Dakar Rally in quotes

Courtesy of Red Bull Newsroom

Matthias Walkner (AUT) of Red Bull KTM Factory Team and Sam Sunderland (GRB) of Red Bull KTM Factory Team are seen at the podium of Rally Dakar 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 14, 2017

Relive Dakar Rally 2017 with the best quotes from the action packed race.

Stage 1
Nasser Al-Attiyah: “We did great to win the stage, but soon after we saw the smoke coming from our car. We caught fire!”
Stage 2
Toby Price: “We had to deal with a lot of animals. It wasn’t a tricky day of navigation but it becomes a difficult day when cows pop up all over the place.”
Stage 3 

Sam Sunderland (GRB) of Red Bull KTM Factory Team is seen at the podium of Rally Dakar 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 14, 2017

Sam Sunderland: “I could definitely feel the altitude having an effect when we reached 5,000 metres (above sea level). It’s something that adds to the difficulty but it’s the same for everybody, we’re all in the same boat.”
Stage 4
Matthias Walkner: “The bad thing is that Toby crashed. I stopped with him until they (the medical team) told me that he was not going to be able to continue. Health is the most important thing and I hope that he’s OK.”
Stage 5 

Sebastien Loeb of Team Peugeot TOTAL stage 11 of Rally Dakar 2017 from San Juan to Rio Cuarto, Argentina on January 13, 2017.

Sébastien Loeb: “The rain was very heavy so I guess the organisers made the right decision to cut the stage short. We then had a long liaison but when you have won the stage nothing feels too bad.”
Stage 6
Cancelled due to weather
Rest Day
Sam Sunderland: “I’ve tried to get a bit of rest today. I also went to see Toby (Price) in hospital. He’s a good friend. He was in good spirits and he’s on the road to recovery already.”
Stage 7

Stephane Peterhansel (FRA) of Team Peugeot TOTAL seen after stage 11 of Rally Dakar 2017 from San Juan to Rio Cuarto, Argentina on January 13, 2017.

Stéphane Peterhansel: “The overall classification is still very close, but it’s a really interesting race for everybody, I think. We’re still in the fight and that’s the most important thing.”
Stage 8
Sam Sunderland: “I had no rear brake for the last 100km, which makes things a little bit interesting on a piste like this. It’s kind of WRC-style, very slippery. I had a few moments.”
Stage 9
Cancelled due to weather
Stage 10

Stephane Peterhansel (FRA) of Team Peugeot Total is seen at the podium of Rally Dakar 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 14, 2017

Stéphane Peterhansel: “There was a biker in front of me reversing and when he saw me he hit the brakes but we collided. His leg was broken but he was still conscious. After that, it was difficult to drive with a good speed.”
Stage 11

Sebastien Loeb (FRA) of Team Peugeot Total is seen at the podium of Rally Dakar 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 14, 2017

Sébastien Loeb: “We won the stage but we wanted more. It’s been a great battle, it was good to fight within seconds. We couldn’t have done more.”
Stage 12 
Stéphane Peterhansel: “We fought really strongly and I am the winner in the end – but it’s a small detail. This is the victory of experience.”
Sam Sunderland: “It’s overwhelming. When I crossed the line, the emotion really took over. We did it, and I couldn’t be any happier. Hopefully we can create some English interest now!”

Ignacio Casale (CHL) of Casale Motorsport is seen at the podium of Rally Dakar 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 14, 2017

Ignacio Casale: “Wow, I’m so emotional right now. I’ve had so many ups and downs at the Dakar and this is the best I have felt at the finish line.”
Eduard Nikolaev: “I am overflowing with emotions and I even teared up a bit when we crossed the line.”

Eduard Nikolaev (RUS) of Team KAMAZ-Master is seen at the podium of Rally Dakar 2017 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 14, 2017

2017 MXGP-TV Season Package online

Courtesy of Youthstream

Just 40 days to the opening round of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship and MXGP-TV is glad to announce the whole 2017 package is online.

Buying the 2017 MXGP-TV Package you can watch BOTH days, Saturday and Sunday, LIVE: MXGP & MX2 Qualifying races LIVE & OnDemand as well as ALL races and rounds of the European Championships and FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship on www.MXGP-TV.com.

Also INCLUDED in the Season Package is the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations set to take place in Matterley Basin, Winchester, United Kingdom.

