World #2 Ranked Speedboarder throws down the gauntlet
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE 22 JANUARY 2008
Current world number 2 ranked downhill skateboarder, Canada's Mischo Erban has registered to compete at the first International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA) World Cup event for 2008, Newton's Playground in Bathurst, NSW Australia.
Erban, who was narrowly beaten by Sweden's Erik Lundberg at last year's Hot Heels Africa World Cup event in Cape Town, South Africa, has made his intentions clear for 2008 with an early registration into Newton's Playground. Erban is chasing his first World Cup Championship and with vital World Cup Championship points on the line at Bathurst he cannot afford to miss the event. By registering, Erban effectively throws down the gauntlet to Lundberg who, according to IGSA President Marcus Rietema, is currently considering his options.
World # 4 ranked Speedboarder, USA's Noah Sakomoto has also registered to make the trip to Newton's Playground heaping added pressure on Lundberg to front up downunder to defend his crown.
We've been working really hard on the 2008 schedule for many months now. We are still working on six additional World Cup races that could be added to the schedule before January 1st. Here are the confirmed 2008 IGSA World Cup events. Additional information on each event will be released soon.
2008 IGSA World Cup Schedule
Mar 7-9, Newton's Playground, Bathurst, Australia Jul 9-12, French World Cup, Peyragudes, France Jul 16-19, Almabtrieb World Cup, Jungholz, Germany Jul 23-26,Rock & Roll World Cup, Thalgau, Austria Aug 26-31, IGSA World Championships, Goldendale, WA, USA Dec 6-8, Hot Heels Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Under stripes of high clouds, the Maryhill Loops Road will be the scene for the IGSA World Cup race today, and it looks to be a really fast day. Yesterday, the qualifiying speed for every class improved. It's only going to get better. This is a short report, with a few photos. Check out the forums and galleries for a lot more.
The qualifying on Friday was a long process, that puts racers on the course at one-minute intervals...a steady stream of speedboarders, luges, gravity bikes and inliners coming by, one after the other in a solitary run for top qualification in their class. On Thursday, the speedboarders had been led by Mischo Erban and Kevin Reimer. On Friday, the grid was reversed, meaning that Reimer and Erban would be the last two skateboarders down the hill.
IGSA Coverage 
