Nine Knights MTB 2012 Wanna be a Knight? Trailer

On the Wildkogel, preparations are in full swing and the legendary castle of the SUZUKI NINE KNIGHTS MTB presented by G-SHOCK is taking shape. On August 19th, the freeride elite will arrive at the mountain bike Mecca "Wildkogel-Arena Neukirchen Bramberg" to pull out their best action in front of the internationally renowned photographers’ lenses. The list of riders who are following host Andi Wittmann’s call is set and the names on it are known to guarantee finest freeride action.

The Suzuki Nine Knights presented by G-SHOCK is not about collecting the most points to take home the biggest prize money. At this event, the athletes focus on pushing their own limits and producing spectacular pictures and videos. “Initially, freeriding was all about having fun, about freedom and progression – and I took that as a reason to create my own event”, explains host and organizer Andi Wittmann

Andi puts a lot of thought into planning all the obstacles and builds them with the support of the Wildkogelbahn and the “Verein Hohe Tauern Aktiv”, a local organisation for active culture. This year, he made sure to one-up last year’s set-up on which the riders had produced some extraordinary pictures in 2011. The centrepiece of his brainchild is an innovative jump feature in a medieval look featuring countless hits. A flowy freeride trail will be open to the public after the event.

The selection of athletes is also one of Andi’s tasks. After last year’s great success, he had no trouble finding some of the most popular freeriders in the world for his event. Aside from last year’s winner Yannick Granieri and Best Trick Winner Martin Söderström, some big names have confirmed their participation, such as Giant team rider Kurt Sorge who is currently the talk of the town with his part in the film project “Where The Trail Ends”.

Rider’s list:

Andi Wittmann (GER)

Andi Brewi (AUT)

Amir Kabbani (GER)

Bienvenido Alba (ESP)

Geoff Gulevich (CAN)

Kurt Sorge (CAN)

Linus Sjoholm (SWE)

Mads Makken Haugen (NOR)

Martin Söderström (SWE)

Niki Leitner (AUT)

Timo Pritzl (GER)

Piere Eduard Ferry (FRA)

Yannick Granieri (FRA)

The official programme of the Suzuki Nine Knights presented by G-SHOCK already begins on August 19th with various shoots and contests. Spectators will have to wait a little while since for the first few days, most of the action will take place outside the operation hours of the gondola. That all changes on August 25, when the Wildkogel-Arena opens its gates for the Contest Day. For the Slopestyle Contest, spectacular action and entertainment for all mountain bike fans is guaranteed, you are welcome to take us up on that. Besides the Nine Knights, Andi Wittmann has invited a few special guests to complete the riding field on the Contest Day. In the evening, the legendary Nine Knights Afterparty powered by Sweet Protection and mtb.downdays.eu at Schweini’s will be the perfect finish to a perfect week.

If you want to do more than just watch, you still have the chance to be at the centre of world-class mountain bike action yourself. Contour is looking for talented newcomers and professionals alike to qualify for the Main Event as well as the Contest Day - whether on a bike or behind the camera. Check the links for further info on the CONTOUR WANNA BE A KNIGHT video contest:

For Athletes: http://nineknightsmtb.com/qualification-for-athletes/

For Filmers: http://nineknightsmtb.com/qualification-for-filmmakers/

More Info at: http://nineknightsmtb.com