Michael Schärer Blows Up!
A banging clip from Swiss TSG rider Michael Schärer
Check out the latest clip “Bang Bang” from TSG team rider and Swiss Olympian Michael Schärer as he blows up the Grindelwald park.
by DANNY BURROWS photos by DAVID BIRRI and VALENTIN MÜLLER
I. The story behind “Bang Bang”
TSG team rider and Swiss Olympian Michael Schärer is no stranger to putting down bangers. But in his latest clip “Bang Bang” he takes this laboured axiom far too literally, adding shock and awe pyrotechnics to a display of pure booter radness.
We caught up with Michael over breakfast in New Zealand, as he rested up a shoulder injury. Even the best riders fall and injuries like this only highlight the importance of wearing protective gear while riding. Despite being grounded Michael was as ever stoked on life and happy to tell us about what he coined his “explosion session”.
Michael explains that the idea for the “explosion session” was hatched when his buddy Jonas showed him an old video part of Marco Lutz and in Michael’s words “it wouldn’t get out of my head. I had to do it”.
Michael lighting up the sky over the Grindelwald Park
II. How to light up the snow park
Michael approached Gian Simmen from Snowpark Grindelwald and asked if the park would be into the idea, and got a resounding YES! Next he recruited a pyro technician who with the help of a few gallons of gasoline was happy to light up Grindelwald with a few explosions. And, the final piece of the jigsaw was a hook-up through the girlfriend of the Swiss team’s physio with the highly skilled drone filmers Dedicam TV. All the charges were now in place for the mother of all banger sessions.
On a perfect Grindelwald bluebird day Michael had ten jumps with explosions to make the session a success. In his own words he had to “choose between style tricks and video tricks” – in other words bangers that look good on film and stills over difficulty – his favourite being a switch back 9 stalefish and the double tricks with his buddy Ralph Menth.
Michael and buddy Ralph Menth put the wang into a pair of methods
III. TSG has got his back
It is Michael’s precision on kickers – and now slopestyle courses – that has earned himself the nickname “Big Air Mike”. But going big comes with consequences and when something fails in flight-mode TSG has got his back.
Michael going out with a bang!
Michael protects his head in the skate style, hard shell Gravity Helmet; the reactive, low-profile Backbone Tank A back protector; and a pair of Goggle Amps to guarantee a clear view of the terrain in which he rides.
“90% of the time I ride with a helmet but when I’m chilling I just ride in a beanie” explains Michael. The TSG Gravity Helmet is the slimmest profile riding helmet on the hill and features customizable comfort and fit for the best riding protection.
He may chill without his helmet but Michael never rides without his back protector: “The TSG Backbone Tank A is super comfortable and I don’t feel safe when I’m not wearing it” he explains. “It is not one of those hard ones it is made from 3D and conforms to your back”.
IV. What’s next ?
Although Michael says it may be some time before he does another “explosion session” you can catch up with him next winter in Stubai and then on the comp circuit, including Air & Style Beijing. If last season’s victory at Total Fight is anything to go by it promises to be another banger season for our team Swiss team rider and although we can’t protect you against explosions we can certainly keep you safe while riding.
Michael wants to give a shout out to “Snowpark Grindelwald First, Nitro Snowboards, TSG, Hess Moto and Dedicam” for helping to make the dream of the explosion session a reality.
V. Bang Bang video
TSG saved my life
Huge crash at Winterberg
Matt’s story
I have just had a huge crash at Winterberg and my TSG helmet and pads saved me from serious injury.
story and photos by Matt Andrews
I took off from a jump at the start of the Freeride trail and got bucked off the lip. This threw me forward and way up into the air. As I landed the front wheel dug into a braking bump hole and threw me over the bars, onto my back and head sideways.
Apart from superficial cuts and bruises it seems I am fine. I hit my head really hard on the rocky ground. It really rang my bell!
My TSG helmet, pads and DH Pants certainly worked!
Matt took a pretty gnarly hit but keeps smiling
Find here what full-face protection we offer or check out all our TSG Bike Helmets
Read more TSG saved my life stories
TSG Summer 2019 Collection
Must-Have Skate Products
Our pro skaters reveal their favourites
It’s the TSG Skate team’s turn to tell you which TSG products are their favourites, so drop into a world of products with the rippers who push them the hardest. Read on to find out their essential must-have items for street, vert and the park.
