Team Shoot

Winter 2019 photo session

How to be creative in Saas Fee

I. Where to go for a photo shoot

The pin fell on Saas Fee, where we were guaranteed something to slide on on the glacier and some serious trick features in the park. The week before we arrived it was puking, which was all good. The bad thing was that it didn’t stop and with the snow came the wind. With D-Day fast approaching the road up to Saas Fee remained closed and some serious sacrifices to Ulr the god of snow had to be made. 

Finally, the roads opened which was a small relief but the glacier and park remained closed with the snow metres deep and seriously wind-effected.

II. It started to rain

The next morning, the snow turned to rain and our location shoot in town looked in doubt. But, as seasoned veterans, we’re used to dealing with the ups and downs of mountain weather and we just got on with the lifestyle shoot in the village. 

The Ettel sisters and Iouri in front of Peter’s camera

Some village lifestyle photos with Kona, Leilani, Sampo Vallotton, Michael Schärer and Iouri Podladtchikov.

III. Kicker session in light and dark

Finally, the clouds parted and out came the sun. Gian Simmen fired up the crew to dig a kicker at the gondola and we were guaranteed a fun booter session for the afternoon.

While we prepped the sky cleared.

Kicker building = team building

It may not be Stomping Grounds standard but it was a kicker session nonetheless!

Dave Habluetzel with a BS Air

Sampo Vallotton, Invert 540

Gian Simmen, BS 180 Indy

Iouri Podladtchikov, BS Rodeo

Dave Habluetzel, BS Rodeo Nose Grab

Dave and Iouri talk shop.

Michael Schärer testing the magnetic System of the new Goggle Three

Then we shot some brass-monkey moments in The Larix‘ Lobby.

Kona Ettel never rides without knee protection. Smart girl! The Knee-Sleeve Joint is super comfortable.

Gian modeling for some new T-Shirts.

Michael and Dave fool around at the bar.

Gian and Dave were even up for a short night session before we went for dinner.

Dave (BS Air)  and Gian (Indy Tailbone) in action.

Cheering after a fun session.

IV. Last action before heading home

The next day we ticked off the portraits and some protection pics and the winter 2019 shoot was wrapped.

Beautiful smile of Leilani paired with a beautiful Lotus helmet and Amp Goggle.

Putting our back protectors into the right light with Kona and Leilani.

Despite terrible conditions we managed to get the shoot done. But to be honest, it was only possible because the team pulled together and stayed motivated! Thanks guys and girls!

With the 2020/2021 shoot now just around the corner and the products stacking up in the office it’s time to find a new location: Any suggestions? 

Check out our new winter 2019 snow helmets and protection for skiing and snowboarding and get ready for a killer season on the snow.

And remember, pray for snow!

Or go back to read more stories & news from the world of TSG.

trade show recap

Eurobike 2019

good times in Friedrichshafen

I. TSG booth and new products at Eurobike 2019

The first three Eurobike days are pure business days. We present our 2020 product lines to retailers. So sneak-peak some styles and colours that will be in the shops from spring 2020. 

Our booth in prime position at the main gangway right before the show started early morning.

And the view from the other side.

New colours of the Scope Enduro Helmet and the new mountain bike apparel line. We launch more rain gear, bring new jerseys and shorts/pants and cool new Sam Pilgrim SP Line and Amir Kabbani AK Line combos.

Scope helmet colour range for 2020 and the new TSG apparel line.

Head-to-toe is the magic word. In 2020 your feet will be protected as well. TSG insoles are coming and give stability, cushioning and impact absorption to your feet.

The eew TSG Insoles for happy feet and full body protection for serious mountain biking.

Don’t forget the kids. They rock more than ever before in biking. At TSG we have a full range of kid’s protection gear for beginners to trail shredders and rad dirt jump rookies.

Our kid’s models show different knee and elbow pads from soft-shell to hardshell.

At Eurobike you get the chance to see our full range of bike, bmx and skateboard helmets.

Just some of the new helmet colours for 2020

II. TSG Team visit at the show

Eurobike is also a family gathering. It’s great to see and chat with our team riders.

Timo Pritzel, Lukas Schäfer and Erik Fedko hanging at the TSG Eurobike booth

A highlight of our booth was the scribble column. Everybody was invited to get creative or leave a love message.

Mountain biker Matt Jones is leaving a message on our scribble wall

Same does Sam Pilgrim with a little self portrait

III. Signing Session at Eurobike public day

When business and hard numbers are in the pocket (hahaha), Eurobike opens its doors for the public on Saturday. A bike-fanatic crowd conquers the halls. 

Seven of our team riders came for the TSG signing session that takes place every year. This year was so crowded that Sam Pilgrim, Matt Jones, Lukas Schäfer, Erik Fedko, Lucas Huppert, Timo Pritzel and Max Fredriksson signed posters and fan gear for an complete hour. They sure had have cramps in their fingers afterwards. 

The crowd was insane. They had been waiting for 15 minutes before the official start of the signing session.

The riders throw free products into the crowd and were really close to their fans.

Who gets’ the helmet signed by all riders? And Matt Jones talking to the kids.

The table was a mess after 30 minutes.

Hundreds of signing cards and posters…

Lukas Schäfer is cheering the crowd and they cheer back.

Team photo after the show. From left to right: Lucas Huppert, Lukas Schäfer, Maxime Vinchent, Sam Pilgrim, Matt Jones, Max Fredriksson, Erik Fedko

IV. Fun for the kids at TSG Nipper Race

Right after the signing session two of us run outside to build up the Nipper Race course and get the kids ready for the balance bike race. Eurobike prepares a space just for the kids visiting the show. We are partner and organise this little race for small bikers.

The kids start in two age groups:  Minis (2-3 years old) and Maxis (4-5 years old). it’s all about the fun.

The kids are ready to start

Congrats to the little winners.

The fastest kids: Mini and Maxi podium

V. New TSG Products and reviews

Thanks to all bike media that came visiting us at Eurobike 2019. Find here some links and videos with reviews from the show. More to be added.

MTB-NEWS.DE published a nice review and you can sneak-peak many news TSG products.

Read mtb-news.de TSG Eurobike review now

The editors of Vital MTB wanted to know everything about our new Patrol A 2.0 Kneeguard design. Watch the video!

Read more TSG stories.

Bang Bang

Michael Schärer Blows Up!

A banging clip from Swiss TSG rider Michael Schärer

I. The story behind “Bang Bang”

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

READ MORE STORIES

TSG Summer 2019 Collection

Must-Have Skate Products

Our pro skaters reveal their favourites

I. Poppy Starr Olsen: Nipper Maxi Helmet

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”.

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.

World Rookie Tour

World Rookie Tour Skateboarding

The Black Yeti goes skateboarding

Black Yeti announces new Skateboard Tour

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

I. Daniel Wedemeijer’s must-have product: Ankle Support

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 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

I. 10 Years of Rocket Air

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.

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: