PARIS - Feb. 20th, 2008 –

Our boys killed it at Qash Qai last year taking three of the top five final spots. Race Face riders dominated throughout the series never leaving the top three in the points race.

NISSAN >> nissan-qashqaichallenge is proud to announce the second urban mountain bike free riding series taking place in five European cities. With the $250,000 prize purse available, Nissan shows their continued support of the mountain biking scene & its competitors.

Last year’s series marked a landmark in free ride mountain biking events. Ten’s of thousands of spectators, the worlds international press & broadcasters followed the tour to show their huge support for the riders & the Nissan Qashqai Challenge whilst the riders excelled to new heights in a bid to prove themselves the most “Urbanproof”.

The Nissan Qashqai Challenge 2008 will consist of five contests in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and the UK.

With the help & feedback of the NQC riders committee Nissan have made several changes to the 2008 format including the addition of Open events. By splitting the series into 2 Opens & 3 Challenge events, Nissan have opened up the contest to a wider range of riders whilst also allowing the top 15 riders from the 07 series the opportunity to focus on peaking for the final three Challenges & grand final. During the first two stops in Milan (Italy) and Madrid (Spain), ten riders will be given the opportunity to qualify for the final three Challenge events in Munich (Germany), Paris (France) and London (United Kingdom). In addition to those 10 riders, the top 15 of the last year’s Qashqai overall ranking will join them in the final three Challenge events. In total there will be 25 of the world’s best mountain bikers showing off their unbelievable skills in order to become the freeride champion of the year.

Darren Berrecloth, 07 winner of the NQC overall series: ”Nissan’s support of the mountain biking scene is fantastic! Last year the Qashqai Challenge provided myself & the other tour riders with some of the most insane course’s to ride & add to that the incredible prize fund that was on offer, well that just proves that the QC is serious MTB’ing fixture”.

Jean-Pierre Diernaz, GM Marketing Communications, Nissan Europe: “Nissan are committed to taking the exhilarating sport of MTB freeriding to the next level and driving its international recognition. With our focus for 2008 on discovering and inspiring new talent, Nissan are looking forward to an even more exciting second series.”

Course builders from all over the world will work together to provide an individual touch to each of the events. Be anxious to see nice shaped tracks out of dirt and wood. The courses will set a new standard in the sport. Tour Director Tarek Rasouli mentions:” In 2008 we will step it up again. We will use more dirt for the courses at the five events, so the riders enjoy the courses even more and are better protected when they crash. Since we included the Open events, we can guarantee that the world’s best riders will participate in the tour. Riders from all over the world can apply to participate in the Qashqai Open events!”

The whole Nissan Qashqai Challenge will take place in late April and during the whole of May. Five back-to-back weekends will provide Europe with first class mountain bike action in the heart of its most beautiful countries & cities.

Event dates 2008:

Saturday April 25th/26th Nissan Qashqai Challenge Open: Milan, Italy

Saturday May 2nd/3rd Nissan Qashqai Challenge Open: Madrid, Spain

Sunday May 11th Nissan Qashqai Challenge: Munich, Germany, 1 day event

Saturday May 17th Nissan Qashqai Challenge: Paris, France, 1 day event

Saturday May 24th Nissan Qashqai Challenge Grand Final: London, UK, 1 day event

Last year’s top 15 of the Qashqai Challenge have already gained entry into the Challenge events through their NQC ranking from 07:

Darren Pokoj (AUS)
Ben Boyko (CAN)
Brandon Semenuk (CAN)
Darren Berrecloth (CAN)
Benny Korthaus (GER)
Amir Kabbani (GER)
Andreu Lacondeguy (ESP)
Lance McDermott (UK)
Grant Fielder (UK)
Paul Basagoitia (USA)
Cameron McCaul (USA)
Greg Watts (USA)
Kyle Strait (USA)
Adam Hauck (USA)
Jamie Goldman (USA)

More information and rider application forms can be found by visiting the official NQC website from March 1st nissan-qashqaichallenge

Media contact:
Julian Coffey
604-527-9996 x.248
julian@raceface.com