Finally the time has come! On the following weekend July 15th and 16th the Red Bull District Ride is going to take place in Catania, Italy.
The course is ready, the riders are fixed and on their way, the judges are about to land and the overall prize for Catania and Nuremberg, the custom pimped Ford pick-up truck is wating for its first “pre-reservation”.
After a couple of last minute cancellations due to injuries, e.g. like Geoff Gulevich, who has to stay at home because of a broken knee cab (Good luck Gully and get well fast!), the rider list has slightly changed. This is an opportunity to some younger new school riders that will definitely have a lot to show against the big dawgs to proof themselves at a world class event. Check out the rider list:
Aaron Chase (USA), Adam Hauck (USA), Alberto Accetulli (ITA), Amir Kabbani (GER), Andreu Lacondequy (ESP), Cameron McCaul (USA), Cameron Zink (USA), Carlo Dieckmann (GER), Chris Smith (UK), Chris Hatton (FRA), Damjan Siriski (CZ), Dan Atherton (UK) Darren Berrecloth (CAN), Darren Pokoj (AUS), Eric Porter (USA), Gee Atherton (UK), Giacomo Bisi (ITA), Greg Watts (USA), Kyle Strait (USA Lance McDermott (UK), Luis Lacondeguy (ESP), Mischa Breitenstein (CH), Niels Windfeldt (NOR), Niki Leitner (AUT), Pascal Breitenstein (CH), Paul Basagoitia (USA), Rob-J (GER), Ryder Kasprick (CAN) Sebastian Schlecht (GER), Taulan Dernbach (GER), Timo Pritzel (GER).
Besides the new young guns there is every one on the list that has won big freeride comps in the past, e.g. Adidas Slopestyle winner 2006 Darren Berrecloth, the crankworx winner from last year Paul Basagoitia, the BRAUN 26 TRIX winner Cameron McCaul, the last Red Bull Rampage winner Kyle Strait as well as Gee Atherton, who made a quick stop in between the Downhill world cups …and many more.
Aaron Chase, the winner from last year, already made a note: “ The field of riders is really strong, especially the young guns from Europe like Lance McDermott will show off great stuff. But the main guys to watch will be again Paul Bas and Bearclaw. Of course I am ready to make a pre-reservation on the Ford truck. I can’t wait!”
But not only the field of riders is exciting, also the course is a huge challenge. Not only for the riders, but for the builders as well. A big thanks to Cory Moore and his crew for all the mega effort and work they are putting still in. They built up mad obstacles for 6 districts: Start (a couple of drop options), Downtown , Wallstreet, Stairway (all with different street ramps on a slope), Up n down (an elevated mini ramp), Gap (the dirts) and in each district the rider needs mad skills to impress the judges.
In the big heat of the italian island Sicily, the worldclass riders from 12 nations will conquer the historic and complex city with the most progressive urban style.
The finals have been scheduled on purpose for sunday evening, so the riders will have better conditions and for sure the atmosphere in the student’s city will be sizzling!
5 international judges will give points depending on style, tricks, choice of obstacles and execution of the tricks as well as the flow and overall impression of the whole run.
Paul Rak from Whistler, the head judge, said just before his departure: "I can’t wait to arrive in Sicily. It is a lot of fun to be at such high level global events. The first images of the course definitely wanna make you be there. For sure there will be killer life action of all those guys.”
On Saturday we’ll see a special highlight in the gap district: the Dainese Dirt Session. There are going to be 7 riders in the finals which will show off their best tricks. Except 1000 Euros, Dainese will offer to the best guy a 1year sponsor deal.
Also this year the Red Bull District Ride will be covered online on Freecaster. You can check out the event teaser on For further information check out:
www.freecaster.com. You will be able to watch more clips even during the event on Freecaster. So check it out from time to time and by Monday you will see the greatest highlights from Sicily on the biggest extreme sport online channel!
So stay tuned and expect the next update to come on Saturday with the results from the first qualifying and the winner of the Dainese Dirt Jump Session.
For further information check out:
www.redbulldistrictride.com
