PRESS RELEASE
BIKE Magazine's Monster Park Slopestyle Steps up Freeride Competition
Darren Berrecloth takes 1st place in Marquette, MI competition.
Dana Point, CA (August 10, 2004)— BIKE Magazine's Monster Park Slopestyle Invitational opened a new chapter in the world of Freeride Mountain biking by pushing the limits of the world's top athletes and introducing a unique rider-judged competition format. The competition drew a record 6,000 spectators and brought out some of the sport's premier athletes to compete for the $10,000 prize purse.
"Our goal for this event was to raise the bar in terms of freeride slopestyle competitions," said Ron Ige, editor of BIKE magazine. "We felt like the best way to do this was to let the athlete feedback dictate each aspect of the event. The course was designed and built by John Cowan of the Kona Clump team and MTB Films producer Ted Tempany, the competition format was developed with input from the riders and the comp itself was judged by the riders competing in it."
Paul Basagoitia, 17-year-old phenomenon that won Crankworx the previous weekend, secured third place with two consecutive back flips. Thomas Vanderham, who was the only rider to attempt and stick the 20-foot drop off the "Red Dragon" ladder bridge scored second place, while Darren Berrecloth, competing in his first event after a broken collarbone, took home First Place with consistent, smooth and stylish runs.
"Monster Park is the event mountain biking has been waiting for," said Thomas Vanderham. "The course showcased the diversity of a mountain bike with terrain for all styles of riding. It challenged every rider there and took steps in the progression of our sport."
The event introduced many "firsts" in mountain bike competition including Marquette Mountain's first bike competition, the first half pipe, and the distinctive rider-judged formatted based on 40% flow, 30% tech and 30% amplitude. The top six average scores of the best two runs of the qualifying session advanced the rider to the finals. The final was based on the best score of the two runs.
RESULTS:
1. Darren Berrecloth
2. Thomas Vanderham
3. Paul Basagoitia
4. Aaron Chase
5. Kyle Ebbett
6. Cameron McCaul
7. Wade Simmons
8. Kirt Voreis
9. Eric Porter
10. John Cowan
11. Chris Duncan
12. Jordie Lunn
Monster Park is supported by: Freeride Entertainment, Oakley, Red Bull, Kona USA, Marzocchi, Viosport Camera Systems, Sombrio, Hayes Brakes, Race Face, Marquette Mountain and Nordic Bay Lodge.
To learn more about the event, please log on to www.bikemag.com or contact Michelle Lindsay, michelle.lindsay@primedia.com.
About Bike magazine
BIKE magazine, founded in 1994, is the first alternative lifestyle mountain biking publication for the die-hard enthusiast. BIKE comprises a company of devout riders dedicated to creating cutting-edge, functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit for the cycling enthusiast. The magazine is published eight times a year by PRIMEDIA's Action Sports Group (ASG), the dominant force in the action sports and adventure sports arenas, reaching seven million sporting enthusiasts with its network of online properties, events, video and television programming. In addition to BIKE, the ASG publishes SG, SURFER, SURFING, SNOWBOARDER, SKATEBOARDER, POWDER, CLIMBING and CANOE & KAYAK magazines. BIKE products are available worldwide on newsstands, bike shops, events and online at: www.bikemag.com.
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