Norway great Svindal back with a bang

Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

With back-to-back FIS World Cup wins at Lake Louise, Canada last weekend, Norway’s former Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal returned to alpine ski racing with a bang.

FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2015/16: Aksel Lund Svindal

After damaging his Achilles tendon in a football kickabout in October 2014, he has spent much of the last 18 months on the road to recovery, but at Lake Louise he secured wins in the downhill and Super-G to emphatically confirm his comeback.

Svindal, who won a medal of each colour at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, spoke exclusively to the Red Bull Content Pool about his road to recovery.

It appears you’re 100% back on track now?
Yeah. Looks that way. That’s good, because that’s where I want to be.

Did you expect such a comeback for your first FIS World Cup speed races in more than a year and a half?
I was expecting to be fast, one of the guys who could win. But I for sure didn’t expect to win both races.

How did it feel being back in the start hut…what went through your mind at that moment?
Training and races are two different things. But I was well prepared. Both for the skiing and the mental aspect. It’s exciting to be back on the World Cup Tour. Racing and feeling the rush. And there are many good guys to hang out with too.

Looking back at your Achilles tendon injury now – how do you recall that exact moment?
Came out of nothing. I was just juggling a football. Just stupid, really. But impossible to predict and prevent. Shit happens, and then you just have deal with it.

FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2015/16: Aksel Lund Svindal

Talk us through your recovery process.
Got to the hospital real quick and had a successful surgery. Then started rehab on Day 3. Worked hard on the rehab for three months so I could join the World Champs in Vail-Beaver Creek in February. Then mostly focused on skiing from January. After the Championships, returned to a mix of rehab and skiing for the rest of the winter. Spent the spring and summer getting back in good physical condition (running, lifting, etc). And some skiing. This autumn I’ve been skiing a lot, getting into a shape that allows me to win races again.

Has that changed your training routine or your skiing technique?
No difference in skiing. But there are certain things I don’t do in dry land training because the muscles in my leg around the Achilles are still weak.

What are your objectives this season, and how have this weekend’s results impacted them?
My objective is to be fast so that I can win races. That started very well this first week!

Read Svindal’s profile on redbull.com HERE. 

FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2015/16: Aksel Lund Svindal

 

 

WSL Yellow Alert: Huge Swell Headed for Legendary Maui Big Wave Location

Courtesy of WSL – World Surf League

Caption:A Yellow Alert has been issued for the Pe’ahi Challenge with experts looking at this coming Sunday. Image: WSL LOS ANGELES, California/USA (Tuesday, December 1, 2015) –  The World Surf League Big Wave Tour (BWT) has placed the Pe’ahi Challenge in Maui, Hawaii on Yellow Alert with a projected 30-foot-plus swell heading towards the region with the expected arrival on Sunday, December 6. Event organizers are closely monitoring a weather system that is travelling towards the region and the World Surf League (WSL) will issue a Green Alert 72 hours prior to commencement if the event is called on. “We have a lot of activity in the Northern Pacific right now,” Pete Mel, WSL Big Wave Commissioner, said. “Things are lining up very nicely for Pe’ahi on Sunday so we’ve placed it on Yellow Alert with hopes of Greenlighting on Thursday for a Sunday competition. We’ll closely monitor conditions until then.” Pe’ahi, also referred to as “Jaws,” breaks off the northern coastline of Maui with the ability to produce waves in excess of 60 feet. Although the break came to fame during the era of tow-in, or jet-ski-assisted, surfing, a dedicated crew of paddle-in surfers have been pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible at the venue in recent years. Should the Pe’ahi Challenge run, it will be the first paddle-in event ever held at the infamous venue. A team of experts track swell systems all over the world waiting for those that will produce waves in the 30-foot-and-larger range for one of the seven world-class big wave venues that make up the WSL’s Big Wave Tour.. Surfline, official forecasters for the 2015/2016 WSL BWT season, are reporting the following: Very long period energy will be on the rise rapidly through the afternoon/evening hours on Saturday with sets up to 25-35’+ faces (15-18’ Hawaiian) by sundown. At this point we expect to see the swell peak in the pre dawn hours on Sunday (~2AM), with the strongest waves at Jaws at first light on Sunday in the 30-45’+ range on the face (20’+ Hawaiian), although gradually easing. The swell will ease further through the day, but should remain in the 25-35’+ range (15-18’+ Hawaiian) through mid afternoon. The 24-man field for the Pe’ahi Challenge will be comprised of the WSL BWT Top 12, led by reigning world champion Makua Rothman, as well as six WSL BWT wildcards and six local wildcards. The Pe’ahi Challenge will be webcast LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

