Category: World Rookie Tour

Protest World Rookie Fest 2009 saw problably the highest level of riding ever seen in a rookie competition. If you don’t believe it, just watch the 12 minutes TV show about this amazing event.

The 6Star Billabong Air & Style saw the Bergisel Stadium in Innsbruck, Austria, jam-packed with screaming fans as Colin Frei (SUI) flew sky high and launched himself to victory. Peetu Piiroinen’s (FIN) consistent amplitude placed him in second place which shot him into Swatch TTR World No.1, overtaking Chas Guldemond (USA). Throughout the night riders attacked the 12.2m Quarterpipe and put their bodies on the line for the chance to earn 1000 ranking points and a piece of the €75 000 EUR. The Air & Style 09 saw the Swatch TTR Title race heat up and the aftershocks are still reverberating through Innsbruck.

NEW SWATCH TTR WORLD NO.1 AFTER AIR & STYLE

Innsbruck, Austria – January 31st, 2009: The 6Star Billabong Air & Style saw the Bergisel Stadium in Innsbruck, Austria, jam-packed with screaming fans as Colin Frei (SUI) flew sky high and launched himself to victory. Peetu Piiroinen’s (FIN) consistent amplitude placed him in second place which shot him into Swatch TTR World No.1, overtaking Chas Guldemond (USA). Throughout the night riders attacked the 12.2m Quarterpipe and put their bodies on the line for the chance to earn 1000 ranking points and a piece of the €75 000 EUR. The Air & Style 09 saw the Swatch TTR Title race heat up and the aftershocks are still reverberating through Innsbruck.

Colin Frei was beyond stoked after his unexpected win: “Before the last run I just thought – just shoot it all the way! And I did it. I still cannot believe that I won this contest. Crazy!”

The fierce competition, electric atmosphere and vocal crowd combined together to psych the riders to the limit. Frei stomped a massive Mctwist Indy, rising to just over 6.5m, earning him the prestigious ‘Ring Of Glory”. Peetu grabbed second with consistent BS 5s and also took out the ‘Nokia Highest Air’, rising to 8.8m. After his efforts he is now amped to be in Swatch TTR World No.1 “I have never been World No 1 so it feels really good. It was my goal. But with more 6Star events coming up it may change.” Olivier Gittler (FRA) rounded out the top 3 with a massive Mctwist that saw him step into Swatch TTR World No 15.

Other key movers and shakers in the Swatch TTR ranking included Chas Guldemond (USA) dropping down to World No. 2 as crowd favourite Antti Autti (FIN) moved into World No.6. Kim Rune Hansen (NOR) climbed in the TTR Top 20 at World No.17 with Arthur Longo sitting on the cusp in World No. 21. Norwegian Rookie, Staale Sandbech also continued his good form and cruised into World No.29, nipping at the heels of Jack Mitrani (USA) in World No. 27 and Seppe Smits (BEL) in World No.24.

With the 6Star Billabong Air & Style now over, the Tour seriously goes into hyper drive. It is 5Star action galore in the coming days with the 5Star Burton Canadian Open taking place February 2nd – 8th , 2009, the 5Star Crans-Montana Champs Open presented by Rip Curl going down February 4th – 8th, 2009 and the 5Star Red Bull Snowscrapers rocking New York on February 5th ,2009.

After the stop in Phoenix Park, Korea, the World Rookie Tour come back to Europe for the Swatch TTR 2starS slope style “Protest Balkan Rookie Fest 2009” in Kopaonik, Serbia. Rookies from all Balkans and East Europe are expected to join this event in order to conquer valuable points for the World Rookie Rank and 2 invitations to the Protest World Rookie Finals 2009 in Ischgl, Austria.

Kopaonik is the biggest ski resort in Serbia with maximum altitude of 2.017m. Since 2002 the serbian association Udruzenje Freestylera organizes in this area the most important balkan snowboard events including several international freestyle competitions. For Protest Balkan Rookie Fest Kopaonik will present a 400m snowpark on a 12° slope featuring table tops from 7m to 17m, several box and rails including the Navara Battleship Box and a final wall ride.

Prizes for the Protest Balkan Rookie Fest
2 all inclusive ticket to the Protest World Rookie Finals 2009 from 15 to 19 april in Ischgl, Austria
3 Protest Surf Camp in Lacanau, France including 300€ travel budget each

Event Information
Name: Protest Balkan Rookie Fest
Date of Event : 20 february arrival, 21 february training, quali and finals, 22 february reserve or departure day
Star level: 2Star
Location : Kopaonik, Serbia
Format : Slope Style
Info and inscriptions: admin@udruzenjefreestylera.com or +381.63. 8670711
Age Groups: Rookie (born from 1st january 91 and 31st december 93) and Grom (born after 1st january 94)
Prizes: 2 free ticket to the 4 star “Protest World Rookie Final” in Ischgl, 3 Protest Surf Camp in Lacanau, France including 300€ travel budget each.
Entry Criteria: open qualification and invited riders.
Sponsor: Protest Boardwear, Ride Snowboards, Red Bull
Media Partners: Onboard Snowboarding Magazine, Freecaster.tv, Tacky
Official home page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org and www.udruzenjefreestylera.com

Costs
Accomodation cost start from 30€ per night in half board
Lift tickets cost: 17€ for 1 day, 25€ for 2 days.

Closest Airport: Belgrad
Free Pick Up Service from-to Airport: contact admin@udruzenjefreestylera.com or +381.63.86.70.711

Check out all World Rookie Rank previous results here
http://www.worldsnowboardfederation.org/modules.php?name=Rankings&op=worldrookierank
Contact Person
Marko Nikolic – Sportsko udruzenje “Fristajler”
mobile +381.63.86.70.711
mail: admin@udruzenjefreestylera.com
www.udruzenjefreestylera.com

Media Request
Marco Sampaoli (WSF)
marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
Mobile: +39.340.3285569
Registration form for the “Protest Balkan Rookie Fest”
Name:
Surname:
Sex:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Phone number:
e-mail:
nationality:
Send registration to: admin@udruzenjefreestylera.com

Next International Rookie Fest heats:
Protest Balkan Rookie Fest – Kopaonik, Serbia – 2Star – 20.22 february 09
Protest East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic – 2Star – 6.9 march 09
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – 4Star – 15.19 april 09
For 1star and 2star regional/national rookie contests check www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT WORLD ROOKIE TOUR & WORLD ROOKIE RANK
Only the best rookies in the world will be granted access to the World Rookie Tour big final: the Swatch TTR 4Star “Protest World Rookie Finals” in Ischgl, Austria, from April 15 to April 19, 2009. Only the winners of the previous qualifiers will be able to go to Ischgl, together with the best athletes of the World Rookie Rank on April 5, and the wild cards that single nations give to their most promising rookies. The World Rookie Rank is a classification for under 18’s only and it is developed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) in collaboration with TTR. At the end of the World Rookie Tour, the final winner will be awarded with the title of World Rookie Champion. He will be offered a unique opportunity to enter the world of professional snowboarding: an invitation to a Video Shooting with the Pirate Movie Production, a Photo Shooting by On Board Europe and an invitation to an event which is still kept secret are awaiting the winner.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation working uniquely to develop and support snowboard at all levels, including competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, activities for riders of any age. WSF is a network of national snowboard associations cooperating worldwide for the development and promotion of the sport. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support to their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and offers ideas, handbooks and initiatives, the result of an organization whose components share the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

Phoenix Park hosted the asian stop of the World Rookie Tour presenting an high quality snowpark and cultural features only Korea can offer. The set up included 3 table top with jumps from 6 to 15 meters and a wall ride where riders from Korea, Japan and Austria challenged for 2 ticket to the Protest World Rookie Final 2009 in Ischgl, Austria.

Phoenix Park freestyle area set up

The event consisted of a jam session in Phoenix Park Snowpark, the finest Korean freestyle terrain. The austrian Paul Dreher show his best tricks since the very first run with bs5-cab5-bs9 progression obtaining the third place. Yuki Motoki from Japan got second with a clean run including cab5-bs7-fs7 while the champion of the first ever rookie fest in Korea is the japanese Teddy Koo with a sick progression with cab5-bs7-fs10 conquering the first place and an all inclusive trip to Ischgl for the rookie finals, including flight cost. Teddy is one of the best talent in the World Rookie Tour and, securing his partecipation to the final in Ischgl, he is now in the top of the list to challenge for the World Rookie Champion title. Among the grom (born after january 1st 1994) the best resulted the korean Kim Soliam with rotation 360 and 540 on the jumps and a good style on the wall ride too.

Teddy Koo continue to rock in the World Rookie Tour 2009

On the wall ride session Yuki Motoky won the best trick contest with a super stylish hand plan. The event close with an extremely spicy korean dinner to celebrate the riders of the first Swatch TTR 2 star “North Face Korean Rookie Fest”, the only asian stop of the World Rookie Tour 2009. Stay tuned for the upcomin 2star slope style “Protest Balkan Rookie Fest” in Kopaonik, another groundbreaking event from the World Rookie Tour: the first ever Swatch TTR competition in Serbia.