I. Poppy Starr Olsen: Nipper Maxi Helmet
“My must have is the Nipper Maxi helmet. I know that it is sized to fit kids as young as 6, but it feels so comfy and with the Tuned Fit System it fits my head so perfectly. It’s light and protective and I feel safe skating in it!”
I love it
Poppy sails out of the lip in the TSG Nipper Maxi Helmet
“I have so many competitions around the world and it doesn’t weigh much in my luggage. Normally I can take a couple of different colours to each comp. I love it”.
The Nipper Maxi Helmet’s ultra-light in-mold construction makes it a real featherweight, weighing only 250 g, just like the Ivy helmet which also features the same build.
See all our super light Nipper Maxi and Ivy Helmets:
II. Jono Schwan: Meta Helmet & Force V Kneepads
“My must-have product is definitely the Meta helmet! The design fits my head perfectly, it’s so light it doesn’t move about when I skate, and most importantly, it’s certified so I can completely trust it and just focus on learning new tricks”.
edit caption for Jono Schwan
Check out this episode of “What I Ride” where Jono explains what he likes about the Meta helmet.
The Meta helmet comes in 4 combined sizes to fit a broad range of head sizes from 48-62 cm.
“I also really love the Force V Kneepad. It is light, fits your knee really well, so I still have your full range of motion, you don’t have to worry about it sliding around, and it has really good foam in all the right places, so I know I can always trust it”.
Explore our complete Force knee pad line:
III. Pontus Bjorn’s all times must-have: Force III A Kneepads
“My must have products are the Force III A Kneepads”.
A good pair of kneepads is a must-have to save your feet, knees and back while skateboarding
Pontus Björn puts his pads to the test on vert.
“To be able to do the thing you love for a long time in life you need to look after your body. A good pair of kneepads is a must-have to save your feet, knees and back while skateboarding. After skating vert and big transitions for almost 20 years I have tried all sort of kneepads and have felt the difference on how they absorb impacts. The best one I have tried so far is the Force III A, which fits perfectly and makes slams so much smoother!”
Shop the TSG Force III A Kneepads: CLICK HERE
Now you know which products our skateboard pros are rocking go check out our TSG skateboard gear.
Need more info? Want to know which pads to use for your skating?
Click to view our Range of Use Charts.
Philipp went over the bars and onto his face but luckily he was wearing his TSG helmet. Thanks for sharing your TSG saved my life story.
Photos by Philipp Metzler
Philip had received his TSG Squad helmet as a gift on Easter Sunday as his riding was improving daily and he had progressed on to bigger jumps. The fall that he experienced was exactly one week later.
All day he had been sessioning the cable car playground and hitting various jumps, getting more airtime on each attempt. For such a young rider Philip has a lot of natural “pop” and bike skills. His whips are already pretty dialled-in!
I rode over the ramp and then tilted over in front, although I had to go home.
As is often the case, Philip was having so much fun shredding the park that he overstayed his time to head home. He set up an additional ramp at the jump-off point to get even more air and rolled in again. Unfortunately, this time the “one more run” Crash Gremlins were waiting for him and he fell heavily going OTB (Over The Bars) and onto his face.
Philip’s Squad Junior helmet after the crash.
Fortunately he didn’t suffer any head or facial injuries as his TSG Squad Full Face helmet took the brunt of the slam and dispersed the impact force. This resulted in nothing more than a fractured chin protector. It’s a much better scenario to have to replace a helmet rather than face a trip to the Hospital!
His parents believe that with a normal, open-face, bicycle helmet he would have surely injured himself, because the chin protector of the squad was cracked. They are very thankful that Philip chooses to wear a full face helmet and will continue to do so.
Philip loves riding his 16” bike everywhere and is very happy that, due to TSG, he can continue to do do.
Find here what we offer in kids full-face protection or check out all our kids helmets
Read more TSG saved my life stories.
World Rookie Tour
World Rookie Tour Skateboarding
The Black Yeti goes skateboarding
Black Yeti announces the World Rookie Tour Skateboarding! Tour stops in Italy, France, South Tyrol, Switzerland and Portugal. We are on board!
