We are pleased to announce the addition of flatland freestyle to Trocadero Grand Prix 2008!
The event will be sanctioned by the WFSA - World Freestyle Skateboard Association - and we expect to see some of the best freestylers in the world coming to Paris to battle it out on the classic Trocadero spot. This was the location where Per Welinder and Pierre-André Senizergues and many of the other freestyle legends battled it out in the 70's and 80's.
Michel Dupont (France) and Stefan "Lillis" Akesson (Sweden) are helping us make sure we get all the details right for this new discipline. As a WFSA sanctioned event, we'll follow the international guidelines of WFSA, thus 2 x 2 minutes runs with 4 judges (Each scoring on Technical/Consistency/Artistic/Variety skills shown).
The main freestyle event will be held on Thursday (a day when there is no slalom event) between 14.00 and 17.00 on the red asphalt, flat area.
Note that the freestyle event has now been moved to Saturday 17.00 to 19.00.
On Friday the 9:th a Freestyle Battle zone event will be held on the same location between 11.00 and 13.00. We'll also fit a Best trick event into this time slot and still leave time for skaters to travel over the new concrete skatepark to attend the park slalom & bowl event over there.
For those wishing to participate in the High jump event, it'll be held on the Sunday, probably 15.00 - 17.00) (to be confirmed).
Note that the high jump event has now been moved to Sunday 11.00 to 13.00.
Note: The flat area of Trocadero will be subdivided into two areas for simultaneous activity, with two different speaker systems. Freestyle will be held on the right hand area with normal metal barriers all around the surface (for banners) and holding off the audience. The other area will have a blow up fence (used for roller hockey and other disciplines).
Please welcome the world best freestylers to Paris for a new classic event!
FAQ for freestylers:
What categories will there be?
It's an open event, with no Pro/Am separation. There will not be a seperate ladies class. Ladies and juniors are encouraged to participate in the open class.
What does the entry fee (50 EUR) include?
Participation in as many events as you like (incl slalom, bowl etc). Event T-shirt. 3 meals (sandwich+drinks).
How much practice time do we get?
The freestyle event is one of the many events of the Paris Festival Glisse which includes all types of skateboarding and roller skating. Prior to the freestyle event there will be a high jump event using the full length of the area, but not the full width, so we've been promised a practice area while they run the high jump event. All skaters will be given warm up time (group by group) prior to their participation.
Can we skate elsewhere?
Outside of the official time slots there will be a few other occasions when the spot can be used, if made available. But most of the time you'll also be able to skate on the marble surface between the stairs. This is outlaw skating though, but Lillis loves the place. It's a really good place if you just want to show off your talent and impress the crowd.
How many will watch the event?
Several thousand people come to Trocadero to get a view of the Eiffel tower and it's up to us to impress them and make them stay just a little bit longer.
How can I register?
Register online at
http://event.Riderz.net. The online registration will open April 4.
Can I pay on location?
Yes, you can pay on location, but you need to register before. To smoothen registration, please paypal in advance.
Trophies are awarded in what disciplines?
There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the main freestyle event.
There will be trophies for the winners of: Battle zone and Best trick
There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the high jump event.
What if it rains?
If it rains, the event will be postponed as we see fit. But rest assured, once the rain stops the surface dries realy quick, so we'll try to get going asap.
Where could I stay?
There are plenty of hotels in Paris, all in varying price classes. Having enough tasks we have decided to let you find and book a hotel on your own, while we concentrate on making sure you get a top class event.
Where can I find more information about Flatland Freestyle Skateboarding?
Check out
www.wfsa-freestyle.org and the 2(!) forums there!
Can I have a picture taken of myself in front of the Eiffel Tower?
You bet! You won't be alone.
We're looking forward to seeing you here!
/Jani