[Editor's Note] This story was originally posted June 28. It has been updated today, August 8 with information on participating athletes and judges.
In light of the what the Red Bull Powder Disorder event in Las Lenas, Argentina will look like, we caught up with Mountain Sports International Senior Communications Manager, Sara Waldman, to chat about the highly-anticipated co-event August 9-12. MSI owns and operates the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, with the invitational-only Red Bull Powder Disorder as its first stop.
FS: How did this partnership come about and what does mean for the Tour?
MSI: We were both planning an event in South America this August, and decided a partnership made sense. The Subaru Freeskiing World Tour has the history, deep field of talented riders, and we are always working to progress the sport of freeskiing. Red Bull events are progressive as well, and they’re known for taking things to the next level. We’ve partnered with other organizations in the past, so this doesn’t change anything about the tour itself. It’s our first stop, and a chance for last year’s top athletes to get a jump on the season.
How did you choose the athletes?
The FWT athletes were selected based on their overall tour points standings from the 2011 season. Red Bull will be selecting their own top athletes.
Other than the invited FWT athletes, who else can we expect to see? Any big names to watch for?
Red Bull's athletes: Facundo Aguirre, Leo Ahrens, Tomas Blanc, Santiago Guzman Cimorelli, Colter Hinchliffe,Ticiano Maniero, Richard Permin and Gustavo Rossi. For Subaru FWT athletes, click here.
Who will the judges be, and what will the judging format be?
The competition format will be Subaru Freeskiing World Tour format, including points awarded towards five categories: line, control, fluidity, technique and style. There will be a special emphasis on style in this particular event. Judges are head IFSA judge Jim Jack, Brant Moles, former big-mountain competitor, Claudio Margaride, of Las Lenas Ski School and pro-freerider Estanislao Vasiuk.
How will the venue be set-up?
Natural features will be enhanced, and kickers will be built into natural gaps and steep landings.
What are the prizes?
There will be $10,000 in prize money awarded.
Where can viewers tune in?
These details are still being confirmed, but expect live coverage on freeskiingworldtour.com.
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