Check out a fully machined aluminum lid! http://www.disn.co.jp

Dirt TV: Finally Part Six: This is the last episode folks and what a way to end the series…this is one hell of a mutha hubbard of a banger to finish on. Pure Gold. Pure Joy. Pure Class from the ParkinBros.

World Championships in Canberra, Australia and the World Cup Finals in Schladming, Austria.

Leogang, Austria, January 30, 2010 – I’ve now been to Austria a handful of times and until now I’ve only visited in the summer months. This past week I got to travel there in the winter for a snow slopestyle. It was amazing. Huge 40+ foot jumps with lips as tall as a house. Riding into them for the first time was simply scary. Once you found yourself on the landing it was the best feeling you could have. Going up the lip you would feel your speed decelerating more and more and you had to wonder if you had too much speed or too little speed. The great thing was that the landings were all a mile long and if you over jumped it was just adding to your amplitude and for the most part was just as smooth as landing at the top. I took a pretty hard case in practice and decided that jumping farther was clearly the best option… and the most fun!! Some of the gaps could be made 10- 15 ft. bigger just by going faster and were still smooth.

Austria is simply beautiful in the winter. You are surrounded with a 360-degree view of snow covered mountains. Snow was plentiful and was perfect for snow ball fights too, which replaced some of the daily activities that we normally do in Leogang during summer, including go karting. I wasn’t able to get the chance because the normal track in Leogang is closed for winter, but a few of the riders that went to the event early went to ICE carting. I’m thoroughly jealous.

To ride the course you needed mud tires and a front brake if you wanted to stop at all… although some riders had the same tires as normal and no front brake it was pretty funny to watch them try to stop. I remember seeing Yannick plow through the fencing at the end of his run and into the crowd.
Needless to say it caused some excitement for the spectators and the rest of the riders. I opted to run a front brake as I usually do and Voreis hooked me up with the Maxxis Wet Scream tires that he raced with at X Games in the snowcross race a few years back. They worked amazing. I ride the Santa Cruz Blur LT most days of normal riding at home. It is my favorite bike these days and the one I feel most comfortable on. The Whitestyle had pretty big jumps, so I chose to ride my slope bike it was awesome as usual. Some people brought hardtails to the event, but I wouldn’t have changed my bike choice at all.

It was also very cold as you can image. I wore all my snowboard gear and under layers so that I could stay warm. I was also using foot sole warmers, which was the best idea I had. It was hard to stay warm in the snow with normal shoes. Add bandana around my face and I had a dialed setup.

Practice was limited because constant course work was needed to keep the ruts controlled but the contest still went off huge. Sam Pilgrim absolutely killed it for the win and everyone in the finals rode amazing. I tell ya, I wouldn’t have wanted to be a judge. My runs were so much fun, blasting my tricks bigger and bigger each time down the hill. I had done some super flips in practice on the last jump on the course, but had never done one in the night practice (the contest started at around 8:00pm). I went for one on the “small” side of the final jump in my first qualifier run and almost nose cased because my speed was all wrong. I rode out of it but it definitely wasn’t like anything I had practiced. Haha, I was all planned out on doing one on the big set in finals and I wasn’t turning back now because all day that was my goal. I flipped the big set in my first finals run and my second run threw the super flip out on the line. It was a decent superman but nothing like I was hoping and I definitely wanted to go for it some more. It was so much fun to do it on that big of a jump. I slipped my pedals but recovered quickly and it really just left me wanting more, but what can ya do.

With a 7th place finish I was happy with my runs and coming out from a contest with this size obstacles unhurt is always the best feeling ever. I am already looking forward to going back next year. Props to Grant “Chopper” Fielder for designing a great course and to all the park crew who worked with him! See you all next year.

-Jamie Goldman

Results:
1 Sam Pilgrim – GBR
2 Linus Sjöholm – SWE
3 Yannick Granieri – FRA
4 Amir Kabbani – GER
5 Darren Berrecloth – CAN
6 Cameron McCaul – USA
7 Jamie Goldman – USA
8 Sam Reynolds – GBR
9 Grant Fielder – GBR
10 Niki Leitner – AUT
11 Martin Söderström – SWE
12 Jakub Vencl – CZE

PHOTO CREDIT: ALE DI LULLO

Having already worked together for three years, Rachel, Gee and Dan Atherton’s confidence in COMMENCAL has been strongly reiterated with the announcement of another two years in partnership with the bike manufacturer. This relationship has steadily grown and is now set to be stronger than ever. The fresh team name and logo marks a new chapter, and the birth of Team COMMENCAL.

The ATHERTON siblings will be chasing World titles aboard COMMENCAL’s race proven bikes, the ‘Supreme DH’ and the ‘Absolut 4X Ti’.