Click here to buy your season package

 

Roczen Makes it Two for Two at San Diego Supercross

Courtesy of Honda Racing Corporation

San Diego Supercross AMA Supercross 2017   Round 2 Roczen Makes it Two for Two at San Diego Supercross It was another exhilarating night for Team Honda HRC at San Diego’s Petco Park, as Ken Roczen emerged victorious from a thrilling battle and opened the AMA Supercross season with back-to-back wins. Roczen launched to a fourth-place start but rode his CRF450R into second place on the opening lap. The German stayed within striking distance of the leader, making multiple advances before successfully taking over at the 13-minute mark. He was kept honest throughout the remainder of the race but stayed composed, ultimately taking the checkered flag for the win. Teammate Cole Seely got off the line to a top-10 start and advanced to fourth by lap two. He maintained that position until the halfway point before relinquishing two spots. With three laps remaining, Seely put together one last surge to regain fifth, which is where he finished. NOTES Prior to the gate drop, Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen and Cole Seely, as well as Honda brand ambassador Andrew Short, attended a supercross pit party and autograph session at Motoworld of El Cajon. A sizeable contingent of fans came out too meet their favorite Red Riders. With rain drenching the Southern California region for much of the week before the race, Team Honda HRC opted to take their training to dryer conditions in Arizona. Seely and Roczen spent two days at Motoland MX Park outside of Phoenix under the watchful eyes of Short and engine technician Lars Lindstrom. Team Honda HRC was pleased to host Honda Racing Corporation Representative Director Keisuke Inomoto in San Diego. It was Mr. Inomoto’s first time attending a supercross race this season. As had happened at the opener, precipitation leading up to the race forced officials to change the schedule to a rain format, eliminating the free-practice session. “It’s tough not getting a free practice,” Seely said. “We have a limited amount of time to learn the track already, so without that practice, we’re having to figure out the track while laying down our qualifying times.” During the daytime qualifying sessions, Roczen was one of only three riders to drop into the 52-second mark, finishing third-fastest with a 52.772. With a mere .647 seconds separating the remainder of the top 10, Seely landed in ninth with a 53.701 second lap. For the second consecutive week, Roczen and Seely were seeded together in 450SX heat 2. When the gate dropped, Roczen grabbed the holeshot and early lead, riding unchallenged to the checkered flag. Seely got off the line to an eighth-place start and quickly began moving through the field. By the end of the seven-lap race, Seely had moved up to fifth, and he was forced to transfer through the second semi, which he won. This weekend, the Honda Red Riders head back to Anaheim for Angel Stadium’s second and final stop of the year. On Friday, the riders will take part in a dealer appearance at Huntington Beach Honda from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  THE FOCUS: Paying Respect This marked the fourth annual Military Appreciation race in San Diego, and the entire industry came together to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed in the United States Armed Forces. Once again, Team Honda HRC showed their full support by donning their CRF450R race bikes in military-inspired graphics by Throttle Jockey. This year was unique in that Cole Seely’s and Ken Roczen’s bikes showcased different themes, which were matched by their personal gear. The number 94 machine was armed with red plastics and snow-camouflage graphics, while the number 14 Honda wore stars across red and navy fields. “The idea to base the graphics off the riders’ gear actually came from Matt Davis at Throttle Jockey,” said team manager Dan Betley. “We’ve done different designs over the past couple years but I think these turned out pretty cool, especially seeing Ken and Cole in their gear and on the bikes.” “It’s great, and in actuality it’s such a small thing,” Seely said of the event. “I mean, all we’re doing is putting different stickers on our bikes and wearing different gear, which is so minute compared to what the members of the military have done and continue to do for us. This is the least we can do. I hope they feel appreciated because we really just have to say thank you to all of the people who have served and put their lives on the line.”

Ken Roczen  94 Ryan [Dungey] kept me on my toes. The track broke down and it was really rough out there, but that’s the fun part. I hope the fans enjoyed it. That’s what they want to see—a battle for the win. I’m happy to be up here again—actually happier with this weekend’s win than last weekend’s. Another day in the books and I’m looking forward to next weekend.

Cole Seely  14 Tonight went pretty good. I’m trying to get my starts more dialed in and I definitely felt better during the semi, so I just tried to apply that to the main event, got a decent start and made my way up to fourth. I went back to sixth but chipped away at Eli [Tomac] before passing him back. It was a step in the right direction for both me and the bike setup.

