goes on to win the heat and eventually finish 4th overall. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Third place qualifier William Brunson crashed in the second round and was knocked out of the race. There was some controversy that he had been pushed by eventual fourth place finisher Christoffer Sanne but after a lengthy conversation with the course marshall's and with Race Director Norman Kinnish who witnessed the incident, it was determined that Brunson had slid out on his own at the same time that Sanne had lightly touched him to make him aware of his presence. Photos later confirmed the Officials interpretation of the incident.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-5.jpg"/><br/> Sanne leads Scoot, Switzer and Erban in the final but dropped to fourth at the line. Photo David Bauckham</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">#1 qualifier Erban, #2 qualifier Smith, #4 qualifier Switzer and #6 qualifier Sanne lined up for the Downhill Skateboarding final. Sanne took the early lead followed by Smith in second, Switzer third and Erban hanging back in fourth. As they came through the the first corner of the "S-Bend" complex they remained in this order with Scoot in hot pursuit of Sanne, Switzer picking up Scoot's draft and Mischo railing the corners and gaining a massive amount of speed on the three riders in front of him. Scoot made it around Sanne in the second part of the "S-Bend" and Mischo did the same to Switzer.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">As they entered the long left curve at the top of the straightaway, Mischo blew by Sanne first and then Scoot to take the lead. Switzer moved around Sanne and took off set his sights on Scoot. As they made their way down the straightaway, Mischo pulled away from the other three skaters. Switzer inched forward on Scoot until they were virtually in a dead heat at the line but he came up just short of beating him.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/download-4.jpg"/><br/> Eastbourn Podium- 1st Erban, 2nd Smith and 3rd Switzer. Photo David Bauckham</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"></p>
<h2><b>Dasha Kornienko Wins the Women's Downhill</b></h2>
<p></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-6.jpg"/><br/> Dasha Kornienko won all three heats in Women's Skateboarding. Photo David Bauckham</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center">Canadian Dasha Kornienko won her second World Cup race of the season. The ladies raced in three heats moto-x style earning points for each finish. Dasha won all three of her heats to earn the victory. Finishing in second was Ishatar Backlund from Sweden. Third was awarded to Kim Edwards from Great Britain.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"></p>
<h2><b>Martin Klawitter Wins Junior Downhill Skateboarding</b></h2>
<p></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-7.jpg"/><br/> Martin Klawitter leads Hakon Wegge and Robert Micke in the Junior Final. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">In Junior Downhill Skateboarding, Martin Klawitter from Sweden won all three of his heats to win the race. There were twelve juniors competing in the class. Hakon Wegge from Norway finished in second. Finishing in third was Robert Micke from Great Britain. Everyone was really stoked to see the Junior Class growing and becoming more competitive.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-8.jpg"/><br/> There was plenty of action all weekend in the "S-Bend". Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"></p>
<h2>Eliot Wins in Street Luge for Britain</h2>
<p></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-9.jpg"/><br/> Street Luge Podium- 1st Eliot, 2nd Labarthe, 3rd Stephenson (absent) as Race Director Norman Kinnish looks on.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Peter Eliot from London, England gave the local fans plenty to cheer about with his dominant performance in Street Luge. The 2002 IGSA World Cup Series Champion put on a dominant performance by first earning the number one qualifying position on Saturday and then winning all of his heats enroute to his second World Cup victory of the season. Finishing in second place was Yvon Labarthe from Switzerland. Labarthe also has two World Cup victories this season and the two veteran racers are looking forward to a showdown at the World Championships in Bathurst, Australia.