Standing at the bottom of the course, looking up at the chain of huge snow kickers, it’s hard to believe that when the floodlights come on, the athletes will start flipping, spinning and whipping their way down. Over the last 9 years White Style has been a salvation for mountain bike fans looking to escape the winter months and enjoy some rad slopestyle action.
The riders’ field is still not confirmed, but you can expect a heavy line up of athletes eager to throw down their best tricks. This is a pre-season opportunity for athletes to not only get the first FMB ranking points in the bag, but also warm up for the upcoming season. Getting focused and tuning into competition mode also requires practice. In the past, White Style has surprised us more than once. We have seen big tricks go down like Pavel Alekhin’s (RUS) backflip double tailwhip in 2013 and rookie riders like Nicholi Rogatkin (USA) breakthrough into the pro scene.
This year was Antoine Bizet’s for the taking. The Frenchman put together an impressive run, finishing off with a double backflip to seal the victory. His win at White Style was his first ever victory at an international contest. Rising talent Nicholi Rogatkin celebrated his second place and Swede Anton Thelander secured third.
Last year's winner Antoine Bizet
Mountain bike slopestyle is progressing each year and it all begins right there in Leogang at White Style. What bangers will we see hit the snow and which athlete will climb to the top? You will find out on January 30th 2015 at the Schanteilift in Leogang.
Because White Style is about celebrating being back on a bike - visitors will be able to enter a fun Fat Bike race, held for the first time in 2015. Participants will put the extra wide tires to the test on a snowy dual slalom track next to the White Style course. It is the perfect way to make the most of the exceptional winter atmosphere in the Alps while enjoying a holiday retreat to Saalfelden Leogang.
Photos: © Bartek Woliński
Source: http://www.bike.saalfelden-leogang.com