Keisuke Inomoto Representative Director: Team Honda/ HRC Motocross It was a very tough race tonight and it was great to beat last year’s champion the way Ken did. I’m sure it gave him more confidence going forward into the rest of the season. I was also glad to see that Cole improved from last week. I’m sure he’ll be on the podium very soon! I would like to congratulate the team as well for their hard work.

Dan Betley Team Manager I’m feeling a lot better now that that race is over because it sure was a nail-biter! It was stressful and I’m sure I have a few more gray hairs but it was a good race and that’s what the fans come to see. Last weekend was great with a 15 second lead but that’s a little unrealistic because the competition is tough, so I think we can expect a lot more battles between those two. We’re taking it one weekend at a time though, so we’ll reset and go into Anaheim 2 with the same attitude. Cole is better than he’s racing right now, so we just need to find out what’s going on and iron out those kinks and he’ll be on the podium in no time.

Oscar Wirdeman Mechanic (Ken Roczen) It was a good race tonight. Ken and Ryan were battling hard for much of the race, but luckily they both respect each other and it stayed clean. Ryan made a few mistakes at the end luckily, and we were able to come out on top again. The bike is working great; we only made a few minor clicker changes throughout the day. Getting another win under our belt is great but we’re going to continue to focus on each week.

Rich Simmons Mechanic (Cole Seely) I think we made some improvements tonight. We made a few good changes to the bike during the week, as well as today. That helped but we’re still working on starts; those definitely need to be better. As much as you don’t want to go to the semi, I think it helped him get his starts in order a little more. We really just need to work on his aggression in the first half of the race and I think the rest will come.

450SX Main Event Results Pos. Rider Num Nation Points Team Time/Gap 1 Roczen Ken 94 GER 25 Team Honda HRC 2 Dungey Ryan 5 USA 22 Red Bull KTM 3 Musquin Marvin 25 FRA 20 Red Bull KTM 4 Anderson Jason 21 USA 18 Rockstar Husqvarna 5 Seely Cole 14 USA 16 Team Honda HRC 6 Tomac Eli 3 USA 15 Monster Energy Kawasaki 7 Peick Weston 23 USA 14 JGR 8 Millsaps David 18 USA 13 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS 9 Reed Chad 22 AUS 12 Monster Energy/360fly/Chaparral/Yamaha Factory Racing 10 Bogle Justin 19 USA 11 RCH Racing 11 Grant Joshua 33 USA 10 Monster Energy Kawasaki 12 Wilson Dean 15 GBR 9 Yamaha/Oneal/ Pro Circuit/ Dunlop 13 Tickle Broc 20 USA 8 RCH Soaring Eagle Jimmy Johns Suzuki Factory Racing 14 Webb Cooper 2 USA 7 Monster Energy/360fly/Chaparral/Yamaha Factory Racing 15 Friese Vince 45 USA 6 Smartop MotoConcepts Racing 16 Weimer Jacob 12 USA 5 RCH Soaring Eagle Jimmy Johns Suzuki Factory Racing 17 Brayton Justin 10 USA 4 Smartop MotoConcepts Racing 18 Hahn Thomas 47 USA 3 Cycletrader.com/ Rock River Yamaha 19 Noren Fredrik 39 SWE 2 Team Honda HRC 20 Baggett Blake 4 USA 1 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS 21 Clason Cade 92 USA 1 K1 Speed/ BWR Engines 22 Ray Alex USA 1 Ki Speed/ Freeport Honda