Black Yeti announces new Skateboard Tour
Black Yeti reveals its first World Rookie Tour Skateboarding, which will kick off in Italy from the 18th to the 19th of June 2019. The Milano Rookie Fest is the first ever WRT skateboard event.
Now the time has come for skateboarding
The action will kick off in Milan at the 2019 Red Bull Skate Week. This is one of the best summer skate event in Italy with the world’s greatest skateboarders. The Black Yeti then travels to a selection of international events in France, South Tyrol and Switzerland and rounds it all up with tour finals in Lisboa, Portugal.
Marco Sampaoli is co-founder of World Rookie Tour and is looking forward to the new tour:
“World Rookie Tour is dedicated to providing the young action sport riders with the best possible opportunities to progress their competitive experience and their career. Through the last 14 years Black Yeti discovered the strongest snowboarders in the world. Among them X-Games medalists and many Olympic riders. And the best freeskiers during the recent first edition of the World Rookie Freeski Finals in Seiser Alm, Italy. Now the time has come for the World Rookie Tour Skateboard.”
We love the World Rookie Tour because it offers young talents an excellent starting platform and drives the sport forward. Be it on the snowboard, on skies or a skateboard.
Read more about our collaboration here
TSG Summer 2019 Collection
Must-Have BMX Products
BMX Team Riders reveal their favourites
You’ve already heard from our MTB riders as to which TSG product is their favourite and now it’s the turn of our BMX team riders. They reveal the essential must-have item that they cannot do without when they’re off to ride the streets or park. Similar to the MTB riders choices it’s a varied list, so read on to discover what the Pro riders rely on.
I. Daniel Wedemeijer’s must-have product: Ankle Support
“My must have product is the TSG Ankle Support. For years I have been riding BMX with them and it surprises me every time how good they help during heavy impact”.
A must-have for every bike rider
Daniel Wedemeijer never riders without the TSG Ankle Support.
“Everyday I’m riding my BMX to the fullest and this wouldn’t be possible without the TSG Ankle Support. This is not only a must have for myself but should also be a must have for every bike rider!!!”
The Ankle Support comes with wraparound velcro construction and a lace-up fit system. It stabilises your ankle to prevent against sprains and other ankle-related injuries. The hems are flexible and the 3D mesh padded tongue offers max wearing comfort.
Check out all TSG products with ankle protection:
II. Lara Lessmann and the Evolution Helmet
“My all time must-have is the Evolution Special MakeUp Helmet, not only because it looks very special, it’s also comfortable and fits perfectly. Throughout the years it saved me several times, no matter where on the globe it follows me and my bike”.
Lara loves our Evolution helmet in clear white
Check out the TSG Evolution Special MakeUp helmet in clear white and goldie. To see all Evolution colors and graphics click here
III. Jose Cedano’s must-have bmx product: Knee-Sleeve Joint
“My must-have product is the TSG Knee-Sleeve Joint. They are incredibly light weight and it feels like you’re using nothing plus they are super strong”.
I knew these were going to be my must have for ever!
“I had my first big fall with them in the last FISE stop in Japan where I went straight to my knees and absolutely nothing happened! After that I knew these were going to be my must-have for ever”.
Jose never rides without the Knee-Sleeves Joint
“I would never ride without them because I barely know they are there and if you’re using bigger pants you can’t even tell you’re wearing them, that’s for all the people that doesn’t like using big pads but still being 100% protected”.
Shop the TSG Joint protectors:
Want to know which pads to use for your riding?
Click to view our Range of Use Charts.
Read more Must-Have stories:
Find out our mountain biker’s must-have products
Event
Rocket Air 2019
Photo Gallery
The Swatch Rocket Air brings top mountain bikers from all over the World to a little swiss town called Thun. This year this iconic event celebrated it’s 10th anniversary. As usual it didn’t disappoint and went off with lots of style and craziness.
photos: Dominik Bosshard
I. 10 Years of Rocket Air
What a party! The 10th edition of the Swatch Rocket Air was definitely a blast. The birthday themed course featuring a swing set, remote control car, cake and giant confetti bomb offered the audience an amazing colorful backdrop for the rider’s full gas runs.
Must-go event for TSG riders
This Swiss event organised by The Flying Metal Crew is a must-go event for some of our team riders. Previous winners include TSG’s Sam Pilgrim and Matt Jones.