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Finishing in third was Englishman William Stephenson. Stephenson and fourth place finisher Chris McBride from the Unitd States were locked in a tight battle as they crossed the finish line. After crossing the finish line Stephenson got a slight wobble causing he and McBride to touch at nearly 100 km/h (62 mph). After the initial contact was made both riders lost control and were sent tumbling down the track at full speed in a very scary high speed incident. Both riders came to a rest on the track. McBride was able to get up under his own power and only suffered some bruising. Stephenson was complaining of pain in both of his arms. The medical staff were on scene immediately and transported him to the local hospital. So far the medical reports are good with no serious injuries being reported.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"></p>
<h2><b>Serek wins in Classic Luge</b></h2>
<p></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-10.jpg"/><br/> Dr. Michael "The Flying Dentist" Serek won his 2nd World Cup race of the year. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Dr. Michael Serek is having an incredible season of racing in Classic Luge. The two time and defending IGSA World Champion in Classic Luge won his second race of the season. Finishing in second was William Stephenson. Peter Eliot earned the final podium spot with his third place finish. In the four World Cup races that have been held so far in 2009, Serek has two firsts, a second and a third. He appears set to win his third IGSA World Cup Series title in a row.</p>
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Many called Eastbourne the best organized event of the 2009 Euro Tour. Even though the event organizers lost their title sponsor in the final weeks before the event, the Eastbourogh Council decided to forge ahead with the race anyway. The weather all weekend was perfect and Race Director Norman Kinnish did a magnificent job of organizing the event. There were record crowds for Sunday's final rounds and they all stayed through the finals. Now the World Cup Series shifts gears and heads for North America for the Maryhill Festival of Speed. We'll have daily race reports here at www.IGSAworldcup.com</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_4-11.jpg"/><br/> A panoramic view of the spectacular "Eastbourne Ampitheater." Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<br />
<b>Eastbourne Speed Days Final Results<br />
<br />
<br />
Downhill Skateboarding</b><br />
<br />
1. Mischo Erban, Canada<br />
2. Scoot Smith, Canada<br />
3. Patrick Switzer, Canada<br />
4. Christoffer Sanne, Sweden<br />
5. Oliver Nielson, Denmark<br />
<b>6. Jackson Shapiera, Australia</b><br />
7. Alexander D'Elia Martin, Spain<br />
8. Phillipe Albiz, France<br />
9. Chris Vanstone, Great Britain<br />
10. Max Stamler, Austria<br />
11. Alexander Horthe, Norway<br />
12. Julien Yamba, France<br />
13. William Brunson, United States<br />
<b>14. Adam Yates, Australia</b><br />
15. Liam Fourie, South Africa<br />
16. Jorgen Stokke Halvorsen, Norway<br />
17. Marcel Isler, Switzerland<br />
18. Trygve Flebu Jorundland, Norway<br />
19. Shaine Fourie, South Africa<br />
20. Clement Gayraud, France<br />
21. Thibault Courtois, France<br />
22. Darren Rathbone, Great Britain<br />
23. Ross Holm, Great Britain<br />
24. Simon Konstantin, Germany<br />
25. Sergio Sebastia Garcia, Spain<br />
26. Kim Andre Hanson, Norway<br />
27. Martin Klawitter, Sweden<br />
28. Mat Holroyd, Great Britain<br />
29. Jason Fry, Great Britain<br />
30. Andy Nickels, Great Britain<br />
<br />
<b>Women's Downhill Skateboarding</b><br />
<br />
1. Dasha Kornienko, Canada<br />
2. Ishatar Backlund, Sweden<br />
3. Kim Edwards, Great Britain<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Junior Downhill Skateboarding</b><br />
<br />
1. Martin Klawitter, Sweden<br />
2. Hakon Wegge, Norway<br />
3. Robert Mckie, Great Britain<br />
4. Fredrik Wangsten, Sweden<br />
5. Jesse Tighe, Great Britain<br />
6. Andy Nickels, Great Britain<br />
7. Auden Guneriussen, Norway<br />
8. Matthew Elver, Great Britain<br />
9. Jamie Ash, Great Britain<br />
10. Rob Borek, Great Britain<br />
11. Fredrik Rogbrant, Sweden<br />
12. Elliott Allen, Great Britain<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Street Luge</b><br />
<br />
1. Peter Eliot, Great Britain<br />
2. Yvon Labarthe, Switzerland<br />
3. William Stephenson, Great Britain<br />
4. Chris McBride, United States<br />
5. Fabien Prual, France<br />
6. Damo Damo, Switzerland<br />
