By SOL Newsroom

October 23, 1999

SAN FRANCISCO--Oct. 22, 1999--Ben Hinkley, the snowboarder who wowed the crowds at the Summer X-Games in San Francisco with a double front flip, has joined the Fusion.com pro rider team for the upcoming winter season.

"Not many people in the world can do that trick. We are proud to have him represent the Fusion.com online stores," says Fusion.com Snowboard Product Manager, Zach Mandelstein, who is organizing the Fusion.com pro rider team. Mandelstein, 22, is a sponsored rider for Nidecker Snowboards, Flow Boots & Bindings and Spy Eyewear.

Hinkley, who took 2nd place at the Summer X-Games 1999 Big Air Contest, is hosting "signature sessions" at the Fusion.com booth during the current California tour. He will be performing with the Fusion.com team at sporting, lifestyle and music events around the country this winter. Hinkley, a native of Santa Rosa, is a sponsored rider for Burton Snowboards and principal rider in Levi's "Zipper Freeze" TV commercial.

Fusion.com, a San Francisco-based "click and mortar" action sports, apparel and lifestyle web site for the global youth market, is one of the local sponsors of the 4th Annual Fresh Tracks Snow & Skate Expo -- a two day consumer event that kicks off the snow sports season at the San Mateo Expo Center Oct. 23-24.

Show features include top skateboarders performing on street ramps, a fashion show, music, skate contests and interactive games. Hinkley will be appearing at the Fusion.com booth (No. 2 & No. 3) during the Snow and Skate Expo.

About Fusion.com: Fusion.com is a cutting edge "click and mortar" e-tailer that has merged action sports and Internet technology. Fusion.com specializes in selling lifestyle apparel, snow, surf, wake, and skateboards from leading manufacturers in their flagship stores at exceptional values. Find the latest product reviews, gift registry, industry buzz, pro-rider photo gallery, live weather cams, interviews, and more.

Visit the only web site strong enough to fuel your lifestyle at www.fusion.com.