Press release -
SkiStar Åre: Skiing turns showtime when Jon Olsson takes on Åre
The world’s greatest Big Air stars: Henrik
Harlaut and Tanner Hall in the company of many others are in place in Åre to
take part in the 2013 edition of Jon Olsson Invitational - JOI. The event now
also includes the parallel slalom competition Betsafe Alpine Challenge, BAC, with
many contestants from the men’s alpine elite. The background to this inclusion
is the wager between freestyle legend Jon
Olsson and new co-organiser and alpine ski ace Jens Byggmark.
Jon Olsson
Invitational is hitting Åre this weekend for the eighth time, adding higher
kicks and sharper tricks by the year; always presenting the uppermost world
elite riders. This year will see the participation of X-Games winner and Åre
resident Henrik Harlaut head to head against other super stars such as Tanner
Hall. Jon Olsson has previously declared that the level of this year’s JOI will
be the highest ever.
- The kick is 1.20 metres higher than last year’s and in perfect shape. I’m pretty sure we are going to see really spectacular jumps, at least triples to make it to the final. I am super-stoked that both Henrik Harlaut and Tanner Hall are here for the event. And of course, it is so important for me to beat Byggmark in the parallel slalom race, says Jon Olsson.
Following a
wager with his mate, alpine ski racer Jens Byggmark, Jon Olsson a few years ago
resumed his alpine career with the objective to qualify for the Swedish Giant
slalom team to the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi 2014. On the back of this, JOI
has grown to also include the parallel slalom race Alpine Challenge, which,
starting from this year, is co-organised by Jens Byggmark.
- I feel great being here in Åre as a partner and to present a great show in favour of skiing. I also love that it is a town event staged in the evening. It will be a great show for the spectators. But most important of it all is to beat Jon, says Jens Byggmark.
About the event:
The 5-6 April
will see Jon Olsson Invitational (JOI) and Betsafe Alpine Challenge (BAC) being
staged in Åre, JOI for the eighth time running, Alpine Challenge for the third
consecutive year. 30 of the world’s best riders will strive for the best Big Air
jump while 16 of the world’s best alpine racers take part in the prestigious parallel
slalom race. The events run concurrently.
JOI and BAC both admit free access to the spectators and the venue for both is the National Alpine Arena adjacent to the VM8 lift in central Åre.
Qualification heats: Friday 5 April at 19.00
Finals: Saturday 6 April at 19.00
Poster signing at Åre Square on Saturday 6 April at 14.00.
More information and results >>
On Saturday 13 April, at 19:00 CEST, a 45-minute summary of the event will be broadcast on TV4 Sport, also available on TV4 Play.
Press accreditation:
Magnus Ljungström, tel. +46 705806800
More information:
Helena Engelbrecht, Information Manager Skistar Åre
Tel. +46 703956271
E-mail: helena.engelbrecht@skistar.com
More information about SkiStar AB:
Linda Wasell, PR Manager, SkiStar AB
Tel. +46 706747474
E-mail: linda.wasell@skistar.com
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About SkiStar:
The SkiStar AB (publ) B shares are listed on the Nasdaq OMX Mid Cap Stockholm; the group owns and operates the ski resorts at the alpine skiing destinations Sälen, Åre and Vemdalen in Sweden together with Hemsedal and Trysil in Norway. The market share in Sweden amounts to 50%, in Norway 29% and overall in Scandinavia 41%. The group’s core business is alpine skiing with the guests’ experience in focus. The list of other activities includes accommodation agency, ski schools and ski rentals.