Matt Jones and Sam Pilgrim at the 2018 Rocket Air. Matt captured by Simon Nieborak and Sam by André Maurer
II. TSG Riders at Rocket Air 2019
This year we saw TSG team riders Erik Fedko, Sam Pilgrim, Lucas Huppert, Lukas Schäfer, Chris Räber as well as Lukas Weilenmann and Jan Hegemann from the Swiss Biroma Bike Team in attendance. Click to watch the Biroma Team Highlight edit from this year’s Rocket Air.
The vibe in the hall is unique
Swiss local Lucas Huppert loves the event: “The Swatch Rocket Air is by far my favourite contest of the season! The 10th birthday edition definitely proved this again. The vibe in the hall is unique. It feels like the hall is vibrating when the spectators applaud. I placed 8th this year and I can actually be satisfied with the result as the level was really high. I can’t wait to be back in the Ice rink next year!”
Biroma team boss and photographer Dominik Bosshard was on location and here is his photo selection from Rocket Air 2019.
III. Training
Lukas Weilemann of the Swiss Biroma Team warming up with a backflip.
Sam Pilgrim captured in training styles a 360 over the hip jump.
Biroma Team member Chris Visscher lets everyone know he is ok after a crash during training.
The Flying Swiss Chris Räber with a backflip over the Bonerlog.
Erik Fedko impresses with a 540 quader to bank
IV. Rocket Air Team Battle
The Team Battle on friday night is sick
“The Rocket Air is always a super fun event and quite unique. The course is very diverse and has everything from bigger jumps to playful skatepark obstacles. I love the Team Battle on friday night. It makes the whole thing special and heats up the atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to next year!”, states Lukas Schäfer.
Friday night is Team Battle time! Lukas Schäfer with a huge 360.
Erik Fedko getting ready to wow the crowds with tech trickery.
and tries to join the boys on the swing.
Chris Räber getting hot in the Team Battle with a 360 over the hip jump.
Another 360 from Chris Visscher over the tabletop.
V. Qualification
Qualification run on Saturday before the big final. Lukas Schäfer Backflip Tailwhip.
Jan Hagemann captured during pre-qualification with a sweet 720.
Jan focussed and planning his run in his head.
360 on the step down by Jan Hagemann.
VI. Time for the Finals
Sam Pilgrim, game face on and ready for the finals.
Sam gets a lot of amplitude with this flair.
The crowd always loves Sam Pilgrim.
And he loves the fans! Backflipping over the hip jump for the crowd!
Swiss local Lucas Huppert thrills the public with a super-tech cork 720 barspin.
Then goes for one more.
How high? Lucas Huppert reaching the roof of the ice rink in Thun.
Crowd pleaser Lucas Huppert high fives the fans!
Erik Fedko goes big with a no-handed 360.
Erik Fedko contemplates.
Then pulls a massive three whip from his bag of tricks.
This was the Swatch Rocket Air 2019. Watch the video recap
Wonder what products our riders use to protect themselves and look good at events like the Swatch Rocket Air? Here is a selection:
Team news
What Mountain Biking Really Is About
Timo Pritzel presents: Not your typical bike video
Timo Pritzel has launched a very personal video, reflecting about where he stands now, what mountain biking means to him and how his life has changed over the years. Going from being this cool kid on a BMX to become a yoga-balanced father on a mountain bike… and still doing flips.
Text inspired by and from Timo Pritzel. Photos by Viktor Strasse
I. Don’t waste your time, go mountain biking
Timo wanted to do what feels right to him and wanted to show what he loves the most at the moment. When he was a cool BMXer he thought cross country MTB was a bit boring, but now at 42 he admits that he loves cross country riding through his local forest, especially with his daughter.
That’s the biggest ride of life
Timo enjoys riding through the woods of Berlin with his daughter. The smiles say it all.
It’s a much needed recharge of his batteries to go into nature, feeling the energy of the trees, without any annoying car noises and to share this with his daughter. “That’s the biggest ride of life, to see your own child growing up and being a mirror of yourself so often”, states Timo.
And actually this is what most people often do when they have a bit of time: they grab their bike and have a ride in the nearby nature.
The beauty of nature
II. Timo’s most personal mountain bike video
“This is quite a personal video, it does not get more personal than showing your own child and, as a man, to show your feminine (yin) soft side. Oops I said that.”
