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- Big Air Equals Big Win for Sorge at Sea Otter Classic -
Monterey, CA (April 18, 2005) – Once again, the people have spoken. Receiving
more than 58 percent of the online votes cast at RaceFace.com, 16 year-old Nelson,
B.C. native Kurt Sorge has been selected as the Race Face Performance Products,
Giant Bicycles and Manitou Suspension Ultimate Freeride Challenge IV champion,
a title he earned by sacrificing his bodily wellbeing for the sake of everlasting
glory, and a sponsorship contract worth over US$25,000
Kurt Sorge getting showered with Champagne. A prelude to an evening of gonch pulls. His eyes were still stinging at noon the next day. Photo ~ Sterling Lorence
As UFC IV champ, Sorge rides away with the Race Face, Giant and Manitou sponsorship contract, and an open door to move out of the amateur ranks and begin his career as Freeriding’s new crown prince. Since its inception in 2002, the UFC has become the launch pad for recreational Freeriders looking to turn their passion into a livelihood, and past winners include superstars of the Freeride circuit Tyler “Super T” Klassen, Matt Hunter and Wayne Gross. Now, thanks to a star-studded jury at Race Face and the online voting community at RaceFace.com, Sorge has become the youngest ever UFC champion and the youngest member of the Race Face Freeride Team.
Sorge’s victory was announced Saturday,
April 16, at the second annual Bike Magazine Reader Poll and Video Awards
at Monterey, CA’s Sea Otter Classic. The UFC award ceremony caps
off a seven month competition run which began with competitors entering
two one-minute highlight videos that showcased their best lines, stunts
and airs, and a half-minute lifestyle video, which allowed the jury
at Race Face and the online community at raceface.com some insight into
the contestants’ personality. Of the scores of entries, 16 videos
were chosen by the all-star jury at Race Face and, using a playoff type
bracket, Sorge was eventually selected as champion by the online community
at RaceFace.com. Congratulations, Kurt! |
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Less attractive companions; all four UFC winners together on the stage in Monterey. L to R - Wayne Goss (UFC III) , Matt Hunter (UFC II) , Kurt Sorge (UFC IV) and Tyler Klassen (UFC I) Photo ~ Sterling Lorence
Race Face, Giant and Manitou also awarded product prizes to all UFC entrants who, even though they didn't win the overall competition, still had stand out sections of their videos, worthy of recognition. Once again determined by the results of the online voting, awards were given in the following categories:
• Best Line – Winner: Derek Peltzer, awarded a Manitou Dorado MRD
X-Works Fork
• Best Air – Winner: Steve Tuchwksky, awarded a 2005 Giant Freeride
Frameset
• Most Creative Stunt – Winner: Joe Perrizo, awarded a Race Face
Diabolus Kit
• Best Urban Assault – Winner: Joe Perrizo, awarded a Giant STP
Frame
• Breakout Performance by a Grom (13 and under) – Winner: Garrett
Buehler, awarded a Manitou Sherman Breakout Plus Fork
• Worst Crash – Winner: Dave McLaughlin, awarded Race Face Arm and
Leg Armor, Shorts, Jersey and Gloves
About Race Face Performance Products:
Based in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Race Face Performance Products designs and
manufactures leading-edge performance cycling components and clothing. Race
Face products are distributed in more than 30 countries. The company sponsors
a number professional teams and riders and is the creator of the Ultimate Freeride
Challenge on-line freeride competition. For more information, visit the new
RaceFace.com.
###
Mike Geraci
Base Camp Communications
Public relations and brand communications for the adventure sports industries
p - (307) 734-7575
c - (307) 413-0114
mgeraci@base-camp1.com
http://www.base-camp1.com
http://tramline.blogspot.com
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