Interbike Challenges Industry To Beat Former World and National Champi

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. – July 31, 2012 – Organizers of the Interbike International Bicycle Expo (Interbike) have announced the launch of its first-ever organized competition at the popular OutDoor Demo in Bootleg Canyon, NV this year. For the first time in the history of the event, Interbike is organizing the Bootleg Canyon Downhill Challenge – where attendees will have the opportunity to win numerous prizes by attempting to beat a time set by Interbike Account Executive and former Downhill World & National Champion Leigh Donovan.

“OutDoor Demo is the world’s largest two-day outdoor demo event, and we’re doing new and different things to keep it on top,” said Pat Hus, Managing Director of Interbike. “Where else can you test all the latest bikes, try-out awesome new gear and accessories – and then try and beat a former World & National Champion?”

Leigh Donovan, one of the most decorated U.S. downhill and slalom riders between 1992 and 2001, is up for the challenge. “This is going to be a fun event and I’m stoked to be a part of it,” said Donovan. “I encourage anyone with DH skills to come on out and see if you can beat a 40-year old woman with a desk job.”

The event has attracted numerous sponsors including Scott Sports, Oakley, Go-Pro, One Industries, Shimano, Strava, Troy Lee Designs, FOX, Sock Guy and more. A huge prize list will be offered for both male and female riders in the following categories:

• Fastest Times Each Day
• Most Attempts Each Day
• Overall Fastest Time

“With the Introduction of our new Gambler DH bike, and the popularity of the DH riding in Bootleg Canyon, it made sense to sponsor this challenge,” said Adrian Montgomery, Marketing Director for Scott Sports. “We’ll have new Gamblers available to test at OutDoor Demo and we expect to see the fastest times set aboard those bikes.”

Riders will need to create a free Strava account prior to the challenge to participate. They will then be able to track their rides with their Garmin, or the Strava Cycling app for iPhone or Android, and upload the rides to Strava to see how they compare to other competitors.
Winners will be announced on the Interbike website on September 25th, and prizes will be shipped to all winners. Riders will be required to sign waivers and wear protective equipment. More details about the Downhill Challenge including prizes offered can be found at: www.interbike.com/downhillchallenge

Interbike has partnered with Adscope Media to bring live video streaming to the event. Jumbo screens filming the DH course will be placed on-site to provide live feeds into two locations at OutDoor Demo for spectators to view. The first 350 participants will receive a free pair of limited edition DH Challenge socks by Sock Guy.

# # #


About Interbike
The Interbike International Bicycle Expo and OutDoor Demo are the bicycle industry’s leading business-to-business events bringing together top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of cycling. Interbike is a business unit of Nielsen Expositions, the parent company of the Outdoor Retailer (OR) and Health+Fitness Business expos. Nielsen Expositions is a full-service trade show company that creates, markets and produces high-quality expos and educational conferences. Interbike (www.interbike.com) gathers more than 1,200 cycling-related brands and close to 24,000 total attendees annually.

Interbike’s fourth decade of serving the industry will begin at the OutDoor Demo from September 17-18, 2012, in Boulder City, Nevada, followed by the Interbike Expo from September 19-21, 2012, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.


MEDIA CONTACTS:

For Interbike:
Justin Gottlieb
Communications and PR Director,
949-226-5754
justin.gottlieb@nielsen.com