Sharing these moments with your daughter is so precious
Showing himself is something that Timo learned on his journey as a yoga teacher and through lots of other self development workshops. It’s important to him to be authentic: “I started with yoga because of my body screaming and not getting help from Western medicine. All I received were wrong diagnosis and pain killers that messed up my gut flora which is hugely important. In Chinese medicine they say that your body centre is your second brain!”
Just the two of us
III. What comes after a pro career?
Don’t get me wrong, I love cycling and will continue my bike dream
After Timo lived his life and dream as a pro mountain biker for so long, more questions came into his mind. What’s coming after his career? What are his new goals and dreams? Just higher and bigger didn’t feel right anymore. These are questions that most pro athletes start asking themselves after reaching their peak in their professional career.
Timo still loves doing tricks be it on his own in the local forest or at huge public events like Audi Nines
“Don’t get me wrong, I love cycling and will continue my bike dream! It’s just that I need more now and want to keep progressing as a human being.”
Timo found a second passion with yoga and is super happy that he can now combine both – mountain biking and yoga. Watch his La Palma Bike & Yoga Camp video.
If you want to read more about where Timo comes from and what he does today, you should definitely read the full report on Pinkbike. Click here.
Timo and his daughter enjoy riding with these TSG products through Berlin’s woods.
TSG Summer 2019 Collection
Must-Have Bike Products
Bike Team Riders reveal their favourites
Every rider has a favourite item that they cannot do without. It’s the first thing they grab before a session. We asked some of our team riders what their must-have product is from the TSG range. Here a some of their answers.
I. Matt Jones: Evolution Helmet
“My must-have product this season is the TSG Evolution Helmet. It has always been my number one choice of helmet for slopestyle and dirt jump riding”.
It gives me confidence to send it harder
Matt with his must-have TSG product, the Evolution helmet, on his local dirt compound
“This year I’ll be riding more dirt jumps than ever, going on road trips and hitting new spots so to have a helmet that is fully tested and proven literally gives me confidence to send it harder, go bigger and have 100% faith in the safety of my helmet”.
The Evolution Helmet comes in many colours and even more designs: CLICK HERE
II. Erik Fedko: Superlight Helmet
“A Helmet is a must have when you do extreme sports so my must-have product is the TSG Superlight Helmet because it is a safe, light and compact helmet which is perfect for skatepark and also dirt jump riding”.
Erik Fedko loves the protection that his featherweight Superlight helmet gives him so is free to concentrate on his runs. This has earned him some terrific results including a 3rd place at Crankworx Les Gets 2018.
Check out the TSG Superlight helmet:
III. Amir Kabbani: Scope Helmet
“The all new TSG Scope Enduro helmet is my must-have product from the the new TSG collection. Here are a few of my reasons: It starts with the look of the helmet, TSG was able to create a cool and sharp looking design which allows me to wear it with glasses or goggles”.
I fell in love with the new scope right away
“The only thing I need to do is to easily adjust the visor through the three positions by hand. Having a smaller head isn`t a problem either as the adjustable strap and different padding options make the helmet fit perfectly on my head”.
Amir has been waiting for his perfect trail/enduro helmet and now he has it! His Scope is so comfortable and ventilated that he can spend even longer on ripping down the trail on epic rides.
“It sits super low which gives me the extra safety I need when it gets a little faster on the trail. The good ventilation through those 20 air channels allow me to stay cool even when the weather is hot.
I fell in love with the new Scope right away. This is the helmet that I have been looking for, for a long time”.
Shop the TSG Scope helmet:
IV. Max Fredriksson: Kraken Helmet
“My must-have product that is always with me is probably my Kraken helmet. I wear a helmet at all times when I’m on a bike and thanks to TSG my head is always safe”.
Max Fredriksson rides with the TSG Kraken helmet. It adopts perfectly to his head due to a flexible segmented inner shell.
Like his team buddies Sam and Matt, Max has a cool youtube channel. You should check it out: https://www.youtube.com/user/FredrikssonMax
Shop the TSG Kraken helmet:
V. Sam Pilgrim: Patrol SP3 Gloves
The stylish looks are awesome
“I really like the Patrol SP3 glove because of the increased grip I get on the handle bars and of course the stylish looks are awesome, but most importantly I know if I do crash wearing these gloves I won’t destroy my hands because of the slight padding and the material used! And if I’m in the middle of a session and my phone rings or I need to answer a text then these gloves allow me to use my phone as normal without needing to remove them, the dream!”
