Marcus Rietema and Eddie Spearing in a tight race at Newton's Playground in Australia. Photo: David Pang

IGSA President Marcus Rietema has a long history in skateboarding and street luge. He started skating back in 1977 riding freestyle and transition. Marcus was one of the original Glendora Mountain Road (GMR) racers who began bombing the hill in 1978 riding both skateboards and luge. After competing in the 95’ & 96’ X Games, he founded the IGSA and became the Street Luge Sport Organizer for the X Games. Today he takes great pride in still being able to ride at a high level in all disciplines of skateboarding.

The Darnetal French National Championship was held May 2-4 in the French province of Normandy. The event was organized by the Riders en Bray, the French club whose members include Jocelyn Babilot, Jibo Debure and Pascal Blondeau. Darnetal was the first round of the four-race French Championship. The other events are the Peyragudes Deluxe Cup, Izoard Downhill, and Climont station.

Sakamoto, Risch, Siegrist and Silva celebrate on the Rock & Roll 2007 podium Photo: Marcus Rietema

Registration for Rock & Roll 2008 in Thalgau, Austria (near Salzburg) is now open. The event will be held July 23-26 on the fastest course of the IGSA World Cup Series circuit. Go to the Rock & Roll 2008 website to sign up. Entry is being limited to the first 175 riders who register. After that you will be placed on a waiting list.

Once you have signed up you will need to send your registration fee of 160 EUR via Bank transfer within two weeks to guarantee your place. Additional classes are 20 EUR each with three classes max.

Don’t delay, because the event is expected to sell out. Go to Rock & Roll 2008 and sign up!