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Red Bull Xtreme by Swatch Snowboarding Extremes Verbier, Switzerland, March 22-26, 2000 |
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| Pre-Contest Press Release | March 22 (Day 1) | March 25 (Day 2) | March 26 (Awards) |
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Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps,
Verbier will once again host the ultimate freeride challenge. Created in
1996, by Philippe Buttet and Nicolas Hale-Woods, this unique and radical
event brings together the world's top snowboarders.16 men and 6 women have been carefully selected to partake in this two day event. Competing this year are: Pepi Ahonen, Victoria Jamieson, Julie Larson, Karine Ruby, Eva Sandelgard, Julie Zell, Peter Bauer, Ashley Call, Guillaume Chastagnol, Serge Cornillat, Matt Goodwill, Jarkko Henttonen, Ueli Kestenholz, Steve Klassen, Todd Mason, Cyril Neri, Axel Pauporté, Dédé Rehm, Jérôme Ruby, Jason Schutz, Eric Themel, Gilles Voirol. The contest takes place on the north face of the
Bec des Rosses, 3'222m altitude, 500m vertical, slopes between 45 and 55 degrees.
The Col des Gentianes offers a perfect view of the Bec des Rosses. Easily
accessible and flooded by the sun it is also an ideal spot for the public.In celebration of the event a street fair will
take place in the center of Verbier. Skateboarders, BMX riders and inliners
will demonstrate their talents on the Red Bull ramp. Live bands, DJs, food
and drink stands, "Combat de Reines" (cow fights) and a giant video screen,
showing the first images from the 2000 edition of the Red Bull Xtreme by
Swatch, will animate Verbier during the weekend of March 25/26.The Contest The competitors arrive in Verbier at the
beginning of the week. As soon as possible they make their way to the Col des Gentianes to study the
mountain (the Bec des Rosses is off limits to all competitors one month prior to the contest). With
the help of binoculars, they chose a line that incorporates steep pitches, technical difficulties
and cliff jumps. The day of the competition the riders, assisted by guides, hike over an hour to the
summit of the Bec des Rosses. One by one they descend the face in an attempt to win the prestigious
title of the Red Bull Xtreme by Swatch.Safety and Equipment The Red Bull Xtreme by Swatch is the most
technical and difficult competition of its kind and only the best pro
riders are chosen. They must be in top physical condition and have
thorough mountain experience with proven track records of freeriding at
the highest levels. The riders are equipped with helmet, harness, back
protection, DVA (avalanche victim detector), and a back pack containing
both shovel and probe.Throughout the winter la "Maison FXB du
Sauvetage" closely monitors the Bec des Rosses to ensure maximum safety
and to minimize the risk of avalanches. During the event two helicopters,
with full medical equipment and two specialized doctors will be on site.
The rescue company in collaboration with the riders will play a strong
role in educating the public on snow conditions, avalanche danger and
safety equipment.Judging Criteria and Race Format In the true spirit of freeride the fifth
edition of the Red Bull Xtreme by Swatch will have 3 different awards:
judges award, riders award and a public award. Each award will be based
on the two days of competition. The rider with the highest scoring run
will take home the prize money.Judges Award A carefully selected jury composed of
experienced snowboarders will observe and mark the riders based on the
following criteria: Choice and difficulty of the line, form and technique,
control, fluidity, aggressiveness and overall impression. Time is not a
factor and while style, substance and technique are the key to victory,
loss of control is severely sanctioned.Women: 1st $3000, 2nd $1500, 3rd to 5th $1000 Men: 1st $5000, 2nd $3000, 3rd $1500, 4th to 16th $1000 Riders Award The riders elect a winner! Following each
contest day the riders will observe each individual descent via a large
screen TV. Votes will be totaled and a winner chosen by secret ballot.One prize: $5000 Public Award Twenty people will be picked from the
audience. Equipped with binoculars and a starting list they will judge
the contest from the Col des Gentianes.One prize: $5000 Total Prize money: $40,000 www.xtreme-snowboard.com |
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