Rider Standings Pos. Rider Num Nation Points Team 1 Roczen Ken 94 GER 50 Team Honda HRC 2 Dungey Ryan 5 USA 44 Red Bull KTM 3 Musquin Marvin 25 FRA 40 Red Bull KTM 4 Anderson Jason 21 USA 36 Rockstar Husqvarna 5 Seely Cole 14 USA 31 Team Honda HRC 6 Tomac Eli 3 USA 31 Monster Energy Kawasaki 7 Peick Weston 23 USA 27 JGR 8 Millsaps David 18 USA 27 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS 9 Grant Joshua 33 USA 22 Monster Energy Kawasaki 10 Bogle Justin 19 USA 20 RCH Racing 11 Webb Cooper 2 USA 18 Monster Energy/360fly/Chaparral/Yamaha Factory Racing 12 Wilson Dean 15 GBR 17 Yamaha/Oneal/ Pro Circuit/ Dunlop 13 Weimer Jacob 12 USA 15 RCH Soaring Eagle Jimmy Johns Suzuki Factory Racing 14 Reed Chad 22 AUS 13 Monster Energy/360fly/Chaparral/Yamaha Factory Racing 15 Tickle Broc 20 USA 13 RCH Soaring Eagle Jimmy Johns Suzuki Factory Racing 16 Friese Vince 45 USA 10 Smartop MotoConcepts Racing 17 Brayton Justin 10 USA 10 Smartop MotoConcepts Racing 18 Baggett Blake 4 USA 8 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS 19 Hahn Thomas 47 USA 3 Cycletrader.com/ Rock River Yamaha 20 Albertson Jimmy 77 USA 3 Jimmy Albertson Racing 21 Schmidt Nicholas USA 2 TPJ.com/Fly Racing 22 Noren Fredrik 39 SWE 2 Team Honda HRC 23 Alessi Mike 800 USA 1 Smartop MotoConcepts Racing 24 Ray Alex USA 1 Ki Speed/ Freeport Honda 25 Clason Cade 92 USA 1 K1 Speed/ BWR Engines 26 Canard Trey 41 USA 1 Red Bull KTM

Sailing / Red Bull Youth America’s Cup / Teams unveiled for Bermuda

Courtesy of Red Bull News Room

Members of NZL Sailing Team with ETNZ of New Zealand compete during the last race of the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup in San Francisco, California on September 4, 2013.

Red Bull Youth America’s Cup field set for June with cutting edge catamarans.

The 2017 edition of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup is set to be the best yet with 12 teams fighting it out on the water in Bermuda for the coveted June title.

Founders Roman Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher have now confirmed the final fleet of 12 national teams made up of sailors all aged between 19-25.

The Olympic legends announced that Austria and Spain will make their debuts in the event, while the sailors will utilise AC45F foiling catamarans for the first time just like the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.

AC45 sailboats compete in the sixth race of the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup in San Francisco, USA on September 3rd, 2013

With the sleek catamarans capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 knots, it promises to be an exciting spectacle on the Great Sound once the six-person rosters are locked in May.

Qualification commences between June 12-16 with Pools A and B comprising a maximum of six boats each competing for eight Finals spots starting on June 20-21.

Reigning America’s Cup champions ORACLE TEAM USA will support and mentor both Team BDA, the Bermudian challengers, and Next Generation USA, the American representatives.

Steinacher declared, “The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup has changed the America’s Cup world – the teams saw that the new boats fit the young generation, who are very good at handling the speed.

“The sailing leaders are picking younger sailors than before.”

AC45 sailboats compete in the fifth race of the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup in San Francisco, USA on September 3rd, 2013

Hagara added, “So far, eight sailors from the 2013 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup have found positions on America’s Cup boats, including Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, who were on the Kiwi team that won the first Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.

“They went on to become Olympic Champions and earn positions on Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup.

“It’s going to be exciting to see the racing this time around with the added dimension and speed of foiling.”

Teams

Candidate Sailing Team, Austria
Team BDA, Bermuda
Youth Viking Denmark, Denmark
Team France Jeune, France
Next Generation – Team Germany, Germany
Land Rover BAR Academy, Great Britain
Kaijin Team Japan, Japan
NZL Sailing Team, New Zealand
Spanish Impulse Team, Spain
Artemis Racing Youth, Sweden
Team Tilt, Switzerland
Next Generation USA, USA
– The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Finals will be streamed live on Red Bull TV.

Members of Team Tilt of Switzerland compete during the last race of the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup in San Francisco, California on September 4, 2013.

The first official Red Bull Youth America´s Cup AC45 sailboat performs in San Francisco, California, USA on February 8, 2013.

