Garrett Robertson wins wildcard entry to Red Bull District Ride

The list of riders for Red Bull District Ride on September 6th just got a little longer. Garrett Robertson will join the line up for this FMB World Tour Diamond event. The Canadian secured himself a wildcard last weekend at the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado (USA). Now, Swatch Prime Line Munich on July 20th is the only event left for riders to grab an invite to Red Bull District Ride. After that, riders will have to battle for points at other FMB World Tour contests in order to move up the ranks and qualify for Red Bull District Ride. Not bothered by rankings or points, 15 young talents toured through Germany during the Red Bull Wings Academy – Road to District Ride. Slopestyle pros Peter Henke and Lukas Knopf took them to the best spots. Further information can be found on www.redbullstrictride.com

The best riders in the world are moving in quick to claim their spot at Red Bull District Ride. The top ten athletes from FMB World Tour rankings have already qualified. Szymon Godziek received a wildcard at Vienna Air King and last weekend another rider, Garrett Robertson, will sleep well after he bagged himself a ticket at the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail (USA). The Canadian was the only rider to attempt the rollercoaster-like open loop. This astonishing move secured him the win and a wildcard, which was presented to him by none other than this year's Red Bull District Ride course designer Aaron Chase. "I couldn't be more excited about winning the wildcard", says Garrett. "Red Bull District Ride is one of the biggest events in our sport and I'm honored to be part of it." Only one more rider can earn a spot at Red Bull District Ride – who will it be? The decision will be made at the FMB World Tour Gold event Swatch Prime Line Munich on July 20th.

While Garret Robertson was riding for his wildcard, young slopestyle riders in Germany were gathering for the Red Bull Wings Academy – Road to District Ride. 15 rookies aged between 15 and 19 years old, joined Germany's best slopestyle athlete Peter "Pete" Henke and upcoming talent Lukas Knopf for a four day tour of the pros' favorite spots. Starting off in Nuremberg with a Red Bull District Ride track-walk, a nightliner later chauffeured the riders to several riding spots where Peter and Lukas shared some tricks of the trade. Saving the best till last – the Road to District Ride came to an end at Pete's homespot in Ingelheim. As a special surprise, Swedish slopestyle pro Anton Thelander joined in for the shred. "The guys did really well", says Pete. "We even had one participant who landed a backflip tailwhip and a backflip barspin first try. Great job – and tons of fun!"

Here are the first 13 riders who will compete at Red Bull District Ride:

• Brandon Semenuk (CAN)
• Brett Rheeder (CAN)
• Martin Söderström (SWE)
• Sam Pilgrim (GBR)
• Kelly McGarry (NZL)
• Cameron Zink (USA)
• Anton Thelander (SWE)
• Thomas Genon (BEL)
• Darren Berrecloth (CAN)
• Yannick Granieri (FRA)
• Peter Henke (GER)
• Szymon Godziek (POL)
• Garrett Robertson (CAN)

All Information on www.redbulldistrictride.com.

About Red Bull District Ride:

After four editions in 2005, 2006 and 2011 in Nuremberg/Germany as well as in Catania/Italy (2006), Red Bull District Ride has gained the reputation of a legendary event. The top mountain bike athletes gather to compete at a unique urban setting and entertain thousands of spectators with their tricks.