About the World Surf League The mission of the WSL is simple: to inspire positive change for surfing, our fans and the environment. Formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global products across the Samsung Galaxy men’s and women’s Championship Tours, Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels; it strives to put the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves. Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL has energized an already-passionate global fan base with millions around the world tuning in to see the likes of Kelly Slater, Filipe Toledo, Gabriel Medina, Makua Rothman, Grant “Twiggy” Baker, Greg Long, Stephanie Gilmore, John John Florence, Carissa Moore and others do battle in the most dynamic field of play in all of sports. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

 

Kiwi legend in the making

Courtesy of Youthstream Media

Following in the footsteps of former Kiwi legends Ben Townley and Josh Coppins, Josiah Natzke is New Zealand’s latest star on the rise.
At the tender age of 15 Josiah made the journey over to Europe to race the worlds premier amateur series the EMX125 European Championship. Riding for one of the best Junior teams in the world, Red Bull KTM Juniors, and under the wing of the most successful rider in the FIM Motocross World Championship, the ten-time World Champion Stefan Everts, Josiah has done what most 15 year olds can only dream of.

Watch the documentary following the ups and downs of a young kiwi on the other side of the world chasing his dreams.

Tony Cairoli wins the Masters’ Show at Monza Rally

Courtesy of Youthstream Media

Last weekend our eight time FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli swapped two wheels for four in order to race the famous Monster Energy Monza Rally Show which took place at the ‘Autodromo di Monza’ in Italy.

Tony, as we know him, was among many other motorsport legends such as Valentino Rossi, Sebastien Loeb, Robert Kubica, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Paolo Andreucci, just to give you an idea.

In the Masters Show, Tony and his navigator Matteo Romano, in a Citroen SD3 WRC, took victory over the likes of MotoGP hero Valentino Rossi and Thierry Neuville, a recognized and respected name in WRC.

Although Tony won the Masters Show, he did have to deal with some adversity over the weekend when a puncture forced him to retire from the last Special Stage on Sunday. Nevertheless, Tony had a blast tearing up the Autodromo di Monza and it is something he is sure to do again in the future.

Copyright: Pictures: Davide Messora

 

Husqvarna Motorcycles teams up with Rockstar Energy Drink worldwide

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles

Husqvarna Motorcycles teams up with Rockstar Energy Drink worldwide Husqvarna Motorcycles is pleased to announce global strategic partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink. Enjoying a wealth of success in all forms of Off-road and Motocross racing during 2015, Husqvarna Motorcycles has entered into a long-term, worldwide partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink. This exciting agreement will see all of Husqvarna’s official factory race teams – Motocross, Supercross, Enduro, US Off-Road and Rally – named “Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing”. This new chapter in Husqvarna Motorcycles’ racing history will officially begin on December 5 when members of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team take on the opening round of the 2016 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Lodz, Poland. 2016 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Rally Team On January 3, 2016, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team riders Ruben Faria, Pablo Quintanilla and Pela Renet will line-up at the start of at the prestigious Dakar Rally. Soon after, Christophe Pourcel and Jason Anderson will get their AMA Supercross campaigns underway at Angel Stadium, in Anaheim California. Designed for people who lead active lifestyles, Rockstar Energy Drink is a perfect match for Husqvarna Motorcycles’ competition focused, race driven profile. Available in a series of unique flavours Rockstar Energy Drink will support Husqvarna’s athletes around the world as they take on the challenges of their respective racing disciplines. Looking forward to an exhilarating new season, Husqvarna Motorcycles is confident that with the great support of Rockstar Energy Drink it will solidify its hard-earned position as a leading manufacturer within the offroad competition sector. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 2016 Rider Line-up  Motocross World Championship Max Nagl, Christophe Charlier, Max Anstie, Thomas Covington US Supercross/Motocross Christophe Pourcel, Jason Anderson, Martin Davalos, Zach Osborne Enduro World Championship, Extreme Enduro & SuperEnduro Mathias Bellino, Danny McCanney, Pascal Rauchenecker, Josep Garcia, Graham Jarvis, Mario Roman US Off-road & EnduroCross Jacob Argubright, Andrew Delong, Josh Strang, Mike Brown, Colton Haaker Dakar Rally & Cross-Country Rallies World Championship Ruben Faria, Pablo Quintanilla, Pierre-Alexandre Renet Max Nagl and Thomas Covington Robert Jonas – Vice President, Husqvarna Motorsport: “Aligning all of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ worldwide factory racing activities with Rockstar Energy Drink ensures a globally cohesive approach to all of our racing activities. Everyone within Husqvarna Motorsports has worked extremely hard to re-establish Husqvarna as a winning brand, and within all of our teams we have riders at the very top of their disciplines, all looking for success in 2016 and beyond. We’re looking forward to a strong, enjoyable and positive relationship with Rockstar Energy Drink.” Michael Kelso – Marketing Director, Rockstar Energy Drink: “In a world that is so connected, the time was right to break down borders and create one, global force in racing with Husqvarna. We have a strong team and are looking forward to working together to reach the top in 2016 and beyond.”  About Rockstar Energy: Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavours at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com Jason Anderson Watch the full Video here @rockstarenergy @husqvarna_usa @husqvarna1903 #NoBorders   #OneTeam  #RockstarHusky