Max COMMENCAL commented, “After these past three years spent together, I would first like to thank Madison, our UK distributor, for all the work they have done with this exceptional team. Without them, this story might never have been started. Today we have reached a new level with the ATHERTON clan, with their intense passion for riding and huge motivation to win.

Rachel is almost rabid-like in her determination, Gee is more of a missile then ever, and Dan is going to surprise us once again. Together we have numerous projects planned, on both a sporting and technological level. We’re going to enjoy ourselves even more and help move the industry that we love those extra few steps forward”.

The ATHERTON Team Manager, Dan BROWN, added, “Having worked with COMMENCAL closely over the past three seasons we were in no doubt that we wanted them to continue supplying our frames after the contract came to a close in 2009. Max and COMMENCAL agreed with our decision and were happy to extend their commitment into the position of title sponsor.
“The signing of this two-year contract enables us to embark on new and exciting projects which will fuse the Atherton’s wealth of riding knowledge together with the great development skills and resources of COMMENCAL. These projects will give Dan, Gee and Rachel everything they need to win on the World stage irrelevant of discipline. The whole team at ATHERTON Racing is excited to get the season under way and can’t wait for the first race under the Team COMMENCAL banner.”

The team continues its partnerships with Fox Racing Shox, Animal and Shimano who have all been instrumental in the successes of the past three years.

A full list of sponsors will be released at the start of April during the team’s official launch.
To stay in touch with Team COMMENCAL until then you can visit :

Site web : www.athertonracing.co.uk
Facebook: Facebook
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Athertonracing

1. New riders must register in advance by sending your NAME, ADRESS, RACING CATEGORY to info@nemabrand.com (only pre-registered riders qualify)
2. You will receive Nema stickers which you must place on your bike, and helmet.
3. Minimum of 5 riders in your class to qualify for payout.
4. Only official results from promoter will qualify.
5. Rider MUST list NEMA as a sponsor on entry form. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
6. LAST BUT NOT LEAST rider must be wearing at least 2 out of the following 3 products:
(JERSEY, SHORTS/PANTS, GLOVES)

The contingency payout is as follows:

- The Bikes -

As the USA Factory Racing Team for Banshee Bikes, Team Geronimo is proud to be aboard the newly released Legend MkII downhill frame, which is nothing short of phenomenal. Just days after its public release, Pro racer Graeme Pitts took the maiden voyage as the first in the world to ride this beauty. With less than 5 hours on the bike, Pitts managed a Top 15 finish at Round 2 of the Australian National Series at Shepparton. How does it ride? Let’s just quote Banshee Bikes owner Jay MacNeil, who said, “Anyone who rides this bike is almost cheating!” It really is THAT FAST. Team Geronimo will also be racing the Banshee Rampant in 4X and DS events.

www.bansheebikes.com

- The Kit -

Custom made Wrex Racing apparel will outfit the team. Their purpose-built gear is truly remarkable, stylish, and will exceed even the toughest critic’s expectations. Wrex offers a full line of custom jerseys, pants, shorts, rash guards (silver-embedded for odor control and anti-microbial action), winter jackets, rain jackets, hoodies, formal wear (for banquets and sponsor meetings!) and more. They make it easy to be the best-dressed racer on the race course. Wrex Racing’s motto says it all, “Rule #1: Leave the competition behind. Rule #2: There is no rule #2!”

Underneath their custom kits, the team will be protected by Dainese gear. It’s a shame that such excellent, stylish protection has to be covered up. From the minute the body armor comes out of its shipping box, it is evident that this gear is state of the art, lightweight, supple and STRONG. Finally, it is truly comfortable protection – riders might even forget they’re wearing it! From Seth Graves of Dainese/BTI-USA, “We are excited to start the 2010 race season sponsoring such a great team of excellent racers!”

The team will protect their brains with helmets by Kali Protectives – a company making quick strides in the MTB protective world. Racers will keep their eyes on the prize with eyewear by Smith Optics. No team would be complete without casual shorts from Cowboy’s Fuzzy Duds – look for their signature wacko prints to compliment team livery when they’re off the course.

http://www.wrexracing.com
http://www.dainese.com
http://www.kaliprotectives.com
http://www.smithoptics.com
http://www.cowboysfuzzyduds.com

- The Components -

Hayes Bicycle Group is equipping the team with powerful Hayes Brakes systems, race worthy Sun Ringlé wheelsets, and Answer ProTaper bars and gloves. Racers will enjoy a buttery-smooth ride with the highly anticipated Manitou Dorado Pro fork and super adjustable Revox shock. Clayton Goldsmith of Hayes Bicycle Group commented, “Everyone on the team is a class act and as a group, this is exactly the type of team HBG wants to partner up with. Their choice of riders and equipment is going to make them potent, and I would say probably one of the most successful first year teams. They are also one of the few teams we’ve chosen to run the new Dorado Pro DH fork this year – so of course their Banshee rigs will be the envy of everyone in the pits! Expect to see big things from Team Geronimo in 2010!”

