Vans Downtown Showdown
Posted 08/01/2011 by Vans UK
Twelve of the best skate teams will be competing at the historic Old Spitalfields Market in London on 20th August 2011 for their chance to take part in a contest renowned to test skill, flare and creativity. Far removed from the usual format of any other skateboarding competition - the event will take place on special customised ramps, which are all designed by the invited Teams themselves.
With London’s rich history and culture the theme, there has been no shortage of inspiration for the designs of the obstacles of which three ideas from Death Skateboards, Cliché and Superdead were selected to be built as a feature in the contest. Between professional pride and the sizable €50 000 prize purse, it was no surprise to see the very best in European skateboarding talent sign up for their chance to write their name in history.
Do you really need convincing that this is the place to be in August? Just ask International Pros Geoff Rowley and Dustin Dollin or Skateboard legend Tony Alva - all of which are flying in to see the action unfold and make sure you catch them at one of the signings.
Harry from Superdead was more than happy to share their inspirations: "The Superdead Tavern, a ‘ye olde English pub’ with a twist. The Superdead obstacle contains trap doors, bars and beer barrels its what every good skate spot needs. We were stoked to be asked to take part in the Vans Downtown Showdown this year and even more stoked to design an obstacle. London is steeped in history and it became easy to add a heavy flavour of that history into our design."
Cliché’s Jeremie Daclin kept things simple, offering a clue as to what to expect on the day: “For this years Vans Downtwon Showdown, Cliché wanted to reflect the London vibe so we came up with an obstacle I’m sure people will get and enjoy to skate. Lets hope we can get the Thames flowing under our bridge.”
Death Skateboards have found a little slice of London history to call their own and Dan Cates had to say the following about their dauntingly titled ‘Rippers Alley’: “This years Death obstacle is a tribute to London's most notorious serial killer, 'Jack The Ripper' and is loosely based upon Gunthorpe Street in Whitechapel. A spooky looking alleyway that still stands today leading to George yard where some claim that the first of The Ripper's victims was found. Death's obstacle is a skateable interpretation of this Alley in all of it's Victorian beauty, complete with blood stains, filth, Ripper graffiti and a rideable version of the infamous 'Ten Bells' pub, complete with cellar door. The obstacles contained within the alley are based on some of our favourite London spots past and present and include: South Bank's original bank to wall, the now defunct Fenchurch street quarter pipes and a bank to bar inspired by the estate by Clapham junction station.”
And as if you need any more convincing about the caliber of the Vans Downtown Showdown…there’s an abundance of other treats going on, highlights include: the Van Doren Pizza Parlour (presented by Fire & Stone and headed up by Steve Van Doren the Godfather of Vans himself), the Vans Waffle Booth, Live Screenprinting with Lovenskate, Athlete signings, product giveaways as well as a retail area populated by the likes of Monster Energy, Slam City Skates, LCB and Fifty-Fifty.
The Event starts at 12 noon and will run until 6.30 pm when the winners are announced and prizes awarded.
Lastly, as Monster Energy will be hosting the after party that runs from 9pm till late at the Village Underground. An impressive musical line up is to be announced imminently, keep an eye on www.vans.eu/dtsd for the news as it unfolds.
To top it all off, entry to the Vans Downtown Showdown is free.
Confirmed Teams and riders -
Blind Europe –
Chris Oliver, Sam Beckett, Sewa, Javier Pares
Element Europe –
Ross McGouran, Guillaume Mocquin, Phil Zwijsen, Nassim Guammaz
Antiz –
Hugo Liard, Sam Partaix, Aaron Sweeney
Cliché –
Charles Collet, Lucas Puig, Flo Mirtain and Daniel Espinoza.
