World's best freeriders coming to the Newcastle!!

Only eight weeks until the start of the tour which will take the world's best urban freeriders through five different European cities, competing for the title of the most 'urbanproof' rider. The tour will hit four European cities in four weeks with a spectacular fifth and last stop for the final spectacle at La Defense in Paris four weeks later. The rider list has been finalised and the line-up is packed with big-name riders, trying to win a share of the 200.000 euros prize money, the highest ever in freeride mountain biking. The following 15 riders have been invited to compete in the challenging journey through the five metropolises starting on May 4th 2007: Aaron Chase (USA) Andreu Lacondeguy (ESP) Amir Kabbani (GER) Ben Boyko (CAN) Cameron McCaul (USA) Cameron Zink (USA) Darren Berrecloth (CAN) Darren Pokoj (AUS) Greg Watts (USA) Jamie Goldman (USA) Kyle Strait (USA) Lance McDermott (UK) Paul Basagoitia (USA) Ryder Kasprick (CAN) Trond Hansen (NOR) Each city will also see 10 specialist riders (tba) who will challenge and compete for pole position. Expectations are high amongst all bike fans, but also the riders' personal thoughts highlight in which direction this series is going. Kyle Strait explains: "This series will take free riding to a whole new level!" The 15 tour riders will not only have to try to dominate their rivals but also winning single events to try and gather points. The rider who manages to collect the most points will be crowned the overall champion at the end of the Qashqai Urban Challenge. It's not all about points though; it's also about bringing the spirit of urban freeriding across to the spectators in the five different European cities: The challenge of overcoming everyday obstacles encountered in an urban environment. The cities where those riders show their skills in the various disciplines as well as their pleasure in playing with the city are: Newcastle, UK: May 4/5th North Shore Milan, Italy: May 11/12th Dirt Madrid, Spain: May 18th/19th Street Cologne, Germany: May 25th/26th Park Paris, France: June 22th/23th Big Air This Qashqai Urban Challenge will be the next generation in urbanproof television. As each rider 'challenges the city', our event coverage will capture this unique spirit and sense of adventure. Thousands of spectators are expected, along with TV crews and journalists, making it the biggest and most exciting urban freeride event happening in 2007