When the rubber officially hits the dirt at Sea Otter, the team will be hooking up in the corners with Intense Tyres. “We are extremely excited to work with such a great group of Pros and the Jr. Development team, as the Intense Tyre System line has been fully redone for 2010 and this will really help get the tires out in front of the fans and atop the podium with this excellent program” – from Pete Dylewski, Marketing Manager at Intense Tyre.

MRP’s Ryan Cranston also commented, “MRP is extremely proud to partner with such a world class squad. Team Geronimo will be rocking G2 chain guides, Camber cranks, and Podium chain rings as they hang it all out there in pursuit of victory in 2010! Watch out for these guys!”

WTB has come on board with their sexy new Devo seat, which will sit on top of FSA’s Gravity seat post. FSA will also keep the cockpit in check with their line of Orbit headsets. Obtainium Performance Products’ titanium springs bring superior performance to the handling of these stunning bikes in addition to shaving weight and precious seconds off race times. Point 1 Racing stems and platform pedals, ODI grips, Shimano drive train components, Crank Brothers clips and Framewrap come together to finish off the build of Team Geronimo’s incredible rides.

When traveling by air, the team will use the incredibly well designed, sturdy and lightweight bike boxes by Crateworks. Ogio has also stepped up to aid in the team’s travel comfort with their progressive line of gear bags, hydration packs, helmet cases, and race umbrellas.

http://www.hayesbicycle.com
http://www.intensetires.com
http://www.mrpbike.com
http://www.wtb.com
http://www.fullspeedahead.com
http://www.obtainiumperformanceproducts.com
http://www.pointoneracing.com
http://www.odigrips.com
http://www.shimano.com
http://www.crankbrothers.com
http://www.crateworks.com
http://www.ogio.com

- The Coaches -

Gene Hamilton of Betterride is the official skills coach of Team Geronimo. His techniques are proven, his guidance invaluable, and it is time for the gravity biking world to catch up with other sports by retaining coaches – Team Geronimo is honored to be working with Betterride. Gene comments, “I am excited to be working with Team Geronimo. I’ve coached Graeme Pitts and the Buell Brothers in the past, and I look forward to working with Rachel Bauer and Cody Eichhorn. They all have the potential to do really well, and have an impact on the sport. It is going to be a fun and successful race season with one of the best new teams on the circuit.”

James Wilson of MTB Strength Training Systems is the official strength coach of Team Geronimo. Wilson’s program has steadily become recognized as the premier mountain bike strength training system, especially for gravity racers. His workouts produce maximum results that correspond to decreased race times and injury avoidance due to flexibility. Wilson’s routines are sport specific, don’t require a huge investment in time and allow for quick recovery – almost too good to be true.

Taking time out from Tabata Intervals, James added, “I’m excited to work with a team that is obviously so dedicated to the sport I love. They’ve shown that they are serious about developing and supporting talent and I’m looking forward to helping them on their mission to make a splash on the racing scene.”

http://www.betterride.net

http://www.bikejames.com

- About Team Geronimo -

Team Geronimo is home to a five-star line up of some of the strongest young talent in the Professional gravity racing world: Michael Buell, Brian Buell, Graeme Pitts, Rachel Bauer and Cody Eichhorn (Australia). Team Geronimo is also proud of its Junior Development Team: Alec Toney, Madison Bailey, Teddy Benge, Tanner Spence, Robert Petit, Roy Benge and Tyler Spence – they are some fierce young rippers!

Behind the scenes, putting the puzzle pieces together for a successful 2010 race season are: Leslie Pitts, Team Manager; Brandon Turman, Marketing Manager and Junior Development Team Manager; and Troy Walch, Team Mechanic.

Look for Team Geronimo at the 2010 Sea Otter Classic, Pro Gravity Tour, Mountain States Cup Series, US Open, Crankworx Colorado, Crankworx Whistler, Fluidride Cup Series and select other events. The team is gearing up for entry into the World Cup Series in 2011.

The stokage meter about this team is cranked all the way up, and for good reason – they have incredible talent, vibrant personalities, and a true sense of professionalism on and off the race course. 2010 is going to be a phenomenal year.

Be sure to become a fan on Facebook and to follow Team Geronimo on Twitter!

http://www.facebook.com/teamgeronimo
http://www.twitter.com/teamgeronimo
http://www.geronimoracing.com

We all know Andreu Lacondeguy is not a conformist. He always tries to go beyond the limits. And the truth is that nowadays, mountain bike freestyle limits are where Andreu wants them to be…

Last year Andreu played the lead on his personal crusade for the events to have big size jumps. “For the last two years, we have been jumping in BMX size jumps. We are riding mountain bikes! We can go bigger! The sport is going to suck if the competitions are not a challenge anymore”.

As his words didn’t arouse great interest, Andreu tried to do it by himself. With Red Bull’s support, he built a huge jump in the middle of nowhere that defies logic.

The Jump

Andreu has been riding mountain bike and FMX at the same time for a couple of years. So he simply took his FMX ramp, much longer and steeper than any other mountain bike ramp, and drove it to Flaça surroundings, a tiny village in Gerona’s countryside (Catalonia, Spain). With the help and advice from the experienced rider and jump builder Axel Juergens, they took advantage from a natural slope in the forest. But to reach even more speed, they had to build a scary 45ft. (15 m) long speed jump, which was even more complicated than the FMX ramp itself.

At full speed, Andreu faces the metallic ramp to fly around 35ft far (10m) and almost 25ft high (8m). Many seconds in the air to execute any trick at a never been seen amplitude. And a supersized dirt landing was waiting for him.

The Tricks

Any failed jump means a huge crash. And every tumble on the landing means enough to think twice about jumping again. So there was not much space to fail. That is why, after a couple of training days, Andreu landed every trick at first or second try. And he landed almost everything…

Double Backflip (huge, probably the biggest one ever made on a mountain bike, and at first try!), Backflip Tailwhip, Backflip Superman, Backflip Indian Air, Underflip, Double Tailwhip, 360 Flatspin Seatgrab Indian Air, Superman Seatgrab…

The photographer Sebas Romero was shooting and “Boston Joy Productions” filmed the session for the “We Are Family” DVD. The film, that will be released this spring, includes the best Spanish Freestyle riders in every discipline.

Watch out for the next webisode of “Momentum – Andreu Lacondeguy” coming up on Tuesday next week at www.watch26.tv.

In the ten years following, it has expanded from its Whistler base throughout B.C. and Alberta and into Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah and Colorado. It has added in some co-ed programs to its original women’s only camps, combined with some incredible industry partners, and developed to a point where it presents between 15 and 20 camps annually.

Everywhere the program has gone, it has left a community of inspired mountain bikers in its wake. From those picking up mountain biking as a new outdoor sport, to those breaking through barriers after years of experience, the Dirt Series has created a legacy of fun, support, energy, and success.

2010 CAMPS
APRIL
• [24-25] Santa Cruz, CA
MAY
• [1-2] San Jose, CA
• [8-9] San Rafael, CA
• [15-16] North Vancouver, BC
• [29-30] Whistler, BC
JUNE
• [5-6] Fruita, CO
• [12-13] Boulder, CO
• [19-20] Park City, UT
• [26-27] Whistler, BC
JULY
• [10-11] Calgary, AB
• [17-18] Whistler, BC (co-ed)
• [31-Aug 1] Bend, OR
AUGUST
• [7-8] Hood River, OR
• [21-22] Canmore, AB
• [28-29] Bellingham, WA
SEPTEMBER
• [11-12] Whistler, BC (co-ed)

REGISTER NOW

Cove Bikes is excited to announce the return of Ben Boyko to its Factory Team Program in 2010 and beyond.

“I’m stoked as ever to be back riding on Cove, they have a perfect understanding of the sport as far as product development and the athletes are concerned. It’s great to be with a Canadian company that has been involved in freeriding since day one. Cove has the bikes that match the new school riding and suit my style so I am super excited about the new partnership.” says Boyko.

Running a full stable of Cove Bikes, including the highly anticipated G-Spot and the re-redesigned Hooker, Boyko will continue to unload his big bag of tricks all over contests, film projects and photo shoots this season.

“Ben’s status within the industry and his already established presence in the media is the perfect platform to show the public what the G-spot is capable of,” says Cove Sales Manager Stuart Kerr “plus his experience in product development can only strengthen our solid lineup of North Shore proven bikes.”

Cove founder Chaz Romalis added “I’m stoked to have local talent representing Cove at a world class level.”

Third year Cove Slopestyle athlete Eric Lawrenuk is pumped to have Ben on board. “I have always admired the perfect stunts that Ben builds, and how they make for sick cover shots. Maybe I can learn a thing or two about that from him!”

Boyko picked up his fresh Cove Foreplay frame and is already prepping for a trip to Spain this February with the FSA Gravity crew.

Ben will continue to be supported by Mavic, FSA Gravity and Rockstar Energy Drink.

Cove Bikes’ Factory Team program is supported by: Sram, Rockshox, Truvativ, Avid, E-Thirteen, Dakine, Obtanium Performace Springs, Oakley, Troy Lee Designs, FSA, Mavic, Okanagan Springs and WTB.

For more information go to www.covebike.com