7. William Condon, Canada<br />
8. Alex Frischauf, Austria<br />
9. Len Stocker, Great Britain<br />
10. Ben Bewley, Great Britain<br />
11. Greg Gerber, France<br />
12. Ian Dawson, Great Britain<br />
13. Kolby Parks, Canada<br />
14. Craig Deltour, France<br />
15. Latif Moradi, Great Britain<br />
16. Cess Dolding, Great Britain<br />
17. Matt Geering, Great Britain<br />
18. Trevor Baker, Great Britain<br />
19. Lee Hawkswell, Great Britain<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Classic Luge</b><br />
<br />
1. Michael Serek, Austria<br />
2. William Stephenson, Great Britain<br />
3. Peter Eliot, Great Britain<br />
4. Maxime Rubi, France<br />
5. Craig Deltour, France<br />
6. Fabien Prual, France<br />
7. Yvon Labarthe, Switzerland<br />
8. Chris Mcbride, United States<br />
9. Maxime Fouquet, France<br />
10. Dano Dano, Switzerland<br />
11. Greg Gerber, France<br />
12. Meline Thibaut, France<br />
13. Phil Richardson, Great Britain<br />
14. Ben Bewley, Great Britain<br />
15. Nic Down, Great Britain<br />
16. Celina Dimola, Belgium<br />
17. Jack Cousins, Great Britain<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Inline Board (Dirtsurfer)</b><br />
<br />
1. Andreas Pfister, Germany<br />
2. Ian Martland, Great Britain<br />
3. Phillip Barnes, Great Britain<br />
4. Tim Mellor, Great Britain<br />
5. Chris Isherwood, Great Britain<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Gravity Bike</b><br />
<br />
1. David Stinton, Great Britain<br />
2. Greg Bailey, Great Britain<br />
3. Peter Davies, Great Britain<br />
4. Alex Frischauf, Austria<br />
5. Scott Hallman, Great Britain<br />
<br />
Complete Results to follow...Erban Retains #1 Position in Final Qualifyingtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-08-23:2144162:BlogPost:847342009-08-23T00:41:02.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
Race Report: Eastbourne Speed Days Day 2<br />
Written by Marcus Rietema, IGSA<br />
Saturday, 22 August 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_3-1.jpg"></img> <br></br>Mischo Erban continued his domination of Eastbourne today. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Eastbourne England- Mischo Erban retained his number one qualifying position under perfect weather conditions that enabled him to lower his time by a staggering 11 seconds. His run that produced a time of 1:27.917 was visibly quicker than…</p>
Race Report: Eastbourne Speed Days Day 2<br />
Written by Marcus Rietema, IGSA<br />
Saturday, 22 August 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_3-1.jpg"/><br/>Mischo Erban continued his domination of Eastbourne today. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Eastbourne England- Mischo Erban retained his number one qualifying position under perfect weather conditions that enabled him to lower his time by a staggering 11 seconds. His run that produced a time of 1:27.917 was visibly quicker than anyone else.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Yesterday’s headwinds and cool weather gave way to a slight breeze and warm temperatures. As a result nearly every competitor was able to improve significantly on the time they posted yesterday. Moving up to second position was Scoot Smith who posted a time of 1:29.533. Scoots run was solid and he’s feeling optimistic that he can step onto the top of the podium tomorrow.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_3-2.jpg"/><br/> Scoot Smith moved up to second in final qualifying. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">William Brunson from Albuquerque , New Mexico, USA was stoked to move into the number three position. The veteran racer is competing in Europe for the first time in 2009 and has adapted well to the Eastbourne course posting a time of 1:29.702. With another solid performance tomorrow, he’ll definitely be looking for a podium finish.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Padova runner up Patrick Switzer wound up fourth with a time of 1:29.810. He’s continued to improve his finishes at each of the previous three European World Cup races. Look for him to make it to the final tomorrow and if things go his way, he could win it.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_3-3.jpg"/><br/> William Brunson has adapted well to the Eastbourne race course. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Rounding out the top five was Jackson Shapiera who posted a time of 1:30.375. Jacko was second quickest in Friday’s session but couldn’t hold back the onslaught of Scoot, Brunson and Switzer in today’s final qualifying session.