Bergisel is calling, the riders follow

The elite of quarter pipe riders compete at the Billabong Air &
Style Innsbruck-Tirol 09 on January 31st, 2009 at the Bergisel
Stadium / battle of generations for the victory and the world
record of the highest air

Innsbruck, November 28th, 2008 – the first riders confirmed nearly
two months before the Billabong Air & Style 09. 16 riders at the age of
16 to 34 years are the Crème de la Crème in quarter pipe.
Snowboarding in its finest way is assured, when they approach the 12
meters high quarter pipe with a speed up to 90 km/h on January 31st
2009. Beside the ring of glory for the winner, there also is the battle
for the highest air. Snowboard legend Terje Haakonsen will do his
best to defend his world record of 9,8 meters against the young riders.

The riders list of this 6star Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour event
is led by the third of the last event and third of the Swatch TTR World
Ranking List 2007/2008 Peetu Piiroinen (FIN/20) and the last years
fourth Antti Autti (FIN/23). The fourth of the Swatch TTR World
Ranking List 2007/2008 Risto Mattila (FIN/27), Kim Rune Hansen
(NOR/20) and “old master” Terje Haakonsen (NOR/34) bring more
Scandinavian power to Tyrol, too.

The youngsters Arthur Longo (FRA/20), Colin Frei (SUI/20) and the
daredevil Manuel Pietropoli (ITA/18), who has the heart after his
unfortunate bail last year will be attending from the Alps. The Zillertal
locals Werner Stock (AUT/21) and Peter König (AUT/20) enjoy their
home field advantage. The German flag is represented by
Christophe Schmidt (GER/25) from Schliersee, eighth at the
Olympic Halfpipe 2006.

The head from overseas is the Swatch TTR World Tour fifth Andy
Finch (USA/27). For sure he will as always stick with his motto “Go
big or go home”. We can also look forward to the 16 years old new
blood hope Seb Toutant (CAN/16). The quarter pipe specialists
Steve Fi