Podcast from Korean event will follow in few days and will be avaible on www.freecaster.tv

North Face Korean Rookie Fest – Top 3 Riders
1. Teddy Koo (JPN)
2. Yuki Motoki (JPN)
3. Paul Dreher (AUT)
Best Grom: Kim Soliam (KOR)

Check out all World Rookie Rank results here
World Rookie Rank

Pics by Gian Luca “Jimmi” Zanetti

Info & Media Request
Marco Sampaoli (WSF)
marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
Mobile: +39.340.3285569

Next International Rookie Fest heats:
Protest Balkan Rookie Fest – Kopaonik, Serbia – 2Star – 20.22 february 09
Protest East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic – 2Star – 6.8 march 09
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – 4Star – 15.19 april 09
For 1star and 2star regional/national rookie contests check www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT WORLD ROOKIE TOUR & WORLD ROOKIE RANK
Only the best rookies in the world will be granted access to the World Rookie Tour big final: the Swatch TTR 4Star “Protest World Rookie Finals” in Ischgl, Austria, from April 15 to April 19, 2009. Only the winners of the previous qualifiers will be able to go to Ischgl, together with the best athletes of the World Rookie Rank on April 5, and the wild cards that single nations give to their most promising rookies. The World Rookie Rank is a classification for under 18’s only and it is developed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) in collaboration with TTR. At the end of the World Rookie Tour, the final winner will be awarded with the title of World Rookie Champion. He will be offered a unique opportunity to enter the world of professional snowboarding: an invitation to a Video Shooting with the Pirate Movie Production, a Photo Shooting by On Board Europe and an invitation to an event which is still kept secret are awaiting the winner.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation working uniquely to develop and support snowboard at all levels, including competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, activities for riders of any age. WSF is a network of national snowboard associations cooperating worldwide for the development and promotion of the sport. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support to their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and offers ideas, handbooks and initiatives, the result of an organization whose components share the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

Since its foundation in 2002, the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour has laid out a clear path for riders to rise up the ranks and establish themselves. Contests, style and amplitude continue to grow in size and spectacle and it is now a reality for any kid to achieve his dream of being a pro shred. So how then does an organisation like TTR provide the platforms for young riders to come up and realize their dreams? TTR chased down snowboard legends, Brian Iguchi and Jamie Lynn to get their views on the topic of “How TTR lends a hand to the next generation of shred-talent”.

Pioneers of snowboarding are many, but two names who have been at the forefront of the sport’s development are Jamie Lynn and Brian Iguchi. These two U.S. riders are synonymous with snowboarding’s progression and blazed ahead from their contemporaries, forging styles of their own which inspired young riders to push the realms of what was possible on a snowboard. Both Iguchi and Lynn are still involved in the industry, filming, judging and guiding snowboarding from behind the scenes.

The TTR Tour sets out a clear rookie to pro structure. Rookies start at the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) sanctioned 1 -3Star events, where they aim to start stepping it up, which in turn sets the wheels in motion. As Iguchi puts it, “They start at a grass roots level but in sanction with events of great magnitude. It shows there is a way to get a foot in the door and work for something where they can achieve greatness – It’s definitely the opportunity kids need”. The WSF operates in partnership with the TTR and by maintaining close ties, the two organizations ensure that rookies can make a smooth transition to the big leagues and that development is fostered.

Staale Sandbach at Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno

Take this season’s star on the rise, Sebastien Toutant (CAN), who impressed in 07/08, took out the 3Star Billabong Snowstock in the Southern Hemisphere and, thus, earned himself a ticket to the 6Star Nissan X-Trail Jam in Japan. Also pay attention when Steve Krijbolder (NED) drops at the upcoming 6Star Billabong Air & Style, to which he earned himself a spot after coming from nowhere to claim 3rd on the Quarterpipe at the 6Star O’Neill Evolution. “TTR is the vehicle for the young kids that come up as wildcards and get spots as the top seeds. It allows kids that chance and opportunity and that’s just one of the positive benefits of TTR”, says, Jamie Lynn.

Media exposure is fundamental to any rider’s career. Whether they are a park rat, pipe jock or backcountry soul shredder, if they are not getting noticed, then they’re not getting paid. This is especially true for young riders starting out in the industry and one of the areas where TTR is most vital. Lynn remarks, “Snowboarding now allows kids the opportunity to follow their heart in something that they love to do, to be successful and make a living. Once they come up through the ranks they get the media coverage. Then they get attention from sponsors and they’re set.” This could not be further than the truth for newcomers Janne Korpi (FIN) and Seb Toots, two riders who found themselves with long term O’Neill contracts as soon as they started scoring podium finishes at all the TTR events they entered. As O’Neill snow team manager Franck Corbery points out, “The TTR’s growth year-on-year demands the presence of riders with a proven track record on the TTR Tour itself”.

By providing opportunities for young riders to go head to head against established pros, a media spectacle ensues, riders blow up and sponsors come knocking. A world ranking list also provides riders with a chance to compare themselves against the competition inspiring them to take it to the next level, thus, pushing progression as a whole. In essence the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour has rider’s best interests at heart and as snowboarding keeps growing, TTR will keep steering it in the right direction.

ABOUT SWATCH TTR:
Founded by Terje Haakonsen and industry innovators in 2002, the SWATCH TTR World Snowboard Tour is a non-profit, rider-driven organization with the mission to create the highest quality competitive snowboard environment in the world, using authenticity, accessibility, innovation as guiding principles. Since its foundation, the Swatch TTR Tour has been developing into the most exposed snowboard tour worldwide featuring global grass root and key independent freestyle snowboarding events over a ten-month period from Southern to Northern Hemisphere locations. Events are rated via a 1-through-6Star system, with points allocated accordingly, a 6Star event holds the highest (1000 Swatch TTR points). Any rider participating in these events, from up-and-coming to professional talent, earns ranking points and a position on the SWATCH TTR World Ranking List. The top male and female rider based on an average of their best seven results of the season is crowned SWATCH TTR World Snowboard Tour Champion.

The World Rookie Tour moves to Asia from 4 to 6 february with the Swatch TTR 2Star “North Face Korea Rookie Fest”. Just 2 weeks after the amazing 3star event in Livigno, some of the best youngster are ready to move in Korea’n best resort with operate an excellent asia snowpark and half pipe: Phoenix Park on Taeji Mountain.

The rookies “Never Stop Expoling” and are now ready to continue their “Conquer the Snowboard Age” saga thanx to the exclusive outdoor & sports brand “North Face”, sponsor of this new asian challenge. Teddy Koo from Japan, after the 7th place in Livigno, is one of the favorite, togheter with the austrian rising star Paul Dreher who will fly in Korea with a european delegation of riders and media.
“The North Face Korea Rookie Fest” will open to all the rookie snowboarders in the world and give them lifetime opportunities: the winner will get a free ticket to enter the Swatch TTR 4star “Protest World Rookie Final” in Ischgl, Austria, including travel and accomodation costs. North Face wishes all the rookies to get great hopes & memories at the first step of the World Rookie Tour in Korea.

Event Information
Name: The North Face Korea Rookie Fest
Date of Event : 5th february Training Day, 6th february Competition Day
Star level: 2Star
Location : Phoenix Park, Koreaù
Format : Slope Style
Age Groups: Rookie (born from 1st january 1991 and 31st december 1993) and Grom (born after 1st january 1994)
Prizes: snowboard stuff and 2 free ticket to the 4 star “Protest World Rookie Final” in Ischgl, of which one including travel cost.
Entry Criteria: open qualification and invited riders.
Sponsor: The North Face, Red Bull, Mentholatum, Exit, Crocs
Media Partners: Onboard Snowboarding Magazine, Freecaster.tv, Tacky
Official home page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org and www.ksba.co.kr

Costs
For both athletes and staff the cost of meals will not exceed 10€
The ski-pass cost will be free on trainning day and event day (5 and 6 feb)
Accomodation cost start from 20€ per night including breakfast

Airport: Inchun Korea.
Pick Up Service: about 40 Euro per person (2 hours to reach Phoenix Park)

Contact person
William Kim(KSBA)
teamwilliam@hanmail.net
Mobile: +82-11-9013-5982

Media Request
Marco Sampaoli (WSF)
marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
Mobile: +39.340.3285569

Registration form for the “The North Face Korea Rookie Fest”
Name:
Surname:
Sex:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Phone number:
e-mail:
nationality :

International Rookie Fest heats:
Protest World Rookie Fest – Livigno, Italy – 3Star – 17.21 january 09
North Face Korean Rookie Fest – Phoenix Park, Korea – 2Star – 4-6 february 09
Protest Balkan Rookie Fest – Kopaonik, Serbia – 2Star – 20.22 february 09
Protest East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic – 2Star – 6.8 march 09
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – 4Star – 15.19 april 09
In addition, rookie 1Star regional contests will be organized all over the world by the national associations of the WSF. More information on the page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT WORLD ROOKIE TOUR & WORLD ROOKIE RANK
Only the best rookies in the world will be granted access to the World Rookie Tour big final: the Swatch TTR 4Star “Protest World Rookie Finals” in Ischgl, Austria, from April 15 to April 19, 2009. Only the winners of the previous qualifiers will be able to go to Ischgl, together with the best athletes of the World Rookie Rank on April 5, and the wild cards that single nations give to their most promising rookies. The World Rookie Rank is a classification for under 18’s only and it is developed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) in collaboration with TTR. At the end of the World Rookie Tour, the final winner will be awarded with the title of World Rookie Champion. He will be offered a unique opportunity to enter the world of professional snowboarding: an invitation to a Video Shooting with the Pirate Movie Production, a Photo Shooting by On Board Europe and an invitation to an event which is still kept secret are awaiting the winner.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation working uniquely to develop and support snowboard at all levels, including competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, activities for riders of any age. WSF is a network of national snowboard associations cooperating worldwide for the development and promotion of the sport. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support to their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and offers ideas, handbooks and initiatives, the result of an organization whose components share the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

On line the final video and tons of pictures from Protest World Rookie Fest 2009 in Livigno, Italy. The level was incredible with double from flid and many 1080. Watch Out!