 

2017 FIM Speedway Grand Prix rider numbers revealed as Sayfutdinov gives No.89 its World Championship debut

Courtesy of FIM Speedway Grand Prix

SGP 2017 RIDER NUMBERS REVEALED

The 2017 FIM Speedway Grand Prix rider numbers have been revealed as Russian racer Emil Sayfutdinov wears No.89 in the World Championship for the first time. The Salavat-born star selected No.89 when personal rider numbers were introduced for the 2014 season. He never got the chance to wear it in the SGP series after withdrawing from the competition, but the double European and World Under-21 champion is back for 2017 after receiving a wild card pick from the SGP Commission. GP Challenge winner Patryk Dudek has picked No.692 for his first SGP season after being unable to choose the No.69 he prefers to race with, as this is held by Aussie icon Jason Doyle. Slovak star Martin Vaculik selected his No.54, while triple world champion Nicki Pedersen switches from No.3 to No.12 – his new ranking for 2017 – after opting not to race with a personal number once again. The rest of the riders retain their 2016 numbers with four-time world champion Greg Hancock wearing No.45 – his hero Bruce Penhall’s former number – while Great Britain racer Tai Woffinden is No.108, which represents his birthday. Bartosz Zmarzlik dons No.95 and Chris Holder keeps No.23. Doyle sticks with No.69, while Piotr Pawlicki races with No.777 and Antonio Lindback is No.85 – his year of birth. Niels-Kristian Iversen retains No.88 and Matej Zagar is No.55. Maciej Janowski keeps faith with No.71 and Fredrik Lindgren is No.66. First series reserve Peter Kildemand rides with No.25, while Martin Smolinski dons No.84 and World Under-21 champion Max Fricke has chosen No.46 for his first appearance on the SGP reserves list. 2017 FIM SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX RIDER NUMBERS (in ranking order): 45 Greg Hancock (USA) 108 Tai Woffinden (Great Britain) 95 Bartosz Zmarzlik (Poland) 23 Chris Holder (Australia) 69 Jason Doyle (Australia) 777 Piotr Pawlicki (Poland) 85 Antonio Lindback (Sweden) 88 Niels-Kristian Iversen (Denmark) 55 Matej Zagar (Slovenia) 71 Maciej Janowski (Poland) 66 Fredrik Lindgren (Sweden) 12 Nicki Pedersen (Denmark) 692 Patryk Dudek (Poland) 54 Martin Vaculik (Slovakia) 89 Emil Sayfutdinov (Russia) SUBSTITUTES 25 Peter Kildemand (Denmark) 84 Martin Smolinski (Germany) 46 Max Fricke (Australia)

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Notes: For further information, interviews or photographs, please contact us on: T (direct): +44 (0)208 233 6135 Email: speedway@img.com About BSI Speedway BSI Speedway is an IMG company and rights holders of the FIM Speedway World Championships presented by Monster Energy – FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) and Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup (SWC). More information available via: www.speedwaygp.com www.facebook.com/speedwaygp and Twitter: @SpeedwayGP About IMG IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages thousands of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment agency, to form WME | IMG.

 

2017 Repsol Honda Team Presentation | Save the date

 

SAVE THE DATE

Kanoa Igarashi and Chelsea Tuach Win Shoe City Pro Titles

Courtesy of WSL – World Surf League

– Igarashi claims second Shoe City PRO title at home
– Tuach begins 2017 in defining fashion with re-qualification hopes
– Runner-ups Takumi Nakamura and Samantha Sibley impress
– More at www.worldsurfleague.com 

Kanoa Igarashi (USA) and Chelsea Tuach (BRB) claimed the 2017 Shoe City Pro QS1,000 titles in terrific fashion to start the Qualifying Series season. WSL/ Jackson Van Kirk

