The ice rink in Thun has undergone massive changes since last week. Where there used to be ice hockey players taking laps and ice princesses practicing their spins, it is all currently being transformed into a venue for biking. Since the ice has melted, the
Flying Metal Crew has been building with full speed. There are only a few days left until the Swatch Rocket Air 2013 takes place.
First Slopestyle Team ContestFor the first time in the history of the sport, there will be a slopestyle team event, the Swatch Rapid Fire. Up to seven teams are competing during the event. The teams will get the chance to make creative use of the course and to create their own choreography. Teams are built based on nationality or geographic origin of the riders. Therefore, one may look forward to battles like Team Scandinavia vs. Team France or Team Switzerland vs. Team Canada. The Swatch Rapid Fire is all about thrilling the crowd with Rapid Fires. Judges will choose the two most inspiring teams. Within the superfinal these two teams will compete in one last run. The winner of the superfinal is going to be chosen by the spectators by means of applause. Additionally, the best trick of the Swatch Rapid Fire team battle is going to be rewarded with 1000 CHF. A breathtaking show can be expected due to the Fuel Girls, a fire-spitting showgroup from the UK, who will heat up the crowd.
Medals for the winner of the Swatch Rapid Fire team battle, made by
sam-customs.comCourse BuildThe preparations are running at full speed, the
Flying Metal Crew and over 100 helpers are using more than 2000 Euro pallets to build the set. The set up for the two-day event will take a total of ten days.
Bird's eye view of the Swatch Rocket Air Slopestyle course:
Swatch Rocket Air 2013 – Rider ListSet Riders for Saturday’s Qualification:Antoine Bizet
Thomas Genon
Ramon Hunziker
Sam Pilgrim
Sam Reynolds
Martin Söderström
Brett Rheeder
Szymon Godziek
Tomas Zejda
Louis Reboul
Jakub Vencl
Anton Thelander
Patrick Leitner
Amir Kabbani
Linus Sjöholm
Mehdi Gani
Teo Gustavson
Raymond Samson
Livestream on PinkbikeAs was already announced, there will be a live broadcast of the contest on Saturday beginning at 8 pm. The stream will be aired on the Bike Sport Channel on Red Bull TV and streamed here on Pinkbike. This provides the Swatch Rocket Air with a worldwide audience.
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