© - TTR

Today, March 6th 2008, the Swatch TTR 5-Star Ästhetiker Jam Wängl Tängl kicked off in Mayrhofen, Austria as shredders began their fight for 24 spots in the finals. The sun was shining, the beats were pumping and the riders were going off in the first qualification session of the week. It all got started mid-day as riders sessioned the four hit kicker line in two heats, each containing about 25 riders. We saw some sick tricks from all the riders out there including smooth 7s, solid 9s and 10s along with some high flying double back flips and tweaked airs.

© - TTR

Tomorrow, March 7th, 2008, the qualifications continue as the riders hit an alternative line with a Suzuki Jib, a curved wall, a quarterpipe, a long straight rail and a special Red Bull ‘skate-style’ section at the end.

After all the snowboarding qualification action, Mayrhofen is also hosting the Ästhetiker Skate Jam on a mega mini ramp constructed by IOU. Skaters will be riding the ramp on the first floor of the Europahaus competing for $10 000 USD on March 6th and 7th. Except for contest time, everyone is able to ride the mini-ramp and get their skate on.

© - TTR

Continuing its reputation as an event of innovation and creativity, the Wängl Tängl also seamlessly incorporates art and music, reminding all of the intertwining values of board sports and self-expression. At the Wängl Tängl, the Ästhetiker crew will be teaming up with Modart Magazine for the first “Action into Art” Halfpipe contest. Two teams of riders, including Ingemar Backman and Steve Gruber, will ride the pipe with an arsenal of specific coloured paintballs tossing them at the targeted canvases along the deck, creating some very unique paintings.

Also ready to rock the stage is Big Shug from Gangstarr performing his hip-hop creations on March 8th.

For more information on the 5-Star Ästhetiker Jam Wängl Tängl and the numerous side events, exhibitions and concerts taking place, check out http://www.aesthetiker.com/tour/2008