Click here for tons of pictures from WRF09 in Livigno by Snowpark.it

Click here for final report and result from Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno

Staale Sandbach is the champion of the Swatch TTR 3star “Protest World Rookie Fest 2009” in Livigno, Italy, thanks to a sick run including huge bs7, fs7 and fs 1080. Norway resulted in the best team and, as it was in past editions, the general level of tricks and infrastructures in this event make it seems more a professional snowboard contest than an international junior meeting: the set up included 3 different lines 3 huge jumps about 20m long while 1080 rotations were the standard tricks of the top 10 riders in the finals.

SCANDIC DOMINATION AT PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009 IN LIVIGNO

The event started on sunday’s training in one of the biggest park of the Alps: the Swatch Snowpark Mottolino in Livigno. Since day 1 an high level of riding was showed with sick runs including rotations 7 and 9 from the “big names” of the event: Dimi de Jong, Staale Sandbach, Teddy Koo and many others. At 12.00 a.m. wind comes and stopped the trainings on the jumps but the rookies arranged immediatly a rail session on the first obstacle of the slope: a huge 25 stairs with straight and kinked rails.

Staale Sandbach from Norway

On Monday 19th the judges, including the Pirate riders Joki Koeffler, saw one of the best qualification ever seen in a World Rookie Fest. Joki stated to be really stoked from the level of riding he saw in Livigno. The scandic riders were all extremely good conquering 12 of the 16 spot for the finals, but the ducthes Rocco Van Straaten and Dimi De Jong resulted the best in both Rookie and Grom categories. Rocco hitted the pro line with an amazing run including of bs9, cab9 and bs10, while Dimi killed the large line with a progression from 720 to 1080 resulting the best Grom. Alicia Bonnaud from France resulted the best among the qualifing girls.

Dimi De Jong from Nederlands

Tuesday 20st the finals were postponed because of an heavy snow fall and the WRF crew enjoyed an unexpected day of powder which give even more positive feelings to this event. on Wednesday 22nd morning, even if someone didn’t think it was possible to re-shape a park under a meter of snow in only 1 night, on Wednesday 21nd morning the large line of the Swatch Snowpark Mottolino was ready to receive the best 16 male rookies, 8 male groms and 8 girls to start the challenge for tickets to Aesthetiker Wangle Tangle Gang Jam in Mayerofhen, the 4star Protest World Rookie Finals 2009 in Ischlg and Protest Surf Camp in Lacanau, France, including 300€ travel budget to reach the famous surf spot.

The Black Yeti ride with the Rookies

Obviously the Furius Black Yeti ride with the finalist pushing their level higher than ever to “Conquer the Snowboard Age”: if not for the name of the event, the crows could be sure to see a professional snowboard competition. Instead of best trick (there were to many 1080) the judges nominate a “best combo” from the norwegian Aleksander Oestreng who stomped a “Double Front Flip” to “Double Corkscrew 1080” obtaining the 3rd rookie place. Kevin Backstrom from Sweden killed the jump line conquering the second place among the rookie category, while the well known norwegian rising star Staale Sandback resulted the best in the finals with a sick progression from 540 to 1080 on the large kicker line. Among the groms, first place for Dimi De Jong stomped rotations 720 and 900 as they were basic tricks, followed by the italian new comer Marco Grigis and the rasta-swedish Benjamin Koening. For the girls category Michaela Davis-Meehan from Australia who get the first place thanks to rotations 540.

Watch the event’s videos on www.freecaster.tv: first podcast is already on line and other will follows, including a 12 minutes TV show with interview and backstage.

The World Rookie Tour go on in the next weeks with 3 stops at 2 star levels that will assign other tickets to the Protest World Rookie Finals in Ischgl and Protest Surf Camp in Lacanau: the North Face Korean Rookie Fest in Phoenix Park in Korea on 4.6 february, the Protest Balkan Rookie Fest in Kopaonic, Serbia on 20-22 february and the Protest East Rookie Fest in Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic on 6.8 march. For more informations check www.worldsnowboardfederation.org and register at the WSF newsletter service.

PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST – FINAL RESULTS PER AGE GROUPS

GIRLS GROM FINAL RESULTS
Rank Last Name First Name Nationality Sponsor Birthdate
1 MAIOCCO MARIA DELFINA ITA NITRO-ROXY-FATALITY 1996

The only Grom Girls: Bibi from Italy

GIRLS ROOKIE FINAL RESULTS
Rank Last Name First Name Nationality Sponsor Birthdate
1 DAVIS-MEEHAN MICHAELA AUS BILLABONG-K2-SMITH 1992
2 BONNAUD ALICIA FRA APO-OXBOW-DRAGON-VANS-PROTEC 1993
3 JONES MARIA NOR NIKE ACG 1992
4 SITTONI ARIANNA ITA 1992
5 FAZI FRANCESCA ITA NITRO 1991
6 GALLO GIULIA ITA 1992

Rookie Girls Podium

BOYS GROM FINAL RESULTS
Rank Last Name First Name Nationality Sponsor Birthdate
1 DE JONG DIMI NED NITRO-ONEILL-REDULL-ADIDAS 1994
2 GRIGIS MARCO ITA NITRO-ADIO 1994
3 LESTAGE-KÖNIG BENJAMIN SWE FORUM-OXBOW-SKULLCANDY 1996
4 HUNT THOMAS GBR BONFIRE-SALOMON-TSA 1994
5 EIGENSATZ LEANDRO SUI SANTACRUZ-DEELUXE-TSG-QUIKSILVER 1994
6 MIKYSKA 1994 MARTIN CZE VOLCOM-GNU-DC-OAKLEY 1994
7 COURTIER JONES LEWIS GBR FORUM-FOURSQUARE 1995
8 ÖBERG TOBIAS SWE 1994
9 DE BUCK SEBBE BEL 1995
10 HIELSTRÖM ALBIN SWE 1994
11 THORGREN SVEN SWE PROTEST-NITRO-SMITH 1994
12 ÖBERG ROBIN SWE 1994
13 GEIGER CHRISTIAN AUT VOLKL 1994
14 PORKERT DANIEL CZE FLOW 1996
15 MOSCARDINI DANIEL ITA WATERWORKS 1995
16 AUGUSTINUS JESSE NED FORUM-SPECIALBLEND-ELECTRIC-POW-REVERT 1995
17 MAIOCCO GIANMARCO ITA NITRO-RAIDEN-GIRO 1994
18 PORKERT ONDREJ CZE NUGGET-FLOW-BERN 1996
19 PIFFARETTI MASSIMILIANO ITA MOM&DAD 1995
20 FANTINI Marco ITA 1994
21 PARDINI GIANLUCA ITA QUIKSILVER 1996
22 GIACOMELLI ALESSIO ITA SMITH 1994
23 KRIZ DUSAK CZE 1995
24 SHACKLETON HENRY GBR QUIKSILVER-NIKE60-LIBTECH-SNOZONE 1994

