Glendora, California, USA- The final 2008 IGSA World Cup Series points have been tabulated and the Champions have been announced in each catagory. There was a record level of participation in most of the classes despite tough economic conditions around the world.
Participation in Downhill Skateboarding increased by 17 percent with a total of 538 racers taking starts in IGSA sanctioned events. The fight for the World Cup Series Championship spanned five continents and included nearly every top downhill skateboarder in the world. These facts make Scoot Smith's 2008 performance even more impressive.
Downhill Skateboarding Top Ten
1. Scoot Smith, Canada
2. Mischo Erban, Canada
3. Kevin Reimer, Canada
4. Mike Zietsman, South Africa
5. Erik Lundberg, Sweden
6. Martin Siegrist, Switzerland
7. Olivier Bareaud, France
8. Pete Connolly, Great Britain
9. Patrick Rizzo, United States
10. Jackson Shapiera, Australia
Women's Downhill Skateboarding participation increased by 37 percent with a total of 26 competitors. More women are getting involved in the sport and the level of talent is also increasing. Brianne Davies completely dominated the class going undefeated in the four IGSA World Cup races that she entered.
2008 IGSA World Cup Series
Women's Downhill Skateboarding Top Five
1. Brianne Davies, Canada
2. Uta Hung, Germany
3. Chiara Poscente, Canada
4. Dasha Kornienko, Canada
5. Bettina Luginbühl, Switzerland
Leander Lacey hasn't been a regular competitor on the IGSA World Cup Series circuit for the past few years. The 2004 World Champion put in a string of three wins and a top three finish to win the series title. The sport is at it's strongest point since 2001 when the series still contained events like the X Games and Red Bull DHX. Participation was up a whopping 26 percent and with 157 competitors approaching the 2001 level of 161 riders.
2008 IGSA World Cup Series
Street Luge Top Five
1. Leander Lacey, South Africa
2. Peter Eliot, Great Britain
3. Yvon Labarthe, Switzerland
4. Eugen Forschner, Germany
5. Abdil Mahdzan, Malaysia
2008 IGSA World Cup Series Top Five
Classic Luge
1. Michael Serek, Austria
2. Yvon Labarthe, Switzerland
3. Chris McBride, United States
4. Abdil Mahdzan, Malaysia
5. Konstantin Weigl, Austria
2008 IGSA World Cup Series Top Three
Inline Skating
1. Scott Peer, United States
2. Warren Focke, United States
3. Dan Benton, Canada
2008 IGSA World Cup Series Top Three
Gravity Bike
1. Brett Phillips, Australia
2. Andreas Johnson, Sweden
3. Mike McIntrye, United States
2008 IGSA World Cup Series Top Three
Inline Board
1. Jody Jaggard, Great Britain
2. Ian Martland, Great Britain
3. Andreas Pfister, Germany