Date: 2.03.2010
Updated: 2.03.2010 07:39

By: Swiss’mate Press Office

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The resort of Leysin in the French-speaking part of Switzerland is ready to welcome the world’s elite freestyle snowboarders for an epic halfpipe competition. From March 4th to 7th, 2010, the NESCAFÉ CHAMPS will be a unique occasion to witness the world’s best riders in action, but also a chance to meet the big names who have contributed to the success of this legendary contest in the past.

With only 10 days to the start of the qualifications, the site known as the Berneuse in Leysin is being prepared in excellent conditions. The only resort in the Swiss-French part of Switzerland with a pre-shaped halfpipe, it lives up to the highest standards of quality worldwide. The NESCAFÉ CHAMPS is eagerly anticipated by the riders from the region who are impatient to ride the superpipe, and by international competitors for whom the NESCAFÉ CHAMPS in Leysin remains the oldest snowboard competition in Europe. Since the beginning, its podiums have hosted the biggest legends in the sport. The return of the event to its resort of origin has brought equally enthusiastic reactions from snowboard fans. The program for the 2010 edition of the NESCAFÉ CHAMPS promises to relive past highlights and to share in creating new ones.

The last contest before the 2009/2010 finals of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour
The world’s best snowboarders, elite Swiss riders and former winners of the NESCAFÉ CHAMPS will all be present in Leysin looking to win precious TTR World Tour ranking points. Taking place only a few days prior to the US Open, where the TTR World Tour championship title will be decided and the end of season prize purse ($200,000 US) handed out, the points on offer at the NESCAFÉ CHAMPS will be of utmost importance.

These 10 stars will enter the competition on Saturday March 6th, 2010 for the semi-finals, where they will be pitted against the 12 qualifiers and 2 wildcards who represent the up- and-coming generation of freestyle snowboarders. This formula allows younger snowboarders to measure themselves against the best in the world and offers an easier access to world-class competition.

In addition to the official contest, there will also be contestants in the famous NESCAFÉ CHAMPS Buddy System. This is a team synchronized snowboarding competition, which is as spectacular as it is unique in the sport, and will officially bring an end to the 19th NESCAFÉ CHAMPS on Sunday March 7th, 2010.