Boys Grom Podium

BOYS ROOKIE FINAL RESULTS
Rank Last Name First Name Nationality Sponsor Birthdate
1 SANDBECH STAALE NOR OAKLEY-32-ETNIES 1993
2 BÄCKSTRÖM KEVIN SWE BURTON-ANON-RED-ADIO-SKULLCANDY 1992
3 OESTRENG MIHAILOVIC ALEKSANDER NOR DC-ELECTRIC-SWAG 1991
4 TONTERI ROOPE FIN BURTON-ANON-GRANADE 1992
5 NIEMELA NUUTI FIN BURTON-DRAGON-LEVI 1991
6 BILARE ANTON SWE NITRO-OAKLEY-CFC 1991
7 KOO TEDDY JPN BBCC-RAGEEYE 1991
8 VAN STRATEN ROCCO NED REEF-BURTON 1991
9 SONDRE FOSSUM TILLER NOR DC-OAKLEY-SWEET 1991
10 SOLBRAA EVEN NOR NIKE ACG 1991
11 BERGMAN DAREK CZE HORSEFATHERS-NITRO-OSIRIS 1991
12 MATTSON NIKLAS SWE FORUM-SPECIALBLEND-DRAGON 1992
13 KLEIVDAL SKOGHEIM MORTEN NOR BILLABONG-VONZIPPER 1991
14 NACCARI RUGGERO ITA NIKE60-SPY-AMPLID-SKULLCANDY 1991
15 LUNDSTRÖM TOR ULM SWE BURTON-ANON-RED-SWAG 1992
16 LANDMARK ZEBASTIAN SWE PROTEST 1991
17 OESTERHUS RUDI OLAF NOR BURTON-SWAG 1992
18 GOOSSENS TOM BEL RIDE-SMITH-SHIEMSEE 1991
19 WEISSENBACHER MATHIAS AUT ATOMIC-QUIKSILVER-ADIDASEYE-DEELUXE 1992
20 NORDGAARD TRYM NOR QUIKSILVER-VANS 1992
21 BURI MAX SUI OAKLEY-SALOMON 1993
22 OEDEGAARD JULIUS BRAATHEN NOR BURTON-SWAG-ANON- 1991
23 KRAINER ADRIAN AUT ATOMIC-RIPCURL 1992
24 IMBODEN YANNICK SUI FLOW 1993
25 REICHMUTH STEFAN SUI WHITEOUT-DRAKE-LEVEL 1992
26 LANDMARK PHILIP SWE SALOMON-BONFIRE-QUIKSILVER-REEBOK 1992
27 PAULICEK DAN CZE BURTON-ANON-SKULLCANDY 1993
28 JOERGENSEN LEN ROALD NOR BSK 1992
29 GUTWIRT FILIP CZE NUGGET-FLOW 1992
30 PAUL DREHER AUT CAPITA-UNION-ELEVEN-DEELUXE 1991
31 RICHENBERG BRAGE BRATEN NOR SALOMON-ELEVEN 1992
32 PILLER COTTRER FILIBERTO ITA 1993
33 BJÖRNSTRÖM ISAK SWE 1992
34 KOO KEVIN JPN 1993
35 BRUTTO FRANCESCO ITA DC-UNION 1992
36 VAN ZONHOVEN MAXIM BEL SNOWFORCE 1992
37 MACIOTTA YOURI ITA APO-32 1993
38 SIMONS BJORN BEL ONEILL-IMPERIUM 1993
39 JACKSON OLLIE GBR QUIKSILVER-STEPCHILD-FLUX 1992
40 VALENTINI LUCAS ITA NITRO 1991
41 HORSFIELD DEAN GBR SNOZONE 1992
42 PANCIERA CRISTIAN ITA 1993
43 SMITH JESSE GBR TBC
44 MARSDEN HUGH AUS – 1993
45 VIEIDER HANNES ITA PROTEST-ARTEC 1993
46 ANGELINI SIMONE ITA – 1992
47 CALEMME FEDERICO ITA – 1991
48 LESTAGE-KÖNIG JEREMIE SWE 1992
49 CASTALDO ALBERTO ITA TICCHIONISHOP 1992
50 SKOTTHEIM JOHANNES SWE PROTEST-NITRO-SMITH-REEBOK 1992
50 HIERONS CODY GBR ELEVEN-STEPCHILD 1993
50 TURNBULL SAM GBR DC-SNOWZONE 1991

Boy Rookie Podium

BEST NATIONAL TEAM
Norway

International Rookie Fest heats:
Protest World Rookie Fest – Livigno, Italy – 3Star – 17.21 january 09
North Face Korean Rookie Fest – Phoenix Park, Korea – 2Star – 4-6 february 09
Protest Balkan Rookie Fest – Kopaonik, Serbia – 2Star – 20.22 february 09
Protest East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic – 2Star – 6.8 march 09
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – 4Star – 15.19 april 09
In addition, rookie 1Star regional contests will be organized all over the world by the national associations of the WSF. More information on the page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT WORLD ROOKIE TOUR & WORLD ROOKIE RANK
Only the best rookies in the world will be granted access to the World Rookie Tour big final: the Swatch TTR 4Star “Protest World Rookie Finals” in Ischgl, Austria, from April 15 to April 19, 2009. Only the winners of the previous qualifiers will be able to go to Ischgl, together with the best athletes of the World Rookie Rank on April 5, and the wild cards that single nations give to their most promising rookies. The World Rookie Rank is a classification for under 18’s only and it is developed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) in collaboration with TTR. At the end of the World Rookie Tour, the final winner will be awarded with the title of World Rookie Champion. He will be offered a unique opportunity to enter the world of professional snowboarding: an invitation to a Video Shooting with the Pirate Movie Production, a Photo Shooting by On Board Europe and an invitation to an event which is still kept secret are awaiting the winner.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation working uniquely to develop and support snowboard at all levels, including competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, activities for riders of any age. WSF is a network of national snowboard associations cooperating worldwide for the development and promotion of the sport. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support to their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and offers ideas, handbooks and initiatives, the result of an organization whose components share the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
Info and Media Request
official home page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
mail: rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org
phone nr.: +39.340.3285569

Protest World Rookie Fest is on: extremely high level of riding in one of the best european park. Tons of action was done and qualifications conpleted with a ducth dominations against the huge scandica attack to Livigno. Finals post poned to tomorrow for a huge snow fall.

PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009 KICK OFF
Livigno, Italy
January 19, 2009

Sondre Tiller from Noway

90 rookies enjoy yesterday the Swatch Snowpark Mottolino in Livigno for the Protest World Rookie Fest 2009. The set up for this 3star slope style for under 18 years riders included 3 different lines including 3 huge jump with table tops about 20m long: simply amazing. During the cloudy sunday’s training the participants showed already an high level of riding: the norwegian Staale Sandbach, Dimi de Jong from Nederlands, Teddy Koo from Japan and Nuutti Niemela already impressed killing the pro line with sick runs including rotations 7 and 9.

Tom Goossens from Belgium Team

Among the girls Alicia Bonnaud from France seemed the most solid on the large line. At 12.00 a.m. winds come up stopping the trainings on the jumps so the rookis arrange a rail session on the first obstacle of the slope: a huge 25 stairs with straigh and kinked rails.

The biggest park of the Alps for the best Rookies in the world

On Monday 20th january is planned the qualification day with 2 run per rider, while tuersday 21st will see the best 16 male rookies, 8 male groms and 8 girls challenging for tickets to Aesthetiker Wangle Tangle Gang Jam in Mayerofhen, Protest World Rookie Finals in Ischlg and Protest Surf Camp in Hossegor and valuable TTR points.

Staale Sandbach waiting for his run

DUTCHS DOMINATE QUALIFICATION DAY AT PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009
Livigno, Italy
January 20, 2009

Rocco Van Stratten from Nederlans in bs10 on a 22m jump

Swatch Mottolino Snowpark in Livigno saw one of the best qualification ever seen in a World Rookie Fest. The scandic riders were all extremely good conquering 12 of the 16 spot for the rookie finals, but the ducthes Rocco Van Stratten and Dimi De Jong resulted the best in both Rookie and Grom qualifications. Rocco hitted the pro line with an amazing run including of bs9, cab9 and bs10, while Dimi killed the large line with a progression from 720 to 1080 resulting the best Grom with the 2nd overall score of the quali.

Staale Sandbach in action

Alicia Bonnaud from France resulted the best among the girls. Protest just announce that a 300€ vaucher for travel costs will be offered to the winners of the 6 Protest Surf Camp in France increasing the prize money value of the event of 1.800€.

Dimi de Jong easy won the grom qualifications

Even if the finalist are defined, a huge snowfall attacked Livigno starting from monday evening and the finals planned for tuesday 20th january are post poned to the reserve day … the whole Protest World Rookie Fest crew will focus today program on powder: with almost 100 rookies here it will be finish quickly!

Is this kicker big enough?

Qualification Results at Protest World Rookie Fest
Boys Rookie
1 – Rocco van Stratten (NED)
2 – Aleksander Oestreng Mihailovic (NOR)
3 – Nuuti Niemela (FIN)
4 – Tiller Sondre Fossum (NOR)
5 – Even Solbraa (NOR)
6 – Anton Bilare (SWE)
7 – Zebastian Landmark (SWE)
8 – Kevin Backstrom (SWE)
9 – Teddy Koo (JPN)
10 – Tor Ulm Lundstrom (SWE)
11 – Niklas Mattson (SWE)
12 – Morten Kleivdal Skogheim (NOR)
13 – Darek Bergam (CZE)
13 – Roope Tonteri (FIN)
15 – Ruggero Naccari (ITA)
16 – Staale Sandbech (NOR)

Boys Grom
1 – Dimi De Jong (NED)
2 – Thomas Hunt (GBR)
3 – Marco Grigis (ITA)
4 – Leandro Eigensatz (SUI)
5 – Benjamin Lastage-Konig (SWE)
6 – Lewis Courtier Jones (GBR)
7 – Martin Mikyska (CZE)
8 – Tobias Oberg (SWE)

All girs are admited to the finals.

Follow the event with daily videos on www.freecaster.tv starting from monday 20th evening.

Pictures by Raggi Eleonora

The Norwegian snowboard community where all there at The Norwegian Snowboard Awards iin Oslo, when The Norwegian Snowboard Association threw down their annual award ceremony.

Kari Opsal Maeland as best female rookie of the year

Snowboarders that you rarely see with anything but XXL steeze where all styled up in their most elegant suits and dresses. The prize-giving ceremony went down well and this years winners where:

Rider of the year: Andreas Wiig/Kjersti Buaas
Rookie of the year: Gjermund Braaten/Kari Opsal Mæland
Photo of the year: Espen Lystad shooting Adi Velic
Video of the year: Notes by Factor Films
Videopart of the year: Erik Botner in Teenage love grafitti by Isenseven/Kjersti Buaas in See what I see by Roxy
Snowboard Club of the year: Geilo Il.
Standout of the Year: DnB NOR
Ildsjel (driving force/enthusiast) of the year: Henning Andersen TAC
Prize of honor: Truls Omtvedt

Henning Andersen is the norwegian driving force 2008

After the ceremony Cables took the stage and rocked the crowd (myspace.com/cablesband).

For more info and pics contact:
Mediacontact, Dagfrid Forberg, dagfrid@snowboardforbundet.no, mob 996 37 338
Head Coach, Vidar Nyhus, vidar@snowboardforbundet.no, mob 906 59 330

http://www.snowboardforbundet.no

On line the first official test for the World Rookie Rank, developed by WSF in association with the Swatch TTR World Pro Tour as a qualifing criteria to enter the Protest World Rookie Finals 2009.

The 7th Annual Red Bull Nanshan Open concluded over the weekend, pushing Swatch TTR snowboarding and crowd levels to new heights in China. The team at Mellow Parks once again delivered a superior Slopestyle course which gave the snowboarders a chance to showcase their style and flair to the energized Chinese crowd. Freddy Austbo (NOR), was the one claiming first place, taking home 500 Swatch TTR points, and moving into World No. 91. Japanese acrobatic master Atsushi Ishikawa grabbed second place with another Scandinavian, Kalle Ohlson (SWE) taking third.

Windy conditions were present and threatened to postpone the contest, however Freddy Austbo was not fazed and threw down a winning run consisting of a BS 540 off the first hit, a Cab 540 off the second, a BS 180 up on to the wave box and a Cab540 off, finishing with a Rock and Roll to Fakie on the Wallride. His efforts saw him jump over 140 places into World No.91 on the Swatch TTR Ranking, right back into the TTR Top 100.

Atsushi Ishikawa (JAP), who claimed third at the Red Bull Nanshan Open the previous season, came back in 2009, looking to improve last year’s result. He, too, is now in the Swatch TTR Top 100 at World No 71. Kalle Ohlson’s third place at his fourth appearance in China shot him up over 500 positions in the Swatch TTR World Ranking (SWE) .

Two more riders who progressed into the tight 5 man finals were Tyler Chorlton (GBR) and Markus Keller (SUI) where Chorlton was styling out some of the first double flips seen on Chinese soil. His daredevil performance has put him into World No. 115, his highest ever ranking. Swiss Pirate Markus Keller was as well an event standout, seizing 4th position which jumps him 35 places in Swatch TTR ranking. He now sits in World No.72.

Austrian riders progressed in the Swatch TTR World ranking after the competition.
Werner Stock (AUT) has jumped 172 places whilst Peter Koenig (AUT) moved up 71 positions into World No.103, just outside the Swatch TTR Top 100. The Chinese riders were also demonstrating their progression and looking to move up in the Swatch TTR ranking. Wanglei placed highest of his countrymen throwing down some super sick BS and FS 720 combos which vaulted him up 472 positions in the Swatch TTR World ranking.

The Swatch TTR World Tour continues to hurtle along with rapid speed as January continues. Already there has been many ranking changes and incredible action taking place at events all over the world/ the world over. Coming up January 17th – 21st is the 3Star Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, Italy. This contest gives Swatch TTR groms and rookies a chance to prove their worth and pushes the concept of the “rookie to pro system”. Talent scouts will be in attendance so you can be sure to see the next generation of riders going for it as they look to impress.

For all the updated ranking, news and videos from the 4Star Red Bull Nanshan Open and all the other international Swatch TTR contests log onto www.ttrworldtour.com.

Results 7th Red Bull Nanshan Open Results
1 – Freddy Austbo (Norway), Quiksilver/Nixon/Elm
2 – Atsushi Ishikawa (Japan), Quiksilver/Deeluxe/Flow
3 – Kalle Ohlson (Sweden), Vans/Bataleon/Adidas
4 – Markus Keller (Switzerland), Red Bull/Nitro/Volcom
5 – Tyler Chorlton (Great Britain), Bataleon/Oakley/Vans
6 – Jakob Wilhelmson (Sweden), Quiksilver/Libtech/Level
7 – Yongho Lee (Korea), Salomon/Sugapoint/Electric
8 – Teo Konttinen (Finland), Quiksilver
9 – Werner Stock (Austria), Red Bull/Salomon/Bonfire
10 – Sergey Lapushkin (Russia), Red Bull/DC/686
11 – Matevz Petek (Slovenia), Nitro/L1/Dragon
12 – Filippo Kratter (Italy), Red Bull/Nitro/Volcom

An incredible night of action has taken place on the 5Star Slopestyle course at the O’Neill Evolution. The Swatch TTR Top 10 saw a wide range of changes as uprising rookies and established riders fought for their chance to rise to the top and claim valuable 850 TTR rankings points as well as a big piece of the

100,000 USD. It was Janne Korpi (FIN) who won the Slopestyle title and now sits right behind Chas Guldemond (USA) in World No. 2 on the Swatch TTR World Ranking List. Guldemond was able to defend his Tour lead with a fourth place finish.

They are hip, they are loads, and they are guided by the furious Black Yeti. Almost 100 rookies coming from 14 different nations are about to swarm into Livigno to take part to the Protest World Rookie Fest 2009

THE RIDERS’ LIST OF PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009
Livigno, Italy
January 14, 2009

They are hip, they are loads, and they are guided by the furious Black Yeti. Almost 100 rookies coming from 14 different nations are about to swarm into Livigno to take part to the Protest World Rookie Fest 2009. In this legendary event, every year the best international young guns defy each other to enter even more important competitions. A lot of top international rookies have confirmed their presence, such as the Norvegian Staale Sandbach, the Dutch Dimi de Jong, and Teddy Koo from Japan. But the question is: who is the new star of snowboarding that is going to shine in Livigno?

The Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno –from January 17 to 21, 2009– will be a one-of-a-kind event. It is going to be the first heat of the itinerant world championship for under-18 athletes: the World Rookie Tour 2009 “The Conquer of the Snowboard Age”. To await the national rookie teams, there is a court worthy of a professional contest with jumps up to 22m high, stairs, and breathtaking prizes: a ticket for the Waegle Taengle Gang Jam 2009 in Mayherofen, six entries to the Protest World Rookie Finals in Ischgl, invitations to the Protest Surf Camp in Hossegor and much more.

Mountain Riders (www.mountain-riders.org) will explain to the participants the importance of respecting mountains, the biggest treasure for snowboard fans. To follow the event, daily updates will be posted on www.freecaster.tv!
RIDER LIST PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009 – LIVIGNO
BIB-NAME-SURNAME-NATION