The Patrol Glove comes in the SP3 Line’s colour way as it is Sam Pilgrims favourite glove.
Check out the TSG SP3 Patrol gloves and the SP3 mtb apparel line or click to explore all TSG mountain bike gloves
VI. Lucas Huppert: Tahoe A Kneepads
The best kneepads I’ve had
“The Tahoe A kneepads are hands down the best kneepads I’ve had. They are super comfy and slim but still strong enough to protect you from big impacts. They fit super good under the denim pants and are easy to wash in the laundry. Such a good kneepad isn’t it?”
Lucas knows how important it is to wear strong knee protection below the denim
Check out the Tahoe A Kneepads:
Want to know which pads to use for your riding?
Click to view our Range of Use Charts.
Read more about new 2019 products:
Dermis A Knee- and Elbow Sleeves: Lightweight and compact protection
The Scope Helmet: Built on the principles of Design, Performance and Fit
TSG Kids
TSG Kids ROCK this Winter Season
Numerous podiums in Snowboard and Freeski
The 2018/19 Winter Season is almost over and TSG kids have produced stellar results.
photos of KIDS LAAX OPEN by Dani Ammann
The 2018/19 Winter Season is almost over and our kids have produced stellar results. The level of young talent is at it’s highest ever in terms of depth and our TSG kids are right up there with the very best.
TSG kids dominate the podium
Here are just a few of our riders and their outstanding results.
I. TSG Snowboard Kids
Swiss rider Nick Pünter wins the World Rookie Tour Fest in January and gets invited to X Games Norway. Nick followed this up by winning the European Youth Olympic Festival in Sarajevo in February.
Nick Pünter flying onto the podium at World Rookie Tour Fest.
The Ettel sisters have been seen frequently on the podium during the season. Leilani started with a 3rd place at the Junior World Championship in Halfpipe which was a great comeback after her injury last season. She topped this off with her German and Austrian U18 Master titles in March. Leilani rides with the Lotus snowboard helmet for women and the Amp Goggle.
Leilani winning bronze at the Junior World Championship in Leysin. Photos: Julian Pfister
Leilani’s younger sister Kona Ettel got invited to the Burton US Open Junior Jam. To be one of the selected riders to go there was a great honour and to top it off she ended up 7th despite being one of the youngest participants. Like her older sister she won the German and Austrian Mastership in her age group and older (U12 and U15). Her TSG combo is the Cosma helmet paired up with Expect Goggle, the Backbone Vest Women A, Crash Pant Carna and Arctic Knee-Sleeves 2nd Skin under their outerwear.
Kona had an amazing time at the Burton US Open Junior Jam. Photos: Kaitlyn Brown
The TSG gear that Leilani and Kona trust:
TSG rookie Jonas Hasler, young offspring of two former snowboard pros, collected titles like nobody else. 4th at the Burton US Open Junior Jam, 1st Suddenrush Banked Slalom, two 1st places at the Kid Laax Open and finally Swiss Halfpipe and Slopestyle Champ U13 in Laax. Incredibly this is Jonas 5th Junior Swiss Master title in a row.
Jonas is unstoppable! Swiss Champ in halfpipe and slopestyle. Photo: Philipp Ruggli
And the youngest TSG snowboard kid aged just 11 years old, Mischa Zürcher, won silver at the Kids Laax Open and at the Swiss Halfpipe Champ U11.
Mischa Zürcher is having fun at Kids Laax Open.
II. TSG Freeski Kids
In freeski the Coubès brothers, supported by our Swiss distributor Bucher + Walt, had great results at the Swiss Freeski Tour and dominated the KIDS LAAX OPEN (read more below).
Louis and Aurélien Coubès dominated in Freeski at the Kids Laax Open.
10 year old grom Lenny Bondarenko from Germany won two tour stops of the Junior German Freeski Tour (supported by TSG) and last weekend was crowned 2nd Overall.
We support the Freeski German Junior Tour 2019 and are stoked to see TSG Rookie Lenny on the podium. Photos: Klaus Listl – Freezing Motions
The TSG boys ride save with the following gear:
III. The Kids Laax Open 2019
One of the single most important events for kids is the KIDS LAAX OPEN and once again our riders absolutely smashed it in their chosen discipline at the 2019 event.
