Suzuki Nine Knights 2011 - The first three days
Photos by Lars Scharl
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 Wildkogel, Austria, August 25th 2011 - The Suzuki Nine Knights is underway and if the first three days are anything to go by then we are in for a fantastic week at the Wildkogel. Andi Wittmann, the host of the event, says that for everyone involved it is shaping up to be one of freeride mountainbiking's highlights for 2011 |
 | The conditions are absolutely sensational, the weather has been fantastic and we are ready to take this to the next level. The first couple of days were a good chance for us to feel our way through the set-ups and now that we are comfortable riding them, it's time to cut loose. - Andi Wittmann |
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| The next phase of the event has the riders and photographers stepping up to the plate as they compete to see who will be crowned as the most worthy Knights of the realm. |
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| All the invited riders will be asked to select the winner in each of three competition categories: Ruler of Big Air, Ruler of Trail, and the Ruler of Style. The winner will be selected based on their performances in each of these categories throughout the week at the Wildkogel / SalzburgerLand. |
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| For the photographers the competition is just as fierce with the riders being called upon to select the best lensman based on images presented in a number of specialized categories including, but not limited to, best black and white, most creative angle and lifestyle shots. |
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| The Big Air Castle set-up has seen some of the best action so far and the riders are pumped at the possibilities it gives them to test their skills. The 14-metre Superkicker in particular has been a favorite for the riders with mountainbiking the winner as the guys prove that, in some cases, bigger is better. |
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| The Trail, which was built by the Wildkogelbahn with help from the Verein Hohe Tauern Aktiv and the Nine Knights team, has also seen some top quality action and comes with the added benefit of staying as a permanent attraction at the Wildkogel. With plans to complete this trail in the future it gives fans of mountainbiking a chance to ride where the Nine Knights themselves first threw down the gauntlet. |
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| The game is well and truly on! |
You can find all the latest information about what’s going on at the Suzuki Nine Knights 2011 on the official Nine Knights Blog, or follow the event on Facebook
About the location – Wildkogel:
Neukirchen am Wildkogel (elev. 856 m) is an exquisite jewel in the heart of the "SalzburgerLand" and the "Hohe Tauern" national park. The village, with centuries-old roots that have been preserved marvelously, has received multiple local and international tourism awards. Austria’s highest mountains serve as a magical backdrop for this idyllic village, one which offers its guests a virtually inexhaustible wealth of treasures. Vacation comforts, a variety of sporting opportunities and a diverse cultural landscape promise exceptional recreation and entertainment. www.urlaubsarena-wildkogel.at/
Neukirchen am Wildkogel (elev. 856 m) is an exquisite jewel in the heart of the "SalzburgerLand" and the "Hohe Tauern" national park. The village, with centuries-old roots that have been preserved marvelously, has received multiple local and international tourism awards. Austria’s highest mountains serve as a magical backdrop for this idyllic village, one which offers its guests a virtually inexhaustible wealth of treasures. Vacation comforts, a variety of sporting opportunities and a diverse cultural landscape promise exceptional recreation and entertainment. www.urlaubsarena-wildkogel.at/
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