1 TEDDY KOO JAPAN

2 KEVIN KOO JAPAN

3 AUSTRIAN RIDERS AUSTRIA

4 AUSTRIAN RIDERS AUSTRIA

5 AUSTRIAN RIDERS AUSTRIA

6 MARIA BIBI MAIOCCO ITALY

7 YOURI MACIOTTA ITALY

8 GIANMARCO MAIOCCO ITALY

9 FEDERICO CALEMME ITALY

10 GIULIA GALLO ITALY

11 SIMONE ANGELINI ITALY

12 FRANCESCO BRUTTO ITALY

13 RUGGERO NACCARI ITALY

14 FRANCSCO FAZI ITALY

15 Marco GRIGIS ITALY

16 ALBERTO CASTALDO ITALY

17 GIANLUCA PARDINI ITALY

18 HANNES VIEIDER ITALY

19 LUCAS VALENTINI ITALY

20 CRISTIAN PANCIERA ITALY

21 GIACOMELLI ALESSIO ITALY

22 DANIEL MOSCARDINI ITALY

23 MICHELE LOBRANO ITALY

24 Marco FANTINI ITALY

25 ARIANNA SITTONI ITALY

26 JELENA IGNIATOW 1995 SERBIA

27 MAXIM VAN ZONHOVEN 1992 BELGIUM

28 SEBBE DE BUCK 1995 BELGIUM

29 TOM GOOSSENS 1991 BELGIUM

30 BJORN SIMONS 1993 BELGIUM

31 JESSE AUGUSTINUS NETHERLANDS

32 ROCCO VAN STRATTEN NETHERLANDS

33 DIMI DE JONG NETHERLANDS

34 MICHAELA DAVIS-MEEHAN AUSTRALIA

35 ALICIA BARKER AUSTRALIA

36 HUGH MARSDEN AUSTRALIA

37 DAN PORKERT 1996 CZECH REP.

38 DAREK BERGMANN 1991 CZECH REP.

39 DAN PAULICEK 1993 CZECH REP.

40 MARTIN MIKYSKA 1994 CZECH REP.

41 DUSAK KRIZ 1995 CZECH REP.

42 FILIP GUTWIRTH 1992 CZECH REP.

43 ONDREJ PORKERT CZECH REP.

44 JOHANNES SKOTTHEIM SWEDEN

45 ZEBASTIAN LANDMARK SWEDEN

46 SWEN THORGREN SWEDEN

47 DANIEL KONIG,coach SWEDEN

48 NIKLAS MATTSON SWEDEN

49 ANTON BILARE SWEDEN

50 ISAK BJÖRNSTRÖM SWEDEN

51 ALBIN HIELSTRÖM SWEDEN

52 TOBIAS ÖBERG SWEDEN

53 ROBIN ÖBERG SWEDEN

54 TIMI SÄLSÄ SWEDEN

55 FILIP LANDMARK SWEDEN

56 BENJAMIN LESTAGE-KÖNIG SWEDEN

57 JEREMIE LESTAGE-KÖNIG SWEDEN

58 SVEIN ROALD JOERGENSEN NORWAY

59 MARIA JONES NORWAY

60 TRYM NORDGAARD NORWAY

61 BRAGE BRATEN RICHENBERG NORWAY

62 RUDI OLAF OESTERHUS NORWAY

63 EVEN SOLBRAA NORWAY

64 ESKIL KORNELIUSSEN NORWAY

65 LEN ROALD JOERGENSEN NORWAY

66 TOR ULM LUNDSTRÖM NORWAY

67 KEVIN BÄCKSTRÖM NORWAY

68 JULIUS BRAATHEN OEDEGAARD NORWAY

69 STAALE SANDBECH NORWAY

70 SONDRE FOSSUM TILLER NORWAY

71 ALEKSANDER MIHAILOVIC NORWAY

72 MORGEN SKOGHEIM KLEIVDAL NORWAY

73 TONTERI ROOPE FINLAND

74 NUUTI NIEMELA FINLAND

75 LEWIS COURTIER JONES GREAT BRITAIN

76 CODY HIERONS GREAT BRITAIN

77 OLLIE JACKSON GREAT BRITAIN

78 JESSE SMITH GREAT BRITAIN

79 TOM HUNT GREAT BRITAIN

80 HENRY SHACKLETON GREAT BRITAIN

81 DEAN HORSFIELD GREAT BRITAIN

82 SAM TURNBULL GREAT BRITAIN

83 JAMIE NICHOLS GREAT BRITAIN

84 SWISS Rider SWITZERLAND

85 SWISS Rider SWITZERLAND

86 SWISS Rider SWITZERLAND

87 SWISS Rider SWITZERLAND

88 SWISS Rider SWITZERLAND

89 ALICIA BONNAUD FRANCE

International Rookie Fest heats:
Protest World Rookie Fest – Livigno, Italy – 3Star – 17.21 january 09
North Face Korean Rookie Fest – Phoenix Park, Korea – 2Star – 4-6 february 09
Protest Balkan Rookie Fest – Kopaonik, Serbia – 2Star – 20.22 february 09
Protest East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic – 2Star – 6.8 march 09
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – 4Star – 15.19 april 09
In addition, rookie 1Star regional contests will be organized all over the world by the national associations of the WSF. More information on the page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
ABOUT WORLD ROOKIE TOUR & WORLD ROOKIE RANK
Only the best rookies in the world will be granted access to the World Rookie Tour big final: the Swatch TTR 4Star “Protest World Rookie Finals” in Ischgl, Austria, from April 15 to April 19, 2009. Only the winners of the previous qualifiers will be able to go to Ischgl, together with the best athletes of the World Rookie Rank on April 5, and the wild cards that single nations give to their most promising rookies. The World Rookie Rank is a classification for under 18’s only and it is developed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) in collaboration with TTR. At the end of the World Rookie Tour, the final winner will be awarded with the title of World Rookie Champion. He will be offered a unique opportunity to enter the world of professional snowboarding: an invitation to a Video Shooting with the Pirate Movie Production, a Photo Shooting by On Board Europe and an invitation to an event which is still kept secret are awaiting the winner.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation working uniquely to develop and support snowboard at all levels, including competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, activities for riders of any age. WSF is a network of national snowboard associations cooperating worldwide for the development and promotion of the sport. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support to their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and offers ideas, handbooks and initiatives, the result of an organization whose components share the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
Info and Inscriptions:
official home page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org
mail: rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org
phone nr.: +39.340.3285569

 

Europe’s longest established winter snowsports festival, The BRITS celebrates its 20th Birthday next year when it returns to Laax, Switzerland from the 28th March – 4th April 2009 for an unmissable winter week.

Fresh from a pre BRITS reccy out to Laax, Soul Sports chief, Stu Brass reports back on the brand new resort development and epic early season snow conditions.

Stu quotes: “Laax has undergone a brand new development in resort, the Rocksresort, which has already been given a design award and will give the resort and the BRITS an ultra modern twist, including new shops, restaurants and accommodation options. The amazing snow conditions and the 40inch base layer, promises for a long season and will help to create yet another amazing snow park and freestyle arena that Laax and the BRITS are renowned for.”

As well as a celebrated winter festival, The BRITS plays host to the prestigious British Snowboard and Freeski Championships that unites kids, rookies, pros and Olympians. The Championship action comes courtesy of the Trespass Snowboardcross/Skiercross, Quiksilver Big Air, Animal Slopestyle and SNO!zone Halfpipe. So if you fancy bagging yourself a British title, gold medal, TTR World Ranking points (snowboard) and bragging rights for a whole year, then register online now to compete and get practicing whilst the snow’s still soft. Registration is now live www.brits09.com and the competition programme has been confirmed:
BRITISH SNOWBOARD CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Trespass Snowboardcross Championships – Monday 30th March
Quiksilver Big Air Championships – Tuesday 31st March
SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships – Wednesday 1st April
Animal Slopestyle Championships – Thursday 2nd April

BRITISH FREESKI CHAMPIONSHIPS:
SNO!zone Halfpipe Championships – Monday 30th March
Animal Slopestyle Championships – Tuesday 31st March
Trespass Skiercross Championships – Wednesday 1st April
Quiksilver Big Air Championships – Thursday 2nd April

To celebrate 20 years of snowsporting history, organisers and sponsors have upped the ante to guarantee The BRITS 2009 is an absolute classic! Over the coming months we’ll reveal all the extra programming for the 1000 or so revellers that will be hitting The BRITS for a week full of freestyle, music and mayhem.

Come join in the fun and festivities with unbeatable packages out to The BRITS starting from as little as £269* which includes – 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days lifts pass and most importantly your BRITS event pack and wristband. Go to: www.brits09.com

The BRITS would not be possible without its highly supportive sponsors: Animal, Quiksilver, Trespass, SNO!zone, Cushe, SUSO, TSA and Ellis Brigham. Demo partners: DC, Ride, K2, Line and Clifbar. Media partners: Whitelines, Skiclub.co.uk, Metrosnow.co.uk, Extreme.com and Snowboardclub.co.uk.

WSF Events will land in Asia with the 6th EXR Snowboard Festival in Phoenix Park, with the first Swatch TTR 3star big air in Korea. Same resort, will host also the North Face Korean Rookie Fest just a week before.

The EXR Snowboard Asia Tour will provide a 10.000

All infos, program, downloads and inscription forms of Protest World Rookie Fest 2009 in Livigno, Italy.
PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009
Swatch TTR 3Star Slope Style
Livigno, Italy – 17.21 gennaio 2009

Snowboarding: the future is in Livigno. From 17 to 21 January 2009, the Protest World Rookie Fest lands in Italy. It is the first big event of the WSF World Rookie Tour, the itinerant world series for under 18 athletes. This legendary event, promoted by WSF and TTR, will push the concept “From Rookie to Pro System” to the extreme and will attract the best youngsters from Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand, North America, Asia and South and East Europe to the first chapter of a saga all international talent scouts have been eagerly awaiting for one year: “The Conquer of the Snowboard Age”.

The event in Livigno is not just about the contest: beyond the slope style, the Protest World Rookie Fest features fun and learning activities. Rookies can obviously take part in both parties and courses on environmental education sponsored by the international organization Mountain Riders (www.mountain-riders.org). Moreover, the Protest World Rookie Fest gives the young talents a valuable opportunity to experience first-hand what it means to be a professional snowboarder: riders will be engaged in video and photo shootings, becoming protagonists of an official TV production and will also meet international team managers and professionals in the field.

The over 100 awaited participants from 15 different countries, are turning this event not only into the jewel in the crown of the Swatch Snowpark Mottolino of Livigno, but also into a worldwide top event: it is indeed recognized as the most prominent youth competition of the season, with amazing prizes for the winners. The contest in Livigno is a unique opportunity to see the best young athletes in action in the same day on the same slope style. The riders will be split into two categories: Rookie, those who were born between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1993, and Grom, who were born after January 1, 1994. Both male and female.

Participants are all strictly pre-selected in their home countries through regional qualifying heats, ensuring that only the most promising riders can take part to this event. The overall technical level of the Protest World Rookie Fests has reached legendary peaks: double cork and cab 1260 are just two of the insane tricks performed in the last editions. The riders’ list is really impressive, featuring names such as Red Bull rider Dimi de Jong, last year’s discovery Giorgio Ciancaleoni and the world reigning champion Kari Ospal Maeland.

During the upcoming event in Livigno, awesome prizes await the best riders: one ticket to the Aesthetiker Waengle Taengle 09 in Mayeroffhen, Austria; 5 invitations to the Protest World Rookie Finals in Ischgl, Austria and 5 more invitations to the Protest Surf Camp in Hossegor in summer 09.

