It has been five years, since a few of bike fanatics from Thun launched the Rocket Air Slopestyle event. According to Jérôme Hunziker, the event founder, a lot has changed since then.
“The event was far smaller and more regional. A lot of things were uncertain. We didn’t know if people would be interested in a mountain biking event.”
Today, one thing is for sure: the ice rink will be sold out during this year's Swatch Rocket Air. The showcase of some of the world's most talented riders has evolved from a regional bike event to an international bike event phenomenon. Flying cameras, photographers and a television production truck will capture this year's event providing a live online stream and television broadcast. Although everything was a little smaller five years ago, some things haven't changed, most importantly: the atmosphere of the event. But what is unique about this event, what leads to its success? According to Hunziker, the spirit of the Flying Metal Crew is what makes the difference. Each member shares a common hobby and passion that brings the team together. When the organizers aren't hard at work, it’s likely they can found trying out the slopestyle course for themselves. "From riders, for riders," that's what leads to a successful event for track designer and participant, Ramon Hunziker.
"Often in contests, the track is build for the spectators, as big and as spectacular as possible. We try to build a course that is also spectacular, but safe and a lot of fun on the other hand as well.”
One year ago, the Flying Metal Crew with the track builder, Ramon Hunziker, displayed the potential of the ice rink with a big air jump that catapulted riders close to the roof. "Not bigger, but better is this year’s goal", Hunziker says as he has listened to the feedback of the riders. "Last year's course was creative with a lot of challenging obstacles, but too often lacked speed." Also in 2013, there was a problem with the dirt being delivered wet,” explained Hunziker. Of course, the dirt at this year’s event should be dry and fast. Amongst a variety of other obstacles, the crew will build a whale tail allowing riders to jump on and off from a height of three meters. There is a lot of to look forward to.
Competition
Friday, April 11: Teambattle + Pre-Qualifications
Saturday, April 12: Qualifications, Final Slopestyle
Official Swatch Rocket Air Afterparty (Bierkönig Thun)
Friday, April 11: Cyberpunkers
Saturday, April 12: BIG BAANG Party
Rail and Bus
Take the bus number 1 from Thun Train station to Steffisburg Flühli. Get off at Marktgasse station . Walk from Thun Train station to Kunsteisbahn (Ice Rink) Grabengut: 15 min (1.1 km).
Bicycle
You can find enough parking opportunities for your bike next to the Ice Rink.
Vehicle
Take the Thun-Nord exit - Direction Steffisburg/Thun A6 - Car park City Nord Grabenstrasse.
Truck
Kunsteisbahn Grabengut, Kyburgstrasse 8, 3600 Thun.
GPS: 46.76197, 7.62645
No pre-selling! Get your ticket at the event and don`t be too late! No problems to get in before 4pm.
under 9 years: free entry
up to 9 years: CHF 10
up to 16 years: CHF 15
family package: CHF 35
Friday
Party (cyberpunkers): CHF 25
Combi Slopestyle/Party: CHF 36
Saturday
Official Afterparty: CHF 15
Combi Slopestyle/Party: CHF 27
More information: www.rocketair.ch
Source: www.fmbworldtour.com, Rocket Air FB; all images are property of Rocket Air