 

 

 

Relive the sixth edition of the FIM Gala Ceremony!

Courtesy of FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme)

Relive the sixth edition of the FIM Gala Ceremony! Last Sunday the FIM held its sixth FIM Gala Ceremony and perhaps one of its most successful yet when, for the second year running, hundreds of invited guests packed into the historic Teatro Villamarta in the Spanish city of Jerez to enjoy a very special evening in honour of the World’s best motorcycle riders. Streamed live on the FIM Gala app for the first time ever, the 2015 FIM World Champions received their awards from motorcycling legends in their various disciplines, who were themselves honoured for their achievements within two wheel sport. FIM Gala Ceremony hosts Matthew Roberts, Lisa Leyland and Gavin Emmett shared their passion and knowledge of motorcycle racing as they steered the audience through an evening to be remembered. Legends such as Heikki Mikkola, Ole Olsen, Mick Andrews, Max Deubel, Guglielmo Andreini, Martine de Cortanze and Franco Picco were joined on stage by a host of outstanding two-wheel talents including Jorge Lorenzo, Johann Zarco, Danny Kent, Ryan Dungey, Jonathan Rea, Antoine Meo, Toni Bou, Romain Febvre and Tai Woffinden. The women in the sport were once again strongly represented by Emma Bristow and Kiara Fontanesi. In addition to rewarding the many FIM World Champions who stepped on to the stage after treading the red carpet, the FIM also made three special presentations. These included the FIM Environmental Award, won by the Federació Motociclista d’Andorra (FMA); the FIM Road Safety Award, handed over to Tony Rich and The AA Campaign 2015 ‘Think Bikes; and finally, the inaugural FIM Women in Motorcycling Award, presented to Motorcycling Victoria of Australia for their Female Participation Programme. Speaking after the ceremony, FIM President Vito Ippolito stated: “It was great to be able to host the sixth edition of the FIM Gala Ceremony for a second year in a row here in Jerez, World Capital of Motorcycling. The Teatro Villamarta proved a fitting setting once again to celebrate our latest lineup of FIM World Champions and to share this special occasion with our assembled audience. I want to thank the riders, teams and the whole motorcycling family for being here tonight and for supporting this very important event when, once again we have collectively shown to the World the great spirit that continues to exist within motorcycling.” Watch the FIM Gala Ceremony 52’ highlights on the FIM Gala App or FIM TV  Register and download the pictures HERE 2015 FIM Gala Ceremony/© FIM/GoodShoot ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-live.com) The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 112 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies and Speedway. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