Location:    Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, California  Event: Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Conditions: 3 – 4 feet HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/ USA (Sunday, January 15, 2017) – The World Surf League (WSL) Shoe City Pro Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 crowned Kanoa Igarashi (USA) and Chelsea Tuach (BRB) its respective champions after a brilliant day of competition at Huntington Beach. Both took their Championship Tour (CT) experience into the start of a fresh 2017 and put on a display of power surfing throughout the final day of competition. Both will spend time in California to continue training and preparing for a big year before heading to Australia as Igarashi plans his Sophomore year on the CT, and Tuach looks to return to the elite stage. Caption: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) continued to show his Huntington Beach prowess with his second Shoe City Pro QS1,000 title. WSL/ Mike Moir Hometown hero Igarashi came into this event feeling no pressure and a hunger to match that of his competitors which was on full display — posting the event’s highest single-wave total of a 9.50 (out of a possible 10) in the Semifinals. After dispatching an in-form Ian Crane (USA) from the event, Igarashi set his eyes on the Final against dark horse Takumi Nakamura (JPN) where the two battled for the title. But, Igarashi was relentless after an early start, posting a 7.83 on his opening ride and backed that up with a 7.07 to solidify the win. “It’s amazing when you set your eyes on something and get to accomplish it — this year couldn’t have started better,” Igarashi said. “I’ve gotten to spend some time with my family and the people I love, and with a chance to do the contest so I’m feeling really good mentally and physically. I know they’re Top 100 guys and they’re going to come out hungry since it’s a regional event. It means a lot to them in that way which makes them even more dangerous, but at the end of the day I came to compete and give it my all.” This marks Igarashi’s second Shoe City Pro QS1,000 title, but the times have changed since his first-ever QS victory. “Winning this contest the first time I was an underdog and got on a roll as a young kid not thinking I was going to win it,” Igarashi continued. “It’s crazy coming back two years later as a favorite with different kind of pressures, but getting that chair up the beach was like déjà vu. I had the same friends on the beach with my family here, same kind of boards and same kind of feeling. I’m just excited to come away with a win here and get everything started off right.” Men’s Runner-up Nakamura couldn’t have dreamt a better start to his 2017 campaign — not losing a single heat until Round 5 where he earned runner-up behind Brett Simpson (USA). But, the Mise, Japan-native got his payback with a Semifinal win over Simpson before taking on another powerhouse competitor in Igarashi. Nakamura finished at No. 133 on the QS last year and will be looking to build a lot of confidence, and momentum, out of this result to start the year. “I’m so happy to have made that final after battling with one of the top seeds here, there’s no other way I would’ve liked to have done it,” Nakamura. “Matching up with Kanoa [Igarashi] in the Final was incredible and so stoked to have put up a fight against him. That was an incredible experience surfing against two CT guys back-to-back and helped get some confidence moving forward into the rest of the year.” Caption: Women’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 winner Chelsea Tuach (BRB) winning her Quarterfinal heat earlier in the day. WSL/ Van Kirk Chelsea Tuach (BRB) found her rhythm to begin the year in the best way possible after falling off the CT last season. The Bajan came into the Shoe City Pro QS1,000 looking to find her form once again and did just that — posting the highest single-wave score of the women’s event with a 9.00 in the Quarterfinals. Tuach now preps for a massive year ahead of her and has this win to build from. “It feels so good to start off the year with a win after feeling a lot of nerves at the end of last year so this is amazing,” Tuach said. “It was great to surf my way through some rounds and I had a lot of confidence going into that Final already having a few heats under my belt. I felt like I was in a good rhythm with a good game plan and it all fell into place, just like old times.” “I’ll stay in California for awhile and get some training in while working on some boards with Matt Barron before heading over to Australia for those QS6,000’s,” Tuach continued. “I’ll be working on my technique more than anything — no heat strategy, nothing like that, just get my form really dialed in. I’m feeling fresh again for those events which feels great and can’t wait to get the year really off and running.” Event wildcard Samantha Sibley (USA) took full advantage of the opportunity given to her all the way to the Final and finished runner-up. The 14-year-old kept her dream run alive with a massive performance in the Semifinals, topping Tuach, and then getting off to an early lead before the Bajan responded. Still just a Junior Tour competitor, Sibley will keep her main ambition there with plenty of time to grow. “I’m so stoked and had no expectations coming into this event — my goal was just to make it through my first heat, but to get runner-up is awesome,” Sibley said. “I was totally not expecting any of this to happen and can’t believe it right now. This event got such good waves with yesterday being perfect and today it was a bit more tricky, but still so fun. This is a lot of confidence to get a good result in the QS and still be focusing on the Juniors is really cool. I’m just super excited for this year and can’t wait.” Tia Blanco (USA) finished with a solid third-place finish as Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) rounded off the women’s Final in fourth. For downloadable pictures from the Shoe City Pro QS1,000, CLICK HERE. For more information on the Shoe City Pro QS1,000, go to www.worldsurfleague.com or download the WSL App and receive updates on your mobile device. Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Finals Day Results: Men’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Final Results: 1 – Kanoa Igarashi (USA)        14.90    1,000 points   $3,000 2 – Takumi Nakamura (JPN)  12.20     750 points      $2,000 Women’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Final Results: 1 – Chelsea Tuach (BRB)    14.30    1,000 points   $2,000 2 – Samantha Sibley (USA) 13.27   750 points      $1,000 3 – Tia Blanco (USA)            12.56    560 points      $600 4 – Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA)  6.70      525 points      $500 Men’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Semifinal Results: Heat 1: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 16.57 def. Ian Crane (USA) 9.30 Heat 2: Takumi Nakamura (JPN) def. Brett Simpson (USA) 11.97 Women’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Semifinal Results: Heat 1: Samantha Sibley (USA) 15.33, Chelsea Tuach (BRB) 11.96, Bailey Nagy (HAW) 10.57, Mainei Kinimaka (HAW) 8.74 Heat 2: Tia Blanco (USA) 12.07, Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 11.67, Frankie Harrer (DEU) 11.03, Dax McGill (HAW) 4.70 Women’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Quarterfinal Results: Heat 1: Chelsea Tuach (BRB) 15.50, Mainei Kinimaka (HAW) 9.90, Rachel Presti (USA) 8.80, Alexxa Elseewi (USA) 7.10 Heat 2: Samantha Sibley (USA) 11.06, Bailey Nagy (HAW) 9.57, Chelsea Roett (BRB) 7.83, Caroline Marks (USA) 6.60 Heat 3: Tia Blanco (USA) 15.27, Frankie Harrer (DEU) 10.44, Maddie Peterson (USA) 9.00, Elle Sampiere (USA) 3.40 Heat 4: Kaleigh Gilchrist (USA) 10.56, Dax McGill (HAW) 10.13, Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 5.90, Bethany Zelasko (USA) 5.37 Men’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Round 5 Results: Heat 1: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 13.33, Ian Crane (USA) 13.04, Kilian Garland (USA) 11.90, Cam Richards (USA) 9.10 Heat 2: Brett Simpson (USA) , Takumi Nakamura (JPN) , Jake Kelley (USA) , Peterson Crisanto (BRA) Men’s Shoe City Pro QS1,000 Round 4 Results: Heat 1: Ian Crane (USA) 13.87, Cam Richards (USA) 12.46, Taylor Clark (USA) 11.50, Shuji Nishi (JPN) 7.07 Heat 2: Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 13.26, Kilian Garland (USA) 12.37, Cory Arrambide (USA) 10.20, Matt Passaquindici (USA) 8.87 Heat 3: Takumi Nakamura (JPN) 12.00, Brett Simpson (USA) 11.66, Victor Done (USA) 8.43, Colt Ward (USA) 8.10 Heat 4: Peterson Crisanto (BRA) 12.67, Jake Kelley (USA) 12.50, Jake Marshall (USA) 10.70, Noah Beschen (HAW) 10.03