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">123 downhill skateboarders made qualifying attempts to make it into the final 64 that will race in tomorrow’s final. It is the largest number of downhill skateboarders that have competed in a World Cup event this year and one of the largest fields ever. Tomorrow’s weather forecast is again calling for perfect conditions and the organizers are expecting record crowds.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_3-4.jpg"/><br/> Patrick Switzer is having another solid weekend. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<b>Downhill Skateboarding Top 10 Qualifiers</b><br />
<br />
1. Mischo Erban, Canada, 1:27.917<br />
<br />
2. Scoot Smith, Canada, 1:29.533<br />
<br />
3. William Brunson, United States, 1:29.702<br />
<br />
4. Patrick Switzer, Canada, 1:29.810<br />
<br />
<b>5. Jackson Shapiera, Australia, 1:30.375</b><br />
<br />
6. Christoffer Sanne, Sweden, 1:31.055<br />
<br />
<b>7. Adam Yates, Australia, 1:31.725</b><br />
<br />
8. Oliver Nielson, Norway, 1:32.050<br />
<br />
9. Marcel Isler, Switzerland, 1:32.214<br />
<br />
10. Alexander D’Elia Martin, Spain, 1:32.457<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Australians</b></h3>
79. Nathan Aveyard 1:42.506<br />
<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"></p>
<h1><b>Britain’s Eliot is #1 in Street Luge</b></h1>
<p></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_3-5.jpg"/><br/> Will Stephenson on his way to second position in Street Luge final qualifying. Photo Dean McNeill</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Former World Cup Series Champion Pete Eliot was the number one qualifier for tomorrow’s Street Luge final with a time of 1:22.401. He was followed in second by William Stephenson at 1:22.694. To make it a British one-two. Chris McBride from the United States will start third. He posted a time of 1:23.861. 26 Street Luger’s will start the final tomorrow.</p>
<br />
<b>Street Luge Top 10 Qualifiers</b><br />
<br />
1. Peter Eliot, Great Britain, 1:22.401<br />
<br />
2. William Stephenson, Great Britain, 1:22.694<br />
<br />
3. Chris McBride, United States, 1:23.861<br />
<br />
4. Yvon Labarthe, Switzerland, 1:24.116<br />
<br />
5. Dano Dano, Switzerland, 1:24.298<br />
<br />
6. Alex Frischauf, Switzerland, 1:24.333<br />
<br />
7. Fabien Prual, France, 1:24.514<br />
<br />
8. Len Stocker, Great Britain, 1:24.551<br />
<br />
9. William Condon, Canada, 1:25.087<br />
<br />
10. Ben Bewley, Great Britain, 1:25.385<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/official-igsa-race-results"><b>Full Qualifying Results</b></a>Erban Leads Day One Qualifierstag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-08-22:2144162:BlogPost:845622009-08-22T05:44:36.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
Race Report: Eastbourne Speed Days Day 1<br />
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Friday, 21 August 2009<br />
IGSA<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_2-1.jpg"></img> <br></br> Mischo Erban on his way to posting Friday's fastest qualifying time. Photo Sven von Schlachta</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Eastbourne, England -</b> Mischo Erban paced the qualifying on a cool, windy day during the first day of Downhill Skateboard qualifiying for Sunday's Eastbourne Speed Days. The Canadian's time came relatively early in the…</p>
Race Report: Eastbourne Speed Days Day 1<br />
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Friday, 21 August 2009<br />
IGSA<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_2-1.jpg"/><br/> Mischo Erban on his way to posting Friday's fastest qualifying time. Photo Sven von Schlachta</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Eastbourne, England -</b> Mischo Erban paced the qualifying on a cool, windy day during the first day of Downhill Skateboard qualifiying for Sunday's Eastbourne Speed Days. The Canadian's time came relatively early in the session under possibly calmer conditions than those encountered by his main rivals.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Erban's time of 1:38.925 was more than four seconds quicker than his closest rival. Finishing second was Australian Jackson Shapiera with a time of 1:43.176. It was an impressive performance that he hopes can duplicate on Saturday. Current IGSA World Champion and 2008 World Cup Series Champion Scoot Smith was third with a time of 1:43.781. The defending race champion from Canada put in a a solid performance and is confident he can improve his time on Saturday.