Nissan Qashqai Challenge: Things are heating up in London

The location for the grand final of the 2008 Nissan Qashqai Challenge is absolutely stunning. On one side of the course is Tate Modern, one of the nation's most popular art galleries and on the other side is the Thames River with the magnificent cityscape looming in the background. This weekend the world's best mountain bike freeriders will be here to compete for the sport's largest cash purse. The course is visually striking and has all the elements of a legendary track. There is a 3 meter free fall drop in off the 8 meter start tower which leads into an 8 meter wide elevated wooden rhythm line with two step-up doubles leading into a poppy trick double to a huge dirt landing. From there the riders will have one more trick double, finishing with a massive battle ship consisting of two 3 meter tall quarterpipes flanking a dirt wedge landing. The course has a lot of variety to test the rider's skills, and it's anyone's guess as to who will take the victory. There is a strong British representation here at the finals with 5 riders in the top 30. Versatile riders Gee and Dan Atherton of World Cup racing fame will be competing, as well as Grant Fielder, Sam Pilgrim, and frontrunner Lance McDermott. McDermott currently sits 4th overall, within striking distance of the overall title coming in to the finals this weekend in his home country. He had this to say, "For me this is the biggest contest of the year as it is on home ground and all my friends and family will be there. It will be nice to throw down my big tricks for everyone to see." Young Sam Pilgrim has had a breakout season this year and had this to comment, "I expect another really fun, well organised event with an amazing course and hopefully a good position at the end. I have been training at home getting everything up to scratch and ready for Saturday. It's so cool to be able to show my skills off to all the people of my country I am so glad I am able to do it!" There will be something for everyone this weekend as a live DJ will be spinning music while the world's most famous professional mountain bike freeriders defy gravity over huge jumps. Tate Modern is the national gallery of international modern and contemporary art. Located on the banks of the River Thames in London, it is one of a family of four Tate galleries in the UK. General admission to Nissan Qashqai Challenge Grand Final is free. If you are not able to make it to the event, you can watch the competition LIVE on Freecaster at: www.freecaster.com You can also get the pictures, video, and results at: www.nissan.co.uk