5-24-07 // Events: Germany Prepares for Qashqai Slopestyle

Here's a preview of the course being built right now in Cologne, Germany

This weekend the world’s best slopestyle and park riders hit the streets of Cologne, Germany, for the fourth stop of the Qashqai Challenge. The street-focused course will feature ramps, quarters, box jumps and drops.

After battling the stunts, jumps and streets of England, Spain and Italy, riders in the five-event Qashqai series are headed to Cologne, Germany, this weekend. The park-style course there is staged in the city’s outdoor Mediapark and is expected to draw thousands of spectators.

Course construction is nearly complete and includes dozens of quarters, box jumps, gaps and drops. In addition to the tour regulars, the Cologne contest also features local German riders Carlo Diekmann, Benny Korthaus and Marius Hoppensack, as well as some international park specialists—including Adam Hauck, Cam Zink, Phil Sundbaum and JD Swanguen, among others.

Both Hauck and Sunbaum have won best trick contests held at previous Qashqai Challenges this year and are expected to do well in Cologne. Through four events, Paul Basagoitia is leading the overall standings, with Darren Berrecloth in second and Andreu Lacondeguy in third. Lance McDermott and Ben Boyko round out the top five.

The event in Cologne begins Friday, May 25, at 4 p.m. with qualifying rounds and a best trick contest. The finals will follow on Saturday. For more information, visit www.nissan-qashqaichallenge.com. And check back to bikemag.com for a post-event recap and highlights.