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_2-2.jpg"/><br/>Jackson Shapiera and Adam Yates share a practice run on Friday. Photo Sven von Schlachta</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Finishing in fourth was Clement Gayraud from France with a time of 1:44.217. Rounding out the top five was Patrick Switzer with a time of 1:44.362. Switzer missed nearly all of the morning practice session taking only one run prior to qualifying. With a full morning of practice tomorrow he should definitely get quicker.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Erban, Smith, Switzer and Shapiera are currently locked in a four-way battle to win the 2009 IGSA World Cup Series Championship. With all four of the skateboarders finishing in the top five yesterday the competition is certain to heat up for Saturday's final qualifying session. Erban currently leads the points chase and a win on Sunday would certainly give him some breathing room. His three main rivals are all thinking the same thing.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_2-3.jpg"/><br/> Scott Smith sits in third after Friday's qualifying. Photo Sven von Schlachta</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Eastbourne is round number four of the 2009 World Cup Series and it's completion will mark the half way point of the season. Whoever comes out on top in Eastbourne will be in a good position for the rest of the year. Tomorrow's weather forecast is calling for relatively calm winds so all of the skaters hope to improve their times significantly.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">A total of 121 downhill skateboarders made qualifying attempts on Friday. Only the top 64 qualifiers will make it into Sundays elimination rounds. Saturday's final qualifying session promises to be a pressure cooker.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_2-5.jpg"/><br/> Eastbourne's countryside creates a perfect natural ampitheater. Photo Sven von Schlachta</p>
<br />
<b>Eastbourne Speed Days Friday Qualifying Leaders</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Open Downhill Skateboarding (121 Riders)</b><br />
1. Mischo Erban, CAN 1:38.925<br />
<b>2. Jackson Shapiera AUS 1:43.176</b><br />
3. Scoot Smith CAN 1:43.781<br />
4. Clement Gayraud FRA 1:44.217<br />
5. Patrick Switzer CAN 1:44.362<br />
6. William Brunson USA 1:44.546<br />
7. Sergio Sebastio Garcia SPN 1:45.145<br />
8. Mike River GBR 1:45.967<br />
9. Christoffer Sanne NOR 1:45.971<br />
10. Thibault Courtois FRA 1:46.564<br />
11. Alexander D'Elia Martin SPN 1:46.868<br />
12. Marcel Isler FRA 1:48.035<br />
13. Alexander Horthe NOR 1:49.357<br />
14. Liam Fourie RSA 1:49.526<br />
15. Jorgan Halvorsen NOR 1:49.936<br />
16. Trygve Jorundland NOR 1:50.129<br />
<b>17. Adam Yates AUS 1:50.224</b><br />
18. Darren Rathbone GBR 1:50.485<br />
19. Jason Fry GBR 1:50.627<br />
20. Hakon Hansen NOR 1:50.722<br />
<br />
Street Luge (25 Riders)<br />
1. William Stephenson GBR 1:29.447<br />
2. Chris McBride USA 1:29.450<br />
3. Yvon Labarthe SUI 1:29.623<br />
4. Damo Damo SUI 1:29.725<br />
5. Peter Eliot GBR 1:30.350<br />
6. William Condon CAN 1:30.586<br />
7. Len Stocker GBR 1:30.917<br />
8. Fabien Prual FRA 1:31.352<br />
9. Alex Frischauf AUS 1:32.113<br />
10. Greg Gerber FRA 1:32.850<br />
<br />
Classic Luge (18 Riders)<br />
1. Michael Serek AUS 1:30.574<br />
2. Maxime Rubi FRA 1:31.987<br />
3. Yvon Labarthe SUI 1:32.130<br />
4. Chris McBride USA 1:34.215<br />
5. Craig Deltour FRA 1:34.245<br />
6. Fabien Prual FRA 1:34.845<br />
7. William Stephenson GBR 1:34.916<br />
8. Damo Damo SUI 1:35.369<br />
9. Maxime Fouquet FRA 1:35.704<br />
10. Peter Eliot GBR 1:36.282<br />
<br />
<br />
Complete Qualifying Results to follow...<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/ESD09_2-4.jpg"/><br/> The spectacular chalk cliffs of Beachy Head rise 535 feet (163m) above the sea. Photo Sven von Schlachta</p>Siegrist survives crash fest to win Padova GPtag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-08-12:2144162:BlogPost:787592009-08-12T14:32:53.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
Race Report: Padova Grand Prix Day Three<br />
