Die FMBA hat den offiziellen Kalender der diesjährigen Freeride World Tour veröffentlicht. Die Highlights sind die fünf Events der FMB Diamond Series: Red Bull Joyride Crankworx, Red Bull Rampage, Crankworx Les 2 Alpes, Bearclaw Invitational und erstmals nach 2011 wieder der Red Bull District Ride in Nürnberg. Kleiner Wermutstropfen: Die Red Bull Berg Line in Winterberg ist dieses Jahr nicht im Kalender vermerkt.
# 2014 wird es wieder rund gehen in Nürnberg – der District Ride ruft!
Aber auch bei den Gold Events hat die diesjährige Tour einiges zu bieten: Das FISE World Montpellier steht ebenso im Terminkalender wie das 26TRIX in Leogang und das Colorado Freeride Festival. Neu als Gold-Event hinzugekommen sind das FISE World Andorra und die Swatch Prime Line während des MUNICH MASH im Olympiapark München.
Der beliebte Gold-Event und Publikumsmagnet Red Bull Berg Line, der die letzten zwei Jahre mit tausenden Zuschauern das Highlight von Europas größtem Freeride-Festival Dirt Masters darstellte, ist nicht im Kalender zu finden – als Silver Event kommt hier der „Dirt Masters Festival Slopestyle“ zum Einsatz. Alle weiteren Events gibt es im Kalender:
FMB World Tour Kalender 2014
# Der komplette Plan für 2014
# Die neue FMB World Tour Struktur
# So setzt sich das Ranking zusammen
[DDET Die Struktur der Diamond Series und der restlichen Events zum Ausklappen (engl.)]
The Diamond Series. How does it work?
Let’s tackle the ‚how?‘ before we get to the ‚why?‘ — So, the Diamond Series will unite five of the biggest events into a single series, from which the FMB World Champion will triumph. These events are: Crankworx Les 2 Alpes (FRA), Red Bull Joyrideat Crankworx Whistler (CAN), Bearclaw Invitational (CAN), Red Bull District Ride (GER), and Red Bull Rampage (USA). Just imagine: up to 24 of the best riders, on the gnarliest, biggest courses the sport has to offer at the craziest events of the season with the rowdiest crowds — it’s going to be electric!
That’s the ‚how‘, now let’s find out ‚why‘ — FMBA President Todd Barber explains: „Creating the FMB Diamond Series is just the next step in establishing the FMB World Tour on the highest level of competitive action sports. 5 selected events that fulfill the standards of the Diamond events and the best athletes this sport has to offer will be united in their own series. Breathtaking action is guaranteed as well as a thrilling and absolutely transparent battle for the FMB World Championship title. At the same time it has great value for the fans out there as the FMB Diamond Series is easy to understand and to follow. All event results will count towards the athletes‘ FMB Diamond Series points standings, so everybody can keep track of their favorite riders throughout the season.“ You can learn more about the FMB Diamond Series here.
FMB World Ranking
FMB World Ranking, previously known as the 52 Week Seeding List comprises of the top 3 results from the past 52 weeks. Each athlete with a valid FMB World Tour license will be able to collect points from each event level, moreover this ranking will form the foundation of the FMB World Tour and rider selection for events.
Athletes never cease to push the boundaries of possibilities, however this progression can come at a high price. It is the belief of the FMBA that they should not be ‚punished‘ for showing progression which is why an ‚injury rule‘ will be introduced — essentially this will freeze the riders standing until a certain point.
What about Gold, Silver and Bronze events?
Silver and Bronze events are the grassroots of the sport and of the FMB World Tour. They are the main competition ground for the FMB Amateur Cup — from which great athletes emerge. As of 2014, AM licensed riders can also win points at Gold events, which is more evidence that the riding level is increasing not only amongst the PRO’s but between the AM’s as well.
For PRO licensed athletes Gold and Silver events can also secure them invitations to the Diamond Series — where they can battle for the overall title. Essentially, this is where the journey begins for FMB World Tour athletes – no rider should simply assume they will be invited to compete at the highest level — Gold and Silver events give them the opportunity to prove they deserve a place amongst the best riders in the world.
FMB Amateur Cup
The FMB Amateur Cup creates the ideal conditions for the young, dedicated and talented riders to breakthrough into the professional scene of Freeride Mountain Biking. Competing on a global circuit can be time consuming and expensive, young riders might not have the resources to travel from event to event and they can struggle with getting the exposure they deserve to help them turn professional. For this reason, the FMBA will be implementing regional amateur rankings for USA, Canada and Europe.
AM licensed riders from each region can compete at Gold, Silver and Bronze events in order to make their way up the ranking — and become the FMB Amateur Cup Champion. The FMBA welcomes anyone to sign up and take part — you never know, you could be the future FMB World Champion!
Last but not least — the FMBA has initiated a FMB Factory Team ranking in order to give bike manufacturers a platform to compete and showcase their bikes. Up to four athletes from each team can be registered and their top 6 results will complete the point standings. More on this development to follow soon.
For all the eager beavers out there — the FMBA is working hard on finalizing the FMB World Tour calendar for 2014. The information will be released soon.
All in all, what do you need to remember?
· The FMB World Ranking (former 52-weeks-seeding-list) is the foundation for the rider selection to the Diamond Series as well as Gold and Silver events
· The Diamond Series standings will determine the FMB World Champion
· The FMB Amateur Cup will have regional rankings
· Bike manufacturers can still apply to be listed in the FMB Factory Team ranking here
· Specific information about the world tour structure, the FMB Diamond Series, rankings, athlete registration at events can be found here.
2014 is the beginning of a new chapter for the FMB World Tour, the athletes and the events. The FMBA has taken action to adapt to the inevitable progression of the sport and is excited about the outcome. In order to make the changes as transparent as possible, the FMBA is cooperating with Pinkbike to iron out any questions. Leave your questions in the comment section below and the editors at Pinkbike will send them directly to the FMBA, to be answered next week.
The FMBA is looking forward to another successful, action packed season.[/DDET]
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Quelle: Pressemitteilung FMBA
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