About the World Surf League The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe. The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the 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. Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com

Naasz proves he’s No 1 in Marseille

Courtesy of Red Bull Newsroom

Venue seen during the finals at the first stage of the ATSX Ice Cross Downhill World Championship at the Red Bull Crashed Ice in Marseille, France on January 14, 2017.

Ice Cross Downhill thrives in warmest race ever in Mediterranean harbour.

American Cameron Naasz won the first Red Bull Crashed Ice race held on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea on Saturday after a flawless high-speed run down an artificial ice track into Marseille’s old port. It was the seventh career victory for Naasz, the reigning Ice Cross Downhill World Champion who is hoping to become the first athletes to win back-to-back titles.
In the world’s fastest sport on skates, fearless skaters zipped down the obstacle-filled track four-at-a-time at speeds of up to 80 km/h. The first two advanced to the next round as the field was whittled down from 64 to a final 4.

Cameron Naasz of the United States, Maxwell Dunne of the United States, Scott Croxall of Canada and Marco Dallago of Austria compete during the finals at the first stage of the ATSX Ice Cross Downhill World Championship at the Red Bull Crashed Ice in Marseille, France on January 14, 2017

In one of the most thrilling finals ever with three one-time champions battling it out down the 340-meter long track, American Maxwell Dunne finished in second place, Canada’s Scott Croxall was third and Austria’a Marco Dallago was fourth. In front of an enthusiastic French crowd in the heart of Marseille, Naasz had also won the first run of the final but it had to be scrapped moments later, after a TV review, due to starting gates opening fractions of a second too soon. On an unseasonably chilly night for sun-spoiled Marseille at the start of its year as a European capital of sports, the race in France’s warmest city marked a new era for the world’s fastest sport on skates by proving ice tracks can be built in warm cities.
“I just really wanted it,” said Naasz, who let out a loud shout for joy after winning the final a second time within moments in convincing fashion. He admitted it was a huge release of emotions and that he was determined to prove he deserved to win after the final had to be repeated. “That should seal it right there,” said Naasz, who became the most successful active racer in the sport with seven career wins. He has won four of the last five races going back to 2015.

