Silva looking to win on his home turf
Douglas Silva is considered the favorite going into the weekend.
Teutonia, Brazil - IGSA officials Norman and Liz Kinnish have arrived in Teutonia, Brazil welcomed by bright skies, fresh air and stunning scenery. They arrived on Wednesday to help set up and welcome riders from around the world to the 10th Annual IGSA World Championships. 2011 marks the first time the World's are being held in South America after taking place in Europe, North America and Australia the past nine years.
Switzer's World Championship dreams could be destroyed by visa problems.
With maximum Downhill Skateboarding speeds in excess of 70 mph and Street Luge speeds of more than 80 mph, Teutonia always delivers jaw dropping racing. Until you visit this course in person with its steep gradients and dipping tarmac, no description can match the truly terrifying nature of this extreme rollercoaster of a hill. To try and put it in perspective, to climb this hill in a car you need to, at times select first gear and rev the engine to bursting point to get up the steepest parts. On Sunday, the riders will be battling flat out, jockying for position, drafting and using every ounce of their skill in an effort to tame Teutonia so they can stand on top of the World Championship podium.
Reimer has missed the entire World Cup season so far but could make an apperance in Teutonia.
Kevin Reimer is the two time defending IGSA World Champion and the winner of last year’s Teutonia race. Due to a severe injury in the pre-season, he has missed the entire World Cup season. He is due to attend this year but it is not clear if he is fit to race. Other clear contenders for the World Champion title are Patrick Switzer and Brazil’s own Douglas Silva. The two riders clashed at Tarma last weekend and ended up in the hay bales. Switzer’s attendance is currently in doubt as he faces complications with his visa. Is the way clear for Silva to clean up here? Silva currently holds the track qualifying record at Teutonia and won the event in 2008. He is keen to win his first ever World Championship title and do it on his native soil.
Can Mischo Erban win his first World Championship?
Silva's biggest competition could come from 2009 Teutonia winner Mischo Erban. Erban finished in third place here last year and knows this track as well as anyone. His results have been mixed since winning here in 2009 but the official IGSA World Speed Record holder (80.83 mph) loves Teutonia and is always a contender here. Teutonia offers Erban his best chance ever to win the coveted World Champion title.
Jackson Shapiera is a legitimate contender to win it all.
Two other top contenders who are making their first ever appearance in Teutonia are Australian Jackson Shapiera and American james Kelly. Shapiera loves speed and has the size and strength to battle head to head with anyone. His win or crash attitude will definitely be exciting to watch. If Shapiera can get comfortable with the rough, high speed track, Australia could have their first Open Downhill Skateboarding World Champion. Kelly has consistently been finishing in the top ten and has a few podium finishes this season. He could surprise a few people in Teutonia. Friday's first qualifying run will answer a lot of questions. It's definitely going to be an exciting race!
Street lugers will be reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph at Teutonia!
The event gets underway on Friday with practice in the morning followed by qualifying in the afternoon. To stay up to date with additional information and pictures from the event follow us on facebook!
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IGSA Race Director Norman Kinnish is stoked to be in Brazil.
