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Sixth Annual G-Shock Air & Style Is Back
Dec. 3, 1998
Innsbruck, Austria
By Shanti Sosienski
Story and results
Innsbruck will come alive once again the evening of December 5 when sixteen world-class
snowboarders hurl themselves off of a revamped Olympic freestyle jump for the sixth annual
G-shock Air & Style.
Featuring some of the most legendary international names in snowboarding
like Ingemar Backman and Jim Rippey, as well as up-and-comers like Canada's Chris Brown and
Switzerland's Michi Albin, the riders will perform amazing acrobatic feats while travelling
at least 23 meters down the slope. The winner of the event will take home 30,000 dollars and
a new Audi Quatro A3.
"This event is the dopest!," said competitor Chris Brown "Tons of people, bright lights,
and an icy kicker, what more could you want?"
Like past years, event organizers are speculating an audience of at least 40,000 people
to cheer the riders on. The format for the contest is the best two of four jumps off the
traditional straight big air that measures three meters in height. New to this year will
be the quarterpipe competition, which will include both a men and women's division.
Olympian Michele Taggart from the United States, who will compete in the quarterpipe
event this year, is excited to finally have the opportunity to be a part of this contest.
"It makes sense to have women in this event since 50 percent of the audience who will be
watching this are women. It's inspiring and helps us (women snowboarders) know how we measure
up against one another in big air."
Morrow team riders Andrew Crawford and Josh Dirksen agree with Taggart and are also
excited to get a chance to be a part of the contest and ride in the quaterpipe. "It is
a real privilege to be invited to such a prestigious event. It is something every grom
looks up to," said Crawford, "I hope I can make the crowd happy and have a great time."
The Air & Style is best known for being the first inner-city contest in the world
and has been the model for numerous contest to follow. Along with the big air competition,
the event also draws a lot of recognition with the big name bands they bring to the venue,
like this year's acts: Cyprus Hill and Therapy. Now in its sixth year, the contest has
received coverage in magazines, newspapers, and television programs all over the world
and continues to be a favorite contest for many riders.
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