Tristan Dugerdil of France, Wisam Gharzoul of Sweden, Tyler Witty of the United States and Jeremie Bergeron of Canada compete during the finals at the first stage of the ATSX Ice Cross Downhill World Championship at the Red Bull Crashed Ice in Marseille, France on January 14, 2017.

The race results were disappointing for French fans, who came to the venue in large numbers to cheer Tristan Dugerdil and Pacôme Schmitt, two of the bright young stars in the sport after finishing fourth and sixth overall last year. But Dugerdil and Schmitt were eliminated in separate quarter-final battles.
But on the bright side, the fans in Marseille were treated to the first-ever freestyle competition, which was won by France’s Martin Barrau. The 18-year-old newcomer to the sport also took second place in Friday’s first-ever Junior World Championship race for 16- to 20-year-olds.

Jacqueline Legere of Canada, Amanda Trunzo of the United States, Sydney O’keefe of the United States and Myriam Trepanier of Canada compete during the finals of Women at the first stage of the ATSX Ice Cross Downhill World Championship at the Red Bull Crashed Ice in Marseille, France on January 14, 2017.

In the increasingly competitive women’s competition, last year’s champion Jacqueline Legère of Canada also got her title defense off to a flying start with a comfortable victory down the track kept frozen thanks to three powerful container-sized chillers. American Amanda Trunzo took second place with Sydney O’Keefe, also of the United States, in third.

Cameron Naasz of the United States (C) celebrates with Maxwell Dunne of the United States (L) and Scott Croxall of Canada (R) during the Award Ceremony at the first stage of the ATSX Ice Cross Downhill World Championship at the Red Bull Crashed Ice in Marseille, France on January 14, 2017.

Results men: 1. Cameron Naasz (USA), 2. Maxwell Dunne (USA), 3. Scott Croxall (CAN), 4. Marco Dallago (AUT), 5. Guillaume Bouvet-Morrissette (CAN), 6. Dan Witty (CAN), 7. Luca Dallago  8. Daniel Bergeson (USA), 9. Tommy Mertz (USA)  10. Jim Di Paoli (SUI).
Results women: Jacqueline Legere (CAN), Amanda Trunzo (USA), Sydney O’Keefe (USA), 4. Myriam Trepanier (CAN), 5. Elaine Topolnisky (CAN), 6. Tamara Kajah (CAN), 7. Veronika Windisch (AUT), 8. Maxie Plante (CAN), 9. Amandine Condroyer (FRA), 10. Sandrine Rangeon (FRA)
World Championship standings men: 1. Naasz 1,000 points, 2. Dunne 800, 3. Marco Dallago 750, 4. Croxall 600, 5. Bouvet-Morrissette 450, 6. Luca Dallago 425, 7. Witty 400, 8. Dugerdil (FRA) 350, 9. De Paoli 340, 10. Bergeson 320.
World Championship standings women: 1. Legère 1,000 points, 2. Trunzo 800, 3. Windisch 610, 4. O’Keefe 600, 5. Trepanier 500, 6. Topolnisky 450, 7. Noe (NED) 420, 8. Kajah 400, 9. Yamamoto (JPN) 365, 10. Morand (SUI) 330

Cameron Naasz of the United States, Maxwell Dunne of the United States, Scott Croxall of Canada and Marco Dallago of Austria compete during the finals at the first stage of the ATSX Ice Cross Downhill World Championship at the Red Bull Crashed Ice in Marseille, France on January 14, 2017.

Guillaume Bouvet-Morrissette of Canada, Michael Iulianello of the United States, Jim De Paoli of Switzerland and Jere Lehto of Finland compete during the finals at the first stage of the ATSX Ice Cross Downhill World Championship at the Red Bull Crashed Ice in Marseille, France on January 14, 2017.