MNSS SNOWBOARDERS MARK MCMORRIS AND CHAS GULDEMOND TAKE FIRST AND SECOND IN SLOPESTYLE AND MCMORRIS ALSO WINS BIG AIR AT THE DEW TOUR IN BRECKENRIDGE

 

  The Sports Syndicate's Mark McMorris nailed every trick in Slopestyle at the Dew Tour and earned his first run score of a 90.00. Then, during the second laps, McMorris upped the ante again growing from his previous score to a 95.00, which put the pressure on the remaining men left to drop. Maybe it was the added confidence McMorris gained from the night before when he won the first-ever Big Air at Dew Tour. Whatever it was, the Canadian snowboarder came out swinging in both runs stomping everything he tried. The Sports Syndicate's Chas Guldemond was the closest competitor to pull together a run that could compete with McMorris and Chas earned a second place finish for his efforts. In the end, nobody was able to unseat McMorris and he rode out of the final stop of the 2012 Dew Tour with two titles! “This course is sick! Four jumps, three rails – it’s a really technical setup. When you get to ride a really big course it is so much more fun. A lot of times you are limited to two or three ways of spinning, but with four jumps it makes for endless opportunities for lines you can choose – it makes for a lot more creativity,” said McMorris after he received his second Dew Cup in two days.
 
  Mark McMorris Winning Run - Snowboard Slopestyle Final  
 
Mark McMorris Winning Run: Triple Cork 1440 - Snowboard Big Air  

MNSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO FEATURED IN SPECIALIZED BICYCLES "ROAD TO RECOVERY" THREE PART VIDEO SERIES

The Sports Syndicate's Ryan Villopoto was followed during his recovery training by sponsor, Specialized Bicycles to track his progress. In April of 2012, one week after clinching his second Supercross championship, reigning AMA Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, presumably ending his 2012 season. However, only six months post reconstructive surgery "RV2" has announced his plan to return to racing.
  In Episode 1, we meet Aldon Baker, trainer to some of the greatest stars in the sport, and get a peek at what happened on that April night. And we find out what role BodyGeometry Fit and cycling play in helping with Ryan's recovery.
  In Episode 2 Ryan and Aldon talk about the benefits of cycling, over high-impact cardio workouts, for supercross and motocross riders, and Ryan gets cleared to return to the moto and get back to work with the rest of the team.
  In Episode 3 Ryan continues practice on the moto at his Florida track.

MNSS SURFER MIGUEL PUPO EARNS 2ND PLACE AT THE NIKE US OPEN OF SURFING IN HUNTINGTON BEACH CALIFORINA

The Sports Syndicate's Miguel Pupo finished in 2nd place during the Mens Surf Final at the ASP Prime Nike US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA. Culminating a week-long battle at the iconic venue in dramatic fashion, the Brazilian put on an incredible show throughout the Final in front of the tens of thousands in attendance and the massive online audience. Pupo consistently strung together some of the highest scores throughout the entirety of the Nike Lowers Pro including a standout victory over Kelly Slater (USA), 40, in their Semifinals bout, but was unable to overtake Julian Wilson in the Final and finished runner-up. “I’ve had a great week and I had such amazing heats with Filipe (Toledo) and Kelly (Slater) and I’m learning every heat,” Pupo said. “I beat Kelly, but I knew Julian (Wilson) was going to be a tough one. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good result and I’ve been working hard. It feels good to see the result come and I’ll be working hard for Tahiti.” For more coverage of Miguel from the Nike US Open of Surfing visit the www.usopenofsurfing.com website.

MNSS SNOWBOARDER JOHN JACKSON FEATURED IN RED BULL YOUTUBE SERIES TITLED "BROTHERS ON THE RUN"

The Sports Syndicate’s John Jackson and his brother Eric embark on the adventure of a lifetime by driving 15,000 miles from Alaska down to the southern tip of Chile on a journey to ride mountains on the top and bottom of the Americas and discover what's in between. In the third episode of "Brothers on the Run," the perfect conditions allow the boys to get another day of amazing riding in. After witnessing Eric and Travis tear up the slopes, John can't help but take a few runs of his own. The already injured wild man takes a wicked spill, but somehow manages to ride away unscathed. Watch as the crew try some innovative tricks in the Alaskan fresh powder, before heading to the next destination. Stay tuned for a new episode every other Tuesday on the Red Bull YouTube channel.

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO DOMINATES WITH HIS NINTH WIN IN NEW ORLEANS

The Sports Syndicate’s Ryan Villopoto captured his ninth win of the season at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the New Orleans SX. Although Villopoto wrapped up the championship two weeks ago, his approach to the races hasn’t changed. Villopoto’s night was close to flawless as he was fastest in qualifying practice, won his heat race, ripped the holeshot in the main and went on to lead every lap. Villopoto’s calculated precision on the track is unmatched by anyone else in the field, which he proves week after week. “It’s great to get my ninth win tonight,” said Villopoto. “I felt strong in practice and really put down 20 solid laps in the main event, so I’m really happy with the night. The track was really tough so it kept you on your toes. The focus is changing towards outdoors now, but if a win presents itself like it did tonight, we’ll take it.” Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads back to the West coast next Saturday, April 21, 2012 to Centurylink Field in Seattle, Wash., for Round 15 of the series.