Smiths Racing set for two rider Superbike team expansion for 2016 MCE BSB

Courtesy of MCE British Superbike Championship

Double British Supersport title-winners Smiths Racing have today (Tuesday) announced they will be expanding their team to a two-strong rider line-up for the 2016 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship season, with Czech contender Jakub Smrz and Kent’s Howie Mainwaring. The Gloucester-based team led by father and daughter Alan and Rebecca, have risen through the ranks of the support classes since their debut in the British paddock in 2010, becoming one of the most successful teams in the Supersport class in recent years. The team made their debut in the premier class in 2015 with the BMW S1000RR, scoring their first podium finish in MCE BSB at Cadwell Park. Smrz joins the team for his first campaign on the BMW after experience in the championship with both Yamaha and Ducati, claiming top ten finishes and a pole position in past seasons. The Czech is now confident of a strong season with the Smiths Racing BMW team. Kent-based Mainwaring will also make the switch to the German manufacturer for his 2016 campaign and the MCE BSB race winner is ready to fight even harder next year after securing a string of top ten finishes this year. Smrz said: “I’m very excited about this new adventure and really happy to join Smiths Racing for 2016. The team did very well in their first season in Superbike and showed that they have big potential. Having experienced staff and lot of passion for racing, I’m sure that we will be competitive. I can’t wait to start testing and begin working with the Smiths team to get my first impression of the BMW. My 2015 season wasn’t my best for many reasons so I’m even more motivated for 2016 and working harder than ever before ready to get started.” Mainwaring said: “I am really looking forward to the 2016 season and can’t wait to start working with everyone at Smiths Racing and alongside a very experienced team-mate in Kuba. I feel with my team-mate’s experience and my determination it will work really well and it will show with the results. To be honest I can’t tell you how excited I am as words can’t express my feelings. It’s time to get my head down now and up the training ready for the first test on the bike which can’t come soon enough.” Team Manager Rebecca Smith commented: “Running a two rider Superbike team was always something that we talked about and aspired to achieve and so it feels great to finally put this into place for 2016. We’ve had some great success and also a lot of fun in the Supersport class but the time is right for us to move the team on and fully commit to the premier class. “We are welcoming the opportunity to work with both Kuba and Howie and believe that they will really complement one another. We will be continuing our progress from 2015 in staying with BMW for 2016. We have an extensive testing programme planned and are very much looking forward to getting this underway and beginning our 2016 campaign.” For more information visit http://www.britishsuperbike.com

 

 

Red Bull Illume – looking for the world’s best action and adventure sports photos

Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

Submissions for Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2016 are open. This year, the action and adventure sports photography contest takes an exciting turn with the inclusion of a mobile category and the addition of new prizes, judges, partners and mind-blowing images.

Red Bull Illume Top 50 Finalists 2013: Red Bull Illume Category: Illumination

The unique approach of Red Bull Illume means the competition not only showcases jaw-dropping images but also looks at the lifestyle behind the people that shoot them – the photographers who often go to extreme lengths for the perfect shot.

The first selection of judges has also been released, with Eva Maria Tomé, Photo Editor from El Pais and Kathrin Kosaca, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Art Director of Stern View signing up to join the judging panel of 50 renowned photo editors for Red Bull Illume 2016.

Since the first edition in 2007, Red Bull Illume has attracted some of the top names from the photography scene as well as previously unknown talent. By the time entries close on March 31, 2016 thousands of breathtaking images will have been submitted.

ed Bull Illume Top 50 Finalists 2013: Red Bull Illume Category: Illumination

The contest consists of 11 categories: Close Up, Energy, Enhance, Lifestyle, Masterpiece by Yodobashi, New Creativity, Playground, Sequence by Sony, Spirit, Wings and the new addition – Mobile. A team of 50 judges – photo editors from prominent international publications – will select 55 finalist images, including 11 Category Winners and the Overall Winner.

Finalist images will be unveiled at the Red Bull Illume Winner Award Ceremony in the autumn of 2016 before traveling to capitals and cultural hubs across the world as part of a unique nighttime photo exhibition.

The submission phase of the contest opens on December 1, 2015 and closes on March 31, 2016. Visit redbullillume.com to find out more about rules, categories and entry details.

About Red Bull Illume:

Red Bull Illume is the world’s greatest international photography contest dedicated to action and adventure sports. It showcases the most creative and captivating photography on the planet as art and aims to bring the public closer to the world of action sports. Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2016 will be the fourth edition of the contest after 2007, 2010 and 2013. New for 2016 is the addition of a mobile category. A judging panel of 50 photo editors goes through thousands of entries and eventually selects 11 Category Winners and one Overall Winner, unveiled at the Red Bull Illume Winner Award Ceremony in the autumn of 2016. All finalist images then travel across the world as part of a unique nighttime photo exhibition.

Red Bull Illume Top 50 Finalists 2013: Red Bull Illume Category: Wings