Mistakes. Many riders here have not been happy with the course designs, claiming they’re not slopestyle courses, but more akin to BMX. “It makes us look bad as riders,” continues Basagoitia. “None of us are really good park riders compared to BMX. Slopestyle is our thing, that’s what differentiates us.”
But with ecstatic organizers and a large supportive crowd, not to mention high level riding throughout the weekend, only those on the inside would ever know of the discontent. Being there, seeing it first hind, it’s evident these riders are extremely passionate about how their sport evolves. They’re adamant about riding dirt, about keeping their sport unique, defining slopestyle in their own words.
“When we compete we should be on a course that takes you down,” says Cam McCaul. “We get on our bike and ride, and when the course is over, we’re done. We shouldn’t be milking it on the flats, that’s not what we do.”
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All this is interesting news considering the money is finally here for these often injured and scabbed up warriors. Up until now most prize purses have been slim at best, especially considering the fat purses of other sports like skiing and snowboarding. But, as it’s become evident here, it’s not about the money, it’s about their integrity as athletes.
It’s a sentiment echoed eloquently by one of the scene’s newest, most exciting riders, a kid who couldn’t speak English a year ago, Spanish phenom Andreu Lacondeguy. “Freeride shouldn’t follow the money,” he says. “The money should follow freeride.”
David Ulrich
For a lowdown on the event's conclusion stay tuned to news from Paris at bikemag.com.
Final Results – Qashqai Urban Challenge: Cologne
1. Lance McDermott (UK)
2. Darren Berrecloth (CAN)
3. Paul Basagoitia (USA)
4. Adam Hauck (USA)
5. Ben Boyko (CAN)
6. Benny Korthaus (GER)
7. Darren Pokoj (AUS)
8. Jamie Goldman (USA)
9. Cameron McCaul (USA)
10. Phil Sundbaum (USA)
11. Grant Fielder (UK)
12. Damjan Siriski (CZE)
The Qashqai Urban Challenge will now take a break until June 23rd when it returns to Paris, France for the final round. The top three riders are extremely close in the points race, so anyone could take the overall title depending on their performance.
Overall Rankings – Qashqai Urban Challenge
1. Paul Basagoitia 72pts (USA) Kona
2. Darren Berrecloth 68pts (CAN) Specialized
3. Lance McDermott 60pts (UK) Scott
4. Ben Boyko 45pts (CAN) Norco
5. Andreu Lacondeguy 42pts (ESP) Kona
6. Darren Pokoj 39pts (AUS) MS-Intense
7. Cameron McCaul 36pts (USA) Trek
8. Benny Korthaus 27pts (GER) Specialized
8. Adam Hauck 27pts (USA) Black Market
10. Jamie Goldman 25pts (US
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