If your dream is to become a professional snowboarder, then your future starts from the Rookie Fest!

Info and Inscriptions
Mail: rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org
phone: +39.340.3285569

DOWNLOAD HERE FULL PRESS RELEASE WITH PROGRAM

DOWNLOAD HERE INSCRIPTION FORM
EVENT INFO SHEET
PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009. SWATCH SNOWPARK MOTTOLINO
LIVIGNO. ITALY. 17-21 JAN 2009

Event: Protest World Rookie Fest
Location: Livigno (Italy), Swatch Snowpark Mottolino
Date: January 17-21, 2009
Event: Mode Slope Style (3 Star)
Age groups: Rookie (1st jan 91 – 31 dec 93) // Grom (after 1st jan 94)
Prize: 1 Ticket to Aesthetiker Waengle Taengl 09 in Mayeroffhen, 5 ticket to Protest World Rookie Finals and 5 Protest Surf & Beach Camps in Hossegor, Snowboard goods from sponsors, Trophies.
Qualified Riders: National team athletes registered directly by National Federations members of the WSF (the list is published on www.worldsnowboardfederation.org). Italian athletes will be selected through the Italian Rookie Tour. Rookies who will get to the BEO finals in Laax, will be directly granted participation to the Protest World Rookie Fest finals in Livigno, on January 20, 2009.
Inscription: The inscription must be made by the National Federations for the whole “National Rookie Team”, by sending the inscription form to the address rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org within January 10, 2009.
Entry fee It is 70euro including the 3-day ski pass for the competition, free gifts from sponsors and partners, the participation to parties and meetings during the event. Moreover, there is a 30euro deposit for each bib to be paid cash directly at the Race Office.
Accomodation Livigno Tourist Office will be in charge of booking hotel accomodation for athletes and those who accompany them, starting from about 250 euros from Saturday 17 of January to Wednesday 22, including meals. In the inscription form you have to specify whether you are looking for accomodation. The name and address of your hotel will be given to you a few days before the event per e-mail or directly to the Race Office on January 17
Invited riders Thanks to the results they have obtained during the Voelkl World Rookie Finals 2008, the following riders are invited to the Protest World Rookie Fest 2009 in Livigno free of charge (inscription fee, accomodation and meals): Giorgio Ciancaleoni (ITA), Ulsletten Emil Andrè (NOR), Bibi (ITA), Dimi de Jong (NDL), Kari Ospal Maeland (NOR), Peetja Peironen (FIN), Nuuti Niemela (FIN). One more free ticket for the event will be given to the best Italian rider of the Italian Rookie Tour.
Judging It is up to official members of the jury panel and snowboard experts.
Park Shaping Swatch Snowpark Mottolino Crew
Transportation Taxi service available from Bergamo and Milan to Livigno
Media Accreditation contact rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org
TV Production & Pics: Just a few days after the event, a TV production, footage and photos of the event will be available (contact rookie@worldsnowboardfederation.org)
Sponsor&Partner: Protest Boardwear, Red Bull, Ride Snowboards, Snowpark.it, Adidas eyewear, Swatch Mottolino Snowpark, Livigno Turistic Office, Livigno Skipassion, freecaster.tv, Onboard European Snowboard Magazine, Tacky.
Organization WSF World Rookie Fest Organizing Committee

PROGRAM AND REGISTRATION FORM FOR PROTEST WORLD ROOKIE FEST 2009

17 jan 2009 – Arrival Day
12am- 8pm: Riders, coach and media registrations. Payment of entry Fee in cash. Bibs Distribution. All at Race Office in Turistic Center Plaza Pancheda
21.30: Press and Coach Meeting (Location to be annunced)
18 jan 2008 – Opening and Training Day
9.30-12.30 : Training in Slope Style at Swatch Snowpark Mottolino
12.30 – 5pm: Enjoy Livigno
5.30 pm: Welcome Party at Turistic Center in Plaza Pancheda
6.30 pm: Slope Style Presentation // Enviromental Clinincs // Coach Meeting
19 jan 2008 – Qualification Day
9.00 – 14.00: Training and Qualification in Slope Style at Mottolino Snowpark
19.00: Coach Meeting
20.00: Finalist nomination (location to be defined)
20 jan 2008 – Finals Day
9.00 – 14.00: Training and Finals (60’ of jam session) at Mottolino Snowpark
17.00: Prize Giving Ceremony at Turistic Center in Plaze Pancheda
22.00: Final Party
21 jan 2007 – Reserve or Departure Day

ADDITIONAL INFO

International Rookie Fest heats:
Protest World Rookie Fest – Livigno, Italy – 3Star – 17.21 january 09
Fubu Korean Rookie Fest – Phoenix Park, Korea – 2Star – 4-6 february 09
Protest Balkan Rookie Fest – Kopaonik, Serbia – 2Star – 20.22 february 09
Protest East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic – 2Star – 6.8 march 09
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – 4Star – 15.19 april 09
In addition, rookie 1Star regional contests will be organized all over the world by the national associations of the WSF. More information on the page www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT WORLD ROOKIE TOUR & WORLD ROOKIE RANK
Only the best rookies in the world will be granted access to the World Rookie Tour big final: the Swatch TTR 4Star “Protest World Rookie Finals” in Ischgl, Austria, from April 15 to April 19, 2009. Only the winners of the previous qualifiers will be able to go to Ischgl, together with the best athletes of the World Rookie Rank on April 5, and the wild cards that single nations give to their most promising rookies. The World Rookie Rank is a classification for under 18’s only and it is developed by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF) in collaboration with TTR. At the end of the World Rookie Tour, the final winner will be awarded with the title of World Rookie Champion. He will be offered a unique opportunity to enter the world of professional snowboarding: an invitation to a Video Shooting with the Pirate Movie Production, a Photo Shooting by On Board Europe and an invitation to an event which is still kept secret are awaiting the winner.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation working uniquely to develop and support snowboard at all levels, including competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, activities for riders of any age. WSF is a network of national snowboard associations cooperating worldwide for the development and promotion of the sport. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support to their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and offers ideas, handbooks and initiatives, the result of an organization whose components share the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

The furious Black Yeti will lead the best rookies from all over the World to “The Conquer of the Snowboard Age”, competing for the title of World Rookie Champion 2009. Showcasing snowboarding future stars, the World Rookie Tour 08.09 will give to young people a fair opportunity to enter the professional level and win amazing prizes during a series of international junior events from 1star to 4star level.

World Rookie Tour 2008.09 – The Conquer of the Snowboard Age
Italy, November 9th, 2008

The furious Black Yeti will lead the best rookies from all over the World to “The Conquer of the Snowboard Age”, competing for the title of World Rookie Champion 2009. Showcasing snowboarding future stars, the World Rookie Tour 08.09 will give to young people a fair opportunity to enter the professional level and win amazing prizes during a series of international junior events from 1star to 4star level.

The Rookie Tour started last summer with the Australian Junior Series and is now ready to kick off in the Northern Hemisphere with stops in Europe and Asia, for a full season calendar. The Tour will culminate in april 2009 with the Swatch TTR 4star “Protest World Rookie Finals 09” in Ischgl, Austria.

The format of “Rookie fest” was consolidated throughout the years and it includes slope style competitions, sport, fun, didactical activities and moments for the getting together riders of different nationalities. The “World Rookie Tour” is a perfect example of the “rookie-to-pro structure”, which has been working so well also thanks to the great cooperation between WSF and TTR. These rookie fests are not just competition: they feature a bunch of other activities to help rookies grow in the field of professional snowboarding, such as photo&video shootings, avalanche and rescue clinics, meeting with photographers and international team managers, parties and big prizes.

The range of prizes riders can win taking part to the Rookie Fests can be: “Protest Rookie Surf & Beach Camp” for summer 2009 in France, an interview on On Board Europe and Tacky, tickets to top class snowboarding events in the world, an invitation to the Pirate Movie Production with photo & video shooting and many other amazing prizes to support the carrier of the best rookies who wish to become professional riders.

International Rookie Fest Stops
Protest World Rookie Fest – Livigno, Italy – 3Star – 17.21 january 09
North Face Korean Rookie Fest – Phoenix Park, Korea – 2Star – february 09
Protest Balkan Rookie Fest – Kopaonik, Serbia – 2Star – 20.22 february 09
Protest East Rookie Fest – Splinderuv Mlyn, Czech Republic – 2Star – 6.8 march 09
Protest World Rookie Finals – Ischgl, Austria – 4Star – 15.19 april 09
In addition local rookie stops at 1Star will be organized by WSF National Snowboard Association all over.

The title of World Rookie Champion will be awarded to the winner of the Protest World Rookie Finals reserved to the top riders from previous Rookie Fests, plus selected riders from National Snowboard Associations and the top 30 riders from the upcoming World Rookie Rank. All rookie stops are reserved to Rookies (born from 1st january 1991 to 31st december 1993) and Grom (born from 1st january 1994 and up), both boys and girls. All contest of the World Rookie Tour will generate valuable results for the Swatch TTR Ranks and for the new World Rookie Rank developed by WSF in association with the Swatch TTR.

