Top Challenge 2006 was truly an international triumph for Dirtsurfer and Inline Boarding, bringing together the largest number of competitors ever from 3 different countries! When the battle was over, Andreas Pfister of Germany stood atop the podium holding the Gold and basking in the Glory!
An extremely tight finish was only fitting for a super competitive event which saw a run-off for the final qualifying spot and the winner of that run-off, Michel Leduc, going on to compete in the final. At speeds of well over 70kph Andreas Pfister, Steven Carter, Tom Whalen and Michel Leduc roared down the 1.7km track in a pack tight enough to fit into a closet! In the end it was Pfister proving he was the Pfastest beating out Carter at the line with Whalen and Leduc a close third and fourth, but it was a victory for international racing that was on everyone's mind. Not only was each of the participating world territories represented in the final (Pfister - Germany, Carter - Western Canada, Whalen - USA, Leduc - Eastern Canada), but every rider (even those not qualifying) left the event with a sense that the sport of inline boarding had just taken a large step towards international recognition as a truly legitimate, competitive and entertaining gravity sport!
The riders enjoyed every minute of the event as did the spectators. Compliments and congratulations were abundant as the non-qualifying racers mingled with the crowd on Sunday. Everyone was anxious to see the finals after the Saturday qualifiers left them begging for more. Thanks to all 16 of the qualifying racers for their poise and professionalism while providing incredible entertainment during heats that were extremely intense despite the poor weather. Thanks to all non-qualifiers for their professionalism in coming out to support the other racers on day two! Thanks to Michel Leduc and all staff at Sports Plus - without you this event would not have been possible! Finally, thanks to Top Challenge for giving us the opportunity to showcase our sport once again in the beautiful city of Montreal and for putting on a truly world-class event! It is very hard for us all to accept that it is over, but we look forward to planning next year's event which will likely (although it may seem impossible) outdo this years!
The Photo Gallery for this year's event is now up, but will be updated regularly over the next two weeks as photos from many more sources are currently on their way to our office. Check back often for new photos!
The Video is being edited and will likely be up within 2 weeks. Stay Tuned - you won't want to miss this one!!!
Here is a good teaser, with a few Dirtsurfer clips! It sums up the event nicely!
Below is a list of the final results of the Inline Boarding Category at Top Challenge 2006:
1- Andreas Pfister (Germany)
2- Steven Carter (Canada)
3- Tom Whalen (USA)
4- Michel Leduc (Canada)
5- Matt Middleton (Canada) TIE
5- Jonathan Raza (Canada) TIE
7- Daniel Bandholz (Germany) TIE
7- Markus Hutter (Germany) TIE
9- Nihat Uysal (Germany)
10- Etienne Chartrand (Canada)
11- Guillaume Landry (Canada)
12- Tim Dagenais Allard (Canada)
13- Joel Fecht (Canada)TIE
13- David Legault (Canada) TIE
15- Timothee Carter (Canada)
16- Jean-Martin Sicotte (DNF) - (Canada)
17- Jeremy Bresciani (Canada)
18- Aaron Danger (Canada)
19- Chase Turman (DNF) - (USA)
20- Alexandre Vincent (DNF) - (Canada)
21- Maxime Beaurivage (Canada) TIE
21- Rob Turman (USA) TIE
23- Francois Mailhot (Canada)
24- Alain Bourgeois (Canada)
25- Hope Turman (USA)
26- MAD MIKE Hachkowski (DNF) - (Canada)
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