January 20, 2006

8th Annual Showcase Showdown Debuts Exciting New "Pipestyle" Format

Sapient Snowboards comes on as title sponsor with $25,000 cash prizing

WHISTLER, BC, January 20, 2006 - The Sapient-Showcase Showdown is set to go off February 24-25 with a new format dubbed "Pipestyle." The Pipestyle will incorporate tombstones, rails, boxes and spines into Whistler Blackcomb's Super Night Pipe, creating a whole new style of halfpipe competition.

"The Showcase Showdown has always been about the advancement of the sport, evolving over the years from a quarterpipe competition to the Monster Box Jib Jam, and now to Whistler's first Pipestyle," says promotions coordinator Zoltan Katchanoski.

The Showcase Showdown has long been a grass roots event made by riders, for riders. "This year we are hoping to bring it to the next level and become a highly regarded international event," Katchanoski says.

Sapient has signed on as the headline sponsor and will provide $25,000 in cash prizing. Additional event sponsors Anon, RED, Option, Vans, Salomon-Bonfire and 32 will contribute over $15,000 in prizing as well. Registration for the event is now open and there are 75 spots available to athletes.

Registration will be taken over the phone at 1-800-766-0449 or in person at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations for an event promising to be the most innovative, entertaining and unique, rider-driven snowboard competition of the season.

Established in 1989, Showcase Snowboards is the oldest and largest snowboard shop in Whistler, BC. There are also Showcase stores in Banff, AB. and Winter Park, CO. The website www.showcasesnowboards.com provides snowboard enthusiasts a unique one stop shop for all their retail needs.