Full list of rookie events, further press release for each stop, details on the World Rookie Rank will be soon available on www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

For info and media request
Marco Sampaoli
WSF Board of Directors
marco@worldsnowboardfederation.org
mobile: +39.340.32.85.569

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation exclusively working to develop and taking care for the sport of snowboard at all levels including, competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, snowboard activities for riders of any age. WSF represent a network of national snowboard associations which cooperate world wide for the sport development. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support at their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and can offer ideas, manuals and initiatives as a result of being together in one organization with the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels.
www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

WSF and the Swatch TTR Tour have renewed their successful alliance in order to continue establishing a progressive environment for competitive snowboarding around the world. Under this agreement, the two organizations have decided to extend their cooperation and work closer together to produce a fair and transparent competition and ranking structure to benefit the sport. The new contract has come into effect as of October 2008.

World Snowboard Federation extends cooperation with the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour

WSF and the Swatch TTR Tour have renewed their successful alliance in order to continue establishing a progressive environment for competitive snowboarding around the world. Under this agreement, the two organizations have decided to extend their cooperation and work closer together to produce a fair and transparent competition and ranking structure to benefit the sport. The new contract has come into effect as of October 2008.

World Rookie Fest is one the perfect example of WSF-TTR cooperation

The WSF has recognized, since the beginning, the importance of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour as leading international organization for professional competitive snowboarding and its ideal transparent model for kids and amateurs who wish to enter the competitive scene and build a career as a professional snowboard athlete. “This world alliance will bring the best to the sport of snowboarding at all levels“, stated Marco Sampaoli, event and communication manager for WSF, “Thanks to this renewed cooperation, the WSF National Snowboard Associations will put all their active effort to create the best competitive environment also at the lower level events and bring better practical and communicative support to the TTR ”.

Since the beginning, the World Snowboard Federation (WSF), as an international sports federation governing national snowboard sports associations, has been cooperating with the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour, a non profit organization with the mission to establish the highest quality competitive snowboard environment in the world. Regarding events, this cooperation has always been focusing on creating a strong foundation for snowboarding and a link among all levels of riders: from rookies, and amateurs to professionals.

The Swatch TTR Tour acknowledges the importance of developing snowboarding at a grass roots level together with the National Snowboard Associations around the world. “It is important for the TTR World Tour to continue building its true rookie – to pro structure and to support young riders as they are the future of our sport.”, says Alex Doerr, Rankings Manager of the TTR Tour, “The cooperation with WSF has been developing into a well established partnership and will surely be further improved in the upcoming season.”

The above is only one of many reasons for the agreement that was signed in October 2008 between the WSF and the TTR. According to this agreement, the WSF and its member nations will manage and develop events on the 1,2, and 3Star levels while the TTR will focus on the 4,5, and 6Star events. New services will be launched by WSF in cooperation with the Swatch TTR Ranking System, such as National Rankings, the World Rookie Rankings, or new event formats.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
WSF is the only international organisation exclusively working to develop and taking care for the sport of snowboard at all levels including, competitions and education, disable and adaptive snowboarding, snowboard activities for riders of any age. WSF represent a network of national snowboard associations which cooperate world wide for the sport development. Members find in WSF a source of inspiration and support at their activities. WSF can create added value for everybody involved in snowboard on national level and can offer ideas, manuals and initiatives as a result of being together in one organization with the same goal: progression of snowboarding at all levels.www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

ABOUT THE SWATCH TTR WORLD SNOWBOARD TOUR:
Founded by Terje Haakonsen and industry innovators in 2002, the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour is a non-profit, rider-driven organization with the mission to create the highest quality competitive snowboard environment in the world, using authenticity, accessibility, innovation as guiding principles. Since its foundation, the Swatch TTR Tour has been developing into the most popular snowboard tour worldwide featuring global grass root and key independent freestyle snowboarding events over a ten-month period from Southern to Northern Hemisphere locations. The top male and female rider based on an average of their best seven results of the season is crowned Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour Champion. www.ttrworldtour.com

Last season the World Rookie Finals awarder a trip to Canada with the Pirate Movie Production. Formed Rookie Champion, Gjermund Braaten got hill just few days before leave for the trip and the invitation moved to the rider ranked n°2 at the finals: the italian Giorgio Ciancaleoni. Waiting for the announcement of the World Rookie Fest 2009, here is an interview about the first experience of this youngster with a professional film production company.

Giorgio Ciancaleoni shredding at COC

Hi Giorgio, so how was your trip with the Pirate in Canada? That trip in Canada was the coolest I’ve ever done, I’ve met a lot of new people and everyone was super nice. I had the possibility to improve my riding skills with the international pros the whole week in the best summer park ever. Is there anything better than that?

Who were the riders there? Among the Pirates there were Tyler Chorlton, Sani Alibabic, Dan Brisse, Mike Casanova, Kalle Ohlson, Teo Konttinen, Mone Monsberger, and at the park people like Torstein Horgmo, Jhon Jackson, Jake Blaveult and many others…lots of cool people!

And how was the park? It was huge. All the structures you can immagine were there: a half pipe, lines of jumps, tons of rails all over the park and a spine quarter, so you can find everything there. It was shaped everyday and it was super fun.

What kind of sessions have you done? Usually during the morning we went snowboarding and then we stayed in the park and filmed till 2 p.m. more or less. Once we did a night session with a unique sunset…I’ve seen few like that…is has been a memorable session, lots of tricks and a general satisfaction.

Has it been useful surfing a week with the pros? Absolutely!! I’ve met a lot of new people, among photographers and riders, that’s always useful in our world. Moreover surfing with them I’ve learnt a lot of new tricks.

You’ve passed, so that’s a good present, isn’t it? Tell us something about your last school year, how was that? Well, it was an unespected and really lucky but also wonderful present. After all the school went ok and I passed without any debts (maybe because during the year I moved to an easier school, haha). Now I’m in the fourth class, in a linguistic high school, having missed any school year.

First time with Pros: Dan Brisse, Danny Larsen, Teo Konttinen…

Can you manage school and snowboarding? I mean, can you manage absences and oral examinations? Well in my new school to manage the two things is easier, in fact the teachers understand what I do and they help me with programmed oral examination etc…being sincere I believe that the tuition fee my parents have to pay every year helps me, it’s a private school…but that doesn’t play a big role, ahaha

You have already seen the Over Seas movie at the World Premiere in Innsbruck…how was it? I really liked it a lot, the shootings are huge and the parts of the riders are super cool. The parts that impressed me are those of Tyler Chorlton, Marko grilc and Gigi Ruf…you all should see this video.

How was taking part in that party? Up to now I’ve never seen parties and video presentations like those in Italy, thousands of people, all in a super good mood, Troble Andrew concert (it worthed being there just for this concert) and I’ve never seen so many hot chicks at just one party…3 on 4 were hot. Then thanks some guys Giacomo Margutti and I got the access to the vip area with free drinking…so…

Do you feel a little bit a ‘pirate’? I feel a pirate inside because I surf the snowboarding oceans finding the final treasure…

Have you noticed any difference between the organization of this movie project and the other shootings you took part in before? Sincerely I’ve seen more professionalism among the riders, they woke up early without any problems and they had party at night just in the right moments. Of course the budget of this production is higher than the others which I took part in, so they are able to afford 3 filmers, photographers, etc together.

What are your plans for the winter 08/09? This season is the olympic qualification year and the national team members are working really hard for that…up to now Vancouver 2010 is my goal, however I won’t leave the TTR track out. This season will be again focused on the competitions.

National and international competitions…pros and cons of each. Let’s make a difference among national competitions. On one hand we have in Italy contests on an international level, like Rock the Spot or River Jump, about these competitions you can’t say anything bad abd they can be compared to the international ones. On the other hand you have all these small contests on the calendar during the season just to have more events on each week end. I hate that because this situation doesn’t let the guys to take part in the competitions they want to. I think that the calendar should be better organized, trying to get the better organization possible out of each contests and trying to limit the number of the events. Quality is better than quantity.

Giorgio rock at the Pirate Sessions in COC

What do you think about the “only rookie” competitions? Acconding to my experience what I can do is to praise this kind of events because they gave me the possibility to take part in this trip. I believe the rookie fest works really well for the growing up of young riders because on one hand riding with guys of the same age helps pushing each other and improving, and on the other hand it gives the chance to take part in international events that can take a flourishing career…

You are one of the most up-and-coming rookie of the Italian scene, what would you suggest to a talented guy who wants to stand out? The most important thing is to believe in what you are doing and to go ahead proud of your dreams and your goals. Morevoer the eagerness is fundamental, you have to work hard obtain what you want…I would like to suggest the young riders’ parents to stand always by your kids, because one day they will be grateful and thankful for that.

A greeting to…Davide, Rugge, Matt, Sisko, Riki, Comi, Resco and all my friends from Varese, Giacomo Margutti, the whole snowpark crew and all the girls I know.. most of all the cute ones.
A hi-five to…all the people mentioned above…
A tug a ear to...Vago, Rugge and Matty because of the too much racket I’m often involved…
A thanks to..Burton, all the photographers and filmers I worked with and all those who make this dream possible…thnx guys

Interview by Marco Sampaoli
Pictures Courtery by Joel Fraser and Pirate Movie Production