SRAM boosts involvement in global freeride scene
6 March 2006 | By billy1979
SRAM goes big in freeride! Over the last years, we have been supporting this trend. Now, with its own rookie event at the adidas Slopestyle in Saalbach, top sponsored athletes and a new freeride product line to be introduced, SRAM enhances its presence in the scene.
The adidas Slopestyle in Austria (June 16th-18th) is the most important freeride event across Europe. SRAM is the new main sponsor and will introduce its own rookie event - the RockShox Ticket2Style. 40 amateur riders will compete on June 15th for five places in the qualification runs of the actual Slopestyle contest. A unique opportunity for all skilled riders. "We want to support the next generation of freeriders and give them a chance to compete in top events", says Elmar Keineke, SRAM's MTB Marketing Manager.
The 2006 SRAM "Homegrown" tour in cooperation with Giant bicycles served as a starting point. Three contests held in indoor skateparks in Germany awarded each winner a Giant STP Ayton bike built with SRAM components. The Homegrown tour was a big success with the rookie riders, offering them support and a stage to show their talent.
SRAM's pool of professional athletes features outstanding talent. Timo Pritzel, Carlo Dieckmann and Joscha Forstreuter represent the German freeride elite. Team Ayton (Giant) is SRAM's number one in France. Big names like Kyle Strait, Cameron Zink and Jamie Goldman represent SRAM in the US. Geoff Gulevich hits the Canadian trails with freeride icon Darren Berrecloth. All our European athletes will be supported at events by Mr. BoXXer himself Torben Borowy and the SRAM service crew. Aside from Slopestyle, SRAM will be present at the Free Raid Classic in Les2Alpes, France, and Crankworx in Whistler, Canada.
Freeriding requires durable, high performance products. Following its philosophy of innovation and quality, SRAM will introduce new freeride components for 2007. Products will include a long travel suspension fork line and freeride specific brakes. More info to be released at the adidas slopestyle.