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO CINCHES THE 2012 AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH HIS WIN IN HOUSTON

The Sports Syndicate’s Ryan Villopoto claimed the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Supercross Class Championship this past weekend. In front of a massive crowd at Houston’s Reliant Stadium, Villopoto wrapped up his second straight AMA Supercross title. It was his eighth victory this season. Ryan is the first rider ever in Supercross history to claim the title this early in the season, as four rounds still remain. On securing the championship, Ryan had this to say: "This is what it is all about. Winning championships is why every one of us lines up behind the gate and I am so happy to win my second Supercross title and to go back-to-back is unreal. I'm glad I got it out of the way early, I knew I had a good chance to clinch the title here in Houston and it feels good to have it behind me now. Everyone on the Monster Energy Kawasaki team has worked hard this year and we showed that hard work pays off." To read more about Ryan check out the following link: http://rv2.com

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO GRABS HIS SEVENTH WIN OF THE SEASON IN TORONTO

Monster Energy AMA Supercross headed to the Great White North where The Sports Syndicate’s Ryan Villopoto overcame a challenging track to take his seventh win of the season at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In the main event, Villopoto rounded the first corner in second and looked to get out front early and stay out of trouble. Villopoto made the pass for the lead, but would nearly throw it away in the deteriorating whoop section. “My starts were great all night,” said Villopoto. “I made a couple big mistakes in the whoops the first couple laps and almost threw it away. I felt really good on the rest of the track, but it took me a while to get the whoops sorted out. From here the plan is to keep going for wins and try to wrap this title up while we’re still in dome stadiums.” Due to Canada’s climate, Toronto’s dirt often has been difficult for the organizers and riders to manage. This year however, the dirt held up much better and only deteriorated in certain areas of the track. With many of the top title contenders currently out with injury, Villopoto could possibly clinch the 2012 title, as early as next week in Houston, TX. A win next week could give him more than 100 points over second place, which is enough to seal the deal.

MNSS SNOWBOARDER MARK MCMORRIS EARNS A SILVER MEDAL IN SLOPESTYLE AT WINTER X GAMES TIGNES

The Sports Syndicate’s Mark McMorris, a double gold medalist in Slopestyle and Big Air at Winter X Aspen 2012, earned silver at the 2012 Winter X Games in Tignes, France. McMorris won silver in the Men's Snowboard Slopestyle Finals with a score of 90 and a run that included a frontside cab 1080 and a frontside double cork 1080. McMorris explained, "It's been a good contest. The weather's nice, the jumps are big and the rails are heavier than last year. Obviously, Shaun is back," McMorris said. "Back in black. I'm just going to have to come back and beat him next year."

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO WINS THREE IN A ROW AND HIS SIXTH RACE OF THE SEASON AT THE INDIANAPOLIS SX

The Sports Syndicate's Ryan Villopoto claimed his third straight win in Indianapolis by overcoming a slow start then cautiously making his way into the lead and has extended his overall championship lead to 54 points. By the end of the night, Villopoto led only five laps en route to his sixth win of the season. “The track was really difficult tonight,” said Villopoto. “It was so slippery you had to go slow, to go fast. If you tried to be too aggressive you would cost yourself time. I knew I had the training and endurance to last so I settled on my pace and moved up for the win.” The dirt in Indianapolis was surprisingly slick inside the stadium, wreaking havoc throughout the night. For Villopoto, his move through the pack showed the patience of a champion. As the Washington native gauged the track he knew that trying to go too fast would lead to slower lap times. “This was our toughest track of the year,” said Villopoto. “Every time I tried to push hard to make up time, I ended up going slower. When I settled into a smooth rhythm I was able to hit my marks and put in better lap times.” Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads to Toronto, Ontario, Canada for the only round outside of the U.S. at the Rogers Centre on March 24, 2012. Look for Villopoto to further extend his overall championship points lead.

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO COMMANDS HIS FIFTH WIN OF THE SEASON AT THE ST. LOUIS SX

In front of a record-breaking crowd inside the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis MO, The Sports Syndicates’s Ryan Villopoto scored his fifth win of the season at Round 9 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Villopoto seemed unstoppable in St. Louis. In the main event, Ryan got a great start and came around the first turn in third. By the third lap, Villopoto had taken command of the lead and never looked back. He gapped the field and took the checkered flag to earn his fifth win of the season. Villopoto currently sits atop of the leaderboard with a 13-point lead. “That was my first win in St. Louis and it felt great,” said Villopoto. “I haven’t had the best luck here in the past so tonight really meant a lot to me. I got good starts all night and found good lines on the track. I’m looking forward to Daytona, it’s always been good to me. I’ve won there the last two years so hopefully I can make it a three-peat.” Next week, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads to the famed Daytona Motor Speedway in Florida.

MNSS SNOWBOARDER CHAS GULDEMOND WINS THE 2012 MAMMOTH US GRAND PRIX SLOPESTYLE

After a few days of adverse weather in Mammoth, CA the skies opened up to nothing but sunshine just in time for the Grand Prix slopestyle finals. Mammoth did things big as always, with 3 different jib sections, leading the riders into a massive 4-jump line. Those who made it through qualifiers were then given a two-run final. It was a nail biting battle for the podium but after a little jumbling around it, a few crashes, a few double corks, and a few 1260’s it was Chas Guldemond who came out on top. "After a gnarly storm passing through, it turned bluebird for us today, exactly the reason I live in the Sierra in the first place," said Guldemond who won with a cab 1260 on the second-to-last jump before stomping a backside double cork 1080 to top it off. "It's unbelievable to have won again." Guldemond has won the event three years in a row so congrats to Chas for his third consecutive Mammoth US GP win!

MNSS SNOