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WHISTLER, BC May 25, 2009 – While freeride mountain bike pros flocked to balmier climates this winter, renowned course builder and mad professor John Cowan has been working on plans in his never-ending quest to expand the boundaries of two-wheeled recreation. The spring melt is now on and Cowan and his tireless crew of builders have begun to turn the earth to construct the features of the slopestyle and giant slalom courses in the Boneyard at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. In anticipation of another masterpiece, Kokanee Crankworx, meanwhile, is excited to announce the inside scoop on some juicy details for 2009 including the illustrious invitation list.
“Over the winter we have worked closely with athletes, judges, media and our broadcast team to improve existing events and add new ones to ensure the best possible experience for athletes and spectators alike,” says Jeremy Roche, Kokanee Crankworx General Manager. This process has led to an evolution in format for the Monster Energy Slopestyle, set for August 15, 2009.
The Monster Energy Slopestyle will feature 16 athletes who will compete in a ‘best of two run’ format in front of an expected audience of 20,000-plus with thousands more watching the event via live webcast. The top six scores will advance to the new Super Final, a one run chance to top their previous best score, allowing athletes a chance to better their score or to relish their previous glory with a victory lap. With $30,000 in cash prizing on the line, the world’s best riders will truly shine.
“With so many talented riders around the world, the invitational framework is always the hardest part of the Monster Energy Slopestyle,” continues Roche. “As the world’s premiere annual Slopestyle competition, it is important for us to ensure that we truly showcase the world’s best athletes. We are also committed to providing space for rising talent to shine, like Paul Basagoita and his incredible standout performance in 2004.”
The selection criteria for this year’s 16 slopestyle competitors have been completely revamped. Based on results from previous slopestyle competitions, 18 riders will be pre-qualified for the VW Trick Showdown. There will be an additional five open spots available for the VW Trick Showdown to be filled by the winners of various 2009 slopestyle events and one wildcard position. The top 10 of the pre-qualified riders will also be pre-qualified for the first round of the Monster Energy Slopestyle. The final six positions for the Monster Energy Slopestyle will be awarded to the top six finishers of the VW Trick Showdown.
The VW Trick Showdown will take place Thursday, August 13, 2009 and will include two rider-judged best trick sessions set on the two stand-out features in Cowan’s legendary Boneyard Slopestyle course. With $3,000 awarded at each best trick session in a winner take all scenario, and $2,000 in a fun free form “cash grab” handout from the announcers, the VW Trick Showdown is sure to create an amazing setting for the progression of the sport to be showcased.
*denotes automatic invitation to Monster Energy Slopestyle
Open spots:
1. Crankworx Colorado 2009
2. Crankworx Colorado 2009
3. Claymore Challenge 2009
4. 26 Trix 2009
5. Goat Style 2009
6. Wildcard
Stay tuned to www.crankworx.com for upcoming news including confirmed athletes and final course specifics.
Kokanee Crankworx is presented by Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Whistler has the world’s most diverse offering of mountain bike terrain for all ability levels, attracting all disciplines of mountain biking. With 150 miles of single-track trails throughout the valley, 5,000 vertical feet of lift-accessed downhill runs in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, jump parks, skill centres and 20-plus miles of paved Valley Trail, there’s truly something for every rider.
Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-Mountain activities include high alpine hiking and sightseeing via the spectacular new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, epic biking in North America’s number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier. In the valley, the family-friendly Adventure Zone, sparkling mountain lakes and Whistler’s vibrant pedestrian village are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly incredible. Check it out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.
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