Yama Skateboards –
Muki Rustig, Ferit Batir, Dustin Vollnach
Blueprint –
Danny Brady, Mark Baines, Jerome Campbell, Tom Knox
Almost –
Willow, Michael Sommer, Michael Wright, Daryl Dominguez, Youness Amrani
Alis Skateboards –
Flex O’ Connor
Superdead Skateboards –
Eddie Belvedere, Harry Lintell, Nick Remon, Awadh Mohammed
Palace Skateboards –
Chewy Cannon, Rory Milanes, Lucien Clarke, Olly Todd
Death Skateboards –
Dan Cates, Boots, Adam Moss, Moggins
With London’s rich history and culture the theme, there has been no shortage of inspiration for the designs of the obstacles of which three ideas from Death Skateboards, Cliché and Superdead were selected to be built as a feature in the contest. Between professional pride and the sizable €50 000 prize purse, it was no surprise to see the very best in European skateboarding talent sign up for their chance to write their name in history.
Do you really need convincing that this is the place to be in August? Just ask International Pros Geoff Rowley and Dustin Dollin or Skateboard legend Tony Alva - all of which are flying in to see the action unfold and make sure you catch them at one of the signings.
Harry from Superdead was more than happy to share their inspirations: "The Superdead Tavern, a ‘ye olde English pub’ with a twist. The Superdead obstacle contains trap doors, bars and beer barrels its what every good skate spot needs. We were stoked to be asked to take part in the Vans Downtown Showdown this year and even more stoked to design an obstacle. London is steeped in history and it became easy to add a heavy flavour of that history into our design."
Cliché’s Jeremie Daclin kept things simple, offering a clue as to what to expect on the day: “For this years Vans Downtwon Showdown, Cliché wanted to reflect the London vibe so we came up with an obstacle I’m sure people will get and enjoy to skate. Lets hope we can get the Thames flowing under our bridge.”
Death Skateboards have found a little slice of London history to call their own and Dan Cates had to say the following about their dauntingly titled ‘Rippers Alley’: “This years Death obstacle is a tribute to London's most notorious serial killer, 'Jack The Ripper' and is loosely based upon Gunthorpe Street in Whitechapel. A spooky looking alleyway that still stands today leading to George yard where some claim that the first of The Ripper's victims was found. Death's obstacle is a skateable interpretation of this Alley in all of it's Victorian beauty, complete with blood stains, filth, Ripper graffiti and a rideable version of the infamous 'Ten Bells' pub, complete with cellar door. The obstacles contained within the alley are based on some of our favourite London spots past and present and include: South Bank's original bank to wall, the now defunct Fenchurch street quarter pipes and a bank to bar inspired by the estate by Clapham junction station.”
And as if you need any more convincing about the caliber of the Vans Downtown Showdown…there’s an abundance of other treats going on, highlights include: the Van Doren Pizza Parlour (presented by Fire & Stone and headed up by Steve Van Doren the Godfather of Vans himself), the Vans Waffle Booth, Live Screenprinting with Lovenskate, Athlete signings, product giveaways as well as a retail area populated by the likes of Monster Energy, Slam City Skates, LCB and Fifty-Fifty.
The Event starts at 12 noon and will run until 6.30 pm when the winners are announced and prizes awarded.
Lastly, as Monster Energy will be hosting the after party that runs from 9pm till late at the Village Underground. An impressive musical line up is to be announced imminently, keep an eye on www.vans.eu/dtsd for the news as it unfolds.
To top it all off, entry to the Vans Downtown Showdown is free.
Confirmed Teams and riders -
Blind Europe –
Chris Oliver, Sam Beckett, Sewa, Javier Pares
Element Europe –
Ross McGouran, Guillaume Mocquin, Phil Zwijsen, Nassim Guammaz
Antiz –
Hugo Liard, Sam Partaix, Aaron Sweeney
Cliché –
Charles Collet, Lucas Puig, Flo Mirtain and Daniel Espinoza.
Yama Skateboards –
Muki Rustig, Ferit Batir, Dustin Vollnach
Blueprint –
Danny Brady, Mark Baines, Jerome Campbell, Tom Knox
Almost –
Willow, Michael Sommer, Michael Wright, Daryl Dominguez, Youness Amrani
Alis Skateboards –
Flex O’ Connor
Superdead Skateboards –
Eddie Belvedere, Harry Lintell, Nick Remon, Awadh Mohammed
Palace Skateboards –
Chewy Cannon, Rory Milanes, Lucien Clarke, Olly Todd
Death Skateboards –
Dan Cates, Boots, Adam Moss, Moggins