Burning Wheels Tour - Zurich, Switzerland

Feldmann in front of Wuersten on the steep slope curve (above)

Burning Wheels Tour 2004

Press Release by Maurus Strobel

The Winners

Last Saturday 14th August things were settled at the Klösterlistutz in Bern. The steep and notorious parking lot at the "Bärengraben" was the scene for the finals of the Burning Wheels Tour, the only Skateboarder Cross series worldwide. All four present tour leaders prevailed once more in front of some 2000 spectators and are now the winners of the Burning Wheels Tour.

Last Saturday 14th August the promoters could again count on the weather. At the beginning of the complicated setting up of the course, the "Klösterlistutz" was still soaking wet from the rain of the night before. But around noon when the training began the race track was completely dry and the reckless skateboarders, equipped with heaps of protective gear, went for the wooden steep slope curves and the big camel humps. The "Klösterlistutz" was once more relieved from its daily and dull parking lot routine and became the magnificent setting of a ravishing skateboarding spectacle. The DJs Kermit and Friends filled the air with skaterbeats. Beginners and those interested could borrow and try out skateboards and protective gear for free at the Boarder's Point/Indiana-Testcenter.

Thrilling Duels
In the qualifiers all riders had two runs against time, the better one was counted. The fastest 16 or 4 skateboarders per category, moved on into the finals. There the runs were fiercely executed according to the k.o.-system. On the count of "Riders ready, five seconds warning, go!" the two contestants took off from the launching pad and shot into the first steep slope curve. The take-off was crucial, but this extremely fast and challenging course also had to be tackled with finesse. The ones who wanted to ride the obstacles with too much speed were often punished with a crash and the resulting defeat. Every now and then a battle was only won right after the big camel humps, under the huge finishing gate. The total of 2000 spectators then honoured the athletes with a tremendous applaus. According to the closing report of the Junior Docs (Event Medical Team) fortunately no serious injuries occurred, just a few bumps and bruises.

Haller takes the Lead (above)

The Four Winners
All four tour leaders were able to successfully defend the Maillot Jaune and moreover they all confirmed their number one position in the overall ranking with their victory in Bern: In the juniors' category David Bertschinger from Wädenswil prevailed against Zürich's Ino Oki. In the women's category Noemi Reichel from Schlieren gained victory over her Indiana team mate Daniela Berger from Uerikon. Bassi Haller from Stuttgart (GER) won over Patrick Oberlin from Kriens for the third time. With 300 points he is now the undisputed champion in the men's Skyhooks Category (attachments for the feet on the board). By the way Haller had to make a stand against hard riding snowboard pro Fabien Rohrer in order to move into the quarter finals. In the men's category Simon Feldmann from Zürich was able to expand his narrow lead with a victory over Florian Würsten from Bassersdorf. The Snickers Kicker Contest was won by the German styler Simone Axmann from Kotntal. The first four in the categories Women, Men Skyhooks and Men share the prize money of 2500 Euros. This will be presented on the 23rd October at the closing celebration and film premiere of the Burning Wheels Tour Film 2004 in the club Kanzlei in Zürich.
Further information available under www.burningwheelstour.ch.

Sport and Youth promotion
For years Zurich skateboarding brand Indiana Skateboards has been organizing events for skateboarders with the intension of giving the riders enjoyment and offering spectators exciting action. Another aim is promoting youth and sport. On blocked and safeguarded streets skaters can skate down a course and attract public and media interest. For this purpose the Burning Wheels Tour Club was founded in Zurich this spring.

Enclosure
- Press pictures by Felix Frey / Indiana Skateboards:
1) Leader "Men" Feldmann in front of Wuersten on the steep slope curve
2) Fight for leadership after the start
- Rankings Burning Wheels Tour Bern
- Final Overall Rankings Burning Wheels Tour 2004

Burning Wheels Tour 2004 - short form

Location

Saturday, June 12th Zürich/Zollikon, Seefeldstrasse
Saturday, July 17th in Wädenswil, Plätzli
Saturday, August 14th in Bern, Klösterlistutz (Final)
Saturday, October 23rd Party, Awards and film première in the Kanzlei Zürich

Entrance

Free

Competition

Skateboarder Cross
Qualification: 2 runs in pairs, the faster run counts
Finals: K.O.-system in pairs

Categories

Women, Youngsters to 14, Men Skyhooks (fixations for the feet) and Men

Side events

DJ's, food and drinks, shows, public testing course

Prize money

Total 2500 Euros

Main sponsors

Mountain Dew, Snickers

Co-sponsors

Da Kine, Alprausch, CP-Eyewear, SKF Kugellager, Egli Trucks, Sk8shop

Patronage

Indiana Skateboards Herrliberg

Event-Partners

Zürich: Rollladen
Wädenswil: Superpipe Quality Boarding Store
Bern: Boarder's Point

Media partners

International: Playboard, Brett, Concrete Wave Magazin
National: 20 Minuten, Word Magazin, Star TV
Regional Zurich: Tele Züri, Radio 24

Organisation

Association Burning Wheels Tour
c/o Maurus Strobel
Badenerstrasse 123
8004 Zürich

Web Address

www.burningwheelstour.ch

Media Contact

Maurus Strobel
Badenerstrasse 123
8004 Zürich
Mobile: +41 (0)79 473 01 69
E-Mail: maurus@indiana.ch

The Burning Wheels Tour is a major series of events, usually in Switzerland. Visit their website, at: www.burningwheelstour.ch