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Sunday, 02 August 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-1.jpg"></img></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Padova GP podium- Martin Siegrist, Patrick Switzer and Stefan Ruefli. Photo Marcus Rietema</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Padova, Italy</b>- Martin Siegrist (SUI) survived a crash filled afternoon to win the Padova Grand Prix. Siegrist won by taking the lead early in each of his heats and riding out front fast and precisely to…</p>
Race Report: Padova Grand Prix Day Three<br />
Written by Marcus Rietema<br />
Sunday, 02 August 2009<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-1.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Padova GP podium- Martin Siegrist, Patrick Switzer and Stefan Ruefli. Photo Marcus Rietema</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify"><b>Padova, Italy</b>- Martin Siegrist (SUI) survived a crash filled afternoon to win the Padova Grand Prix. Siegrist won by taking the lead early in each of his heats and riding out front fast and precisely to stay out of the chaos that was occurring behind him all day.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-6.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align:center">James Kelly's weekend started off with a bang but fizzled in the race. Photo Marcus Rietema</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">The day was filled with crashes on nearly every run as the skaters were pushing the limit and doing all they could to find more speed. Harald Bacic (NOR) was an early casualty when he crashed in the second heat of the first round while trying to avoid another rider that had fallen in front of him. Bacic suffered a fracture to his lower leg. James Kelly (USA) led qualifying on Friday and had been running very fast all weekend. He suffered a high-speed crash in the morning warm up that seemed to rattle his confidence. He slid out in his second round heat and was eliminated after being beaten to the line by Stefan Ruefli (USA) and Jackson Shapiera (AUS).
<br />
As the heats went on it was a race of attrition leaving only those who were able to stay out front and ride clean or those who were able to get back underway in a quick manner after crashing.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-5.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Patrick Switzer earned his first ever World Cup Podium. Photo Marcus Rietema</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">In Semi-Final #1 it was Siegrist, Scoot Smith (CAN), Patrick Switzer (CAN), and Mischo Erban (CAN). Siegrist took the early lead followed by Erban, Smith, and Switzer. Heading into the fast left and right hairpin Erban crashed moving Smith to second and Switzer third. A few corners later Scoot slid wide and tagged the bales. This allowed Switzer to move into second. Siegrist and Switzer finished first and second to move into the final.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-3%20bo.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Erik Lundberg already has two final round appearences in 2009. Photo Bob Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Semi-Final #2 included Erik Lundberg (SWE), Ramon Konigshausen (SUI), Peyragudes winner Louis Pilloni (USA), and Stefan Ruefli (SUI). All four riders pushed really hard off the line. As they came into the fast left, right hairpin Lundberg, Konigshausen and Pilloni were all in tight pack. Ruefli was trailing slightly behind. The combination of regular and goofy footers, different braking techniques, the narrow track and aggressive riding, were a recipe for disaster.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-2.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Stefan Ruefli had a great weekend finishing third. Photo Marcus Rietema</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Lundberg, Konigshausen and Pilloni all piled into the bales together. Ruefli went sailing by and rode unchallenged into the final. There was a mad scramble in his wake as the other three knew they were all racing for second and a spot in the final. Pilloni mad it out front first with Lundberg in hot pursuit. Lundberg got a good run coming off the last hairpin and used the extra speed to draft by Pilloni down the final straightaway and into the coveted second place.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-7.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align:center">The finalists were all stoked! Photo Marcus Rietema</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">The final was set with Siegrist, Switzer, Ruefli and Lundberg. Amazingly, the final was one of the few clean runs of the day. Siegrist went to the front and never looked back till the finish. Switzer rode cleanly into second while Ruefli and Lundberg had a good battle all the way with Ruefli coming out on top to earn the final podium spot.</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://www.igsaworldcup.com/images/news_photos/PGP%203-4.jpg"/></p>
<p style="text-align:center">Scoot won the Consolation Final to finish fifth. Photo Bob Ozman</p>
<br />
<p style="text-align:justify">Spectators at the bottom were able to watch all the action from top to bottom on a jumbotron and were going crazy with all the action. The race featured all sorts of entertainment each night and an amazing level of infrastructure. Plans are already being finalized for the IGSA World Cup Series to return to Teolo in 2010.</p>
<br />
<br />
<b>Padova Grand Prix<br />
Downhill Skateboarding Top Ten</b><br />
<br />
1. Martin Siegrist, Switzerland<br />
2. Patrick Switzer, Canada<br />
3. Stefan Ruefli, Switzerland<br />
4. Erik Lundberg, Sweden<br />
5. Scoot Smith, Canada<br />
6. Louis Pilloni, United States<br />
7. Ramon Konigshausen, Switzerland<br />
8. Mischo Erban, Canada<br />
9. Christoph Batt, Switzerland<br />
<b>10. Jackson Shapiera, Australia</b><br />
<br />
<b>Australians:</b><br />
15. Adam Yates<br />
21. Corey Leeson<br />
29. Ashley Donaldson<br />
<br />
<b>NZL</b><br />
40. Eddie Spearing<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.skateboardracing.org.au/page/official-igsa-race-results">Padova GP Final Results</a>Switzer Wins in Austria!tag:www.skateboardracing.org.au,2009-08-10:2144162:BlogPost:809022009-08-10T23:10:47.000ZRobbohttp://www.skateboardracing.org.au/profile/Dave
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="371" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437473?profile=original" width="495"></img></p>
<br />
<p align="justify">Ramsau, Austria- Canadian Patrick Switzer won yesterdays Fluderer LongboardJäm 09. He was followed by Australian Jackson Shapiera in second and Sebastian Hertler from Germany in third. Hertler had won rounds one and two of the series but faced some stiff competition from the international racers. Switzer and Shapiera are both staying in Europe waiting for next weeks European Championships in the Czech Republic and the next World…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2220437473?profile=original" alt="" width="495" height="371"/></p>
<br />
<p align="justify">Ramsau, Austria- Canadian Patrick Switzer won yesterdays Fluderer LongboardJäm 09. He was followed by Australian Jackson Shapiera in second and Sebastian Hertler from Germany in third. Hertler had won rounds one and two of the series but faced some stiff competition from the international racers. Switzer and Shapiera are both staying in Europe waiting for next weeks European Championships in the Czech Republic and the next World Cup in Eastbourne, England August 21-23.</p>
<br />
<p align="justify">Switzerland's Rebekka Gemperle continued her winning ways by earning the victory in Women's Downhill Skateboarding. She earned her first ever Women's Downhill Skateboarding victory two weeks ago at the Graveyard Call World Cup in Argonay, France. She now appears to be on a roll heading into next weeks European Championships.</p>
<br />
<p align="justify"></p>
<p align="justify">Defending World Champion Michael Serek from Austria defeated Italians Roberto Marasca and Frederico Barboni to win the Classic Luge race. The win was Serek's second of the year in the König der Berge Cup Series and his fourth of the year. He won the World cup races in both Peyragudes and Argonay, France and is well on his way to defending his Classic Luge IGSA World Cup Series title.</p>
<br />
The race was round #3 of the König der Berge Cup 2009 and was held on the Ramsau Skiroller track in Austria. For additional information go to www.fluderer.com<p></p>
<br />
<h3><b>Downhill Skateboarding</b></h3>
1 Switzer Patrick CAN<br />
<b>2 Shapera Jackson AUS</b><br />
3 Hertler Sebastian GER<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Women's Downhill Skateboarding</b></h3>
1 Gemperle Rebecca SUI<br />
2 Reinthaler Niclola AUT<br />
3 Westerich Maike GER<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Street Luge</b></h3>
1 Frischauf Alex AUT<br />
2 Müller Michael AUT<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Classic Luge</b></h3>
1 Serek Michael AUT<br />
2 Marasca Roberto ITA<br />
3 Barboni Federico ITA<br />
<br />
<h3><b>Gravity Bike</b></h3>
1 Frischauf Alex AUT