The kids are ready to start the slopestyle comp.
This freestyle competition for young riders aged 5 to 17 consists of freeskiing, snowboard, halfpipe and slopestyle for both boys and girls, making 40 categories in total. 234 riders from 18 different countries and one thing in common – freestyle in the snow.
IV. Amazing slopestyle course
The slopestyle course created especially for the KIDS LAAX OPEN is a top-class playground where riders get things going with a box or rail and then choose between a small or larger kicker. Two staggered pyramids then follow, which riders can either trick or go around from different sides. The penultimate element is a classic C-box, with the sixth and final feature a spine featuring a rail on top as the final slide.
Creativity and an individual approach are key here
Snowboarders and freeskiers got a number of things out of their bag of tricks, showing for example «left 2on 2out» and «switch left lip to switch» on the downrails and some eyecatchers on the kickers: back flips and front flips.
View of the Snowpark Laax halfpipe. Would you dare?
V. Freestyle has a great future
Head Judge Markus Betschart and Reto Poltera, who is responsible for sports and leisure in the management of the Weisse Arena Gruppe, both describe the extraordinary mood at the KIDS LAAX OPEN with a single word – WICKED!. When the two people who embody freestyle in LAAX see the faces of so many happy kids on the stage at the end of the snow day, they know that what’s happening here is good. They feel confident that snowboarding and freestyle have a great future.
TSG, as sponsor and supporter is more than happy of being part of this future
Many of our TSG Kids climbed up onto the podiums during the day, as well as many more from the TSG supported Iceripper Snowclub.
It’s always fun to see the kids of Zurich based Iceripper Club in Laax.
VI. Results of the TSG Sponsored Kids
We are more than proud of the top rankings of our young riders at the Kids Laax Open 2019. All winners could enjoy TSG Kids products as prizes.
Snowboard Slopestyle U11
2. Mischa Zürcher
Mischa Zürcher upside down above the kicker and with a happy face on the podium.
Snowboard Slopestyle U13
1. Jonas Hasler
Snowboard Slopestyle U18 Wmn
4. Leonie Hasler
Snowboard Halfpipe U11
2. Mischa Zürcher
Snowboard Halfpipe U13
1. Jonas Hasler
Jonas Hasler calls this pipe home and jumps with ease on the first place.
Snowboard Halfpipe U18 Wmn
2. Leonie Hasler
A big sister to look up to! Leonie Hasler ends up 2nd in Halfpipe.
Freeski Slopestyle U13
2. Aurélien Coubès
Freeski Slopestyle U18
2. Louis Coubès
Louis Coubès is rocking the pipe.
Freeski Halfpipe U13
1. Aurélien Coubés
Freeski Halfpipe U18
1. Louis Coubès
Two brothers, two podiums! Aurélien and Louis Coubès.
All results are online available on the event website: laax.com/kidslaaxopen
The event clip can be watched here: https://youtu.be/cWt4d5Q5N6A
What a crowd! Looking forward to next years Kids Laax Open!
VII. TGS Kids at the World Rookie Tour Final
The World Rookie Tour has its final stop this week, the 2019 World Rookie Finals in Kitzsteinhorn Zell am See – Kaprun, and we have some amazing talent representing TSG there. Jonas Hasler, Leilani Ettel and Kona Ettel will be riding the event which is THE official tour for young talent who wish to progress their careers and dream of becoming full time professionals.
Finals are here!
VIII. Incredible prizes to world class events
The best rookies and groms will receive incredible prizes such as wildcards to World Class Events, filming sessions with Pirate Movie Production, invitations to World Rookie Tour Shooting Trip to Chile and many tickets to next season’s World Rookie Tour events. Moreover, the male and female Slopestyle and Halfpipe Champions will get a spot in the amazing Audi Nines, a spectacular event that each year gathers together the best athletes in the world and it’s on the 2019/20 FIS World Cup Tour.
Find more info here: https://www.worldrookietour.com/2019/03/25/2019-world-rookie-snowboard-finals-ready-grand-final/
Read more about TSG Kids and the gear they use in our article about The Snowboarding Family or shop TSG Kids Snow Gear
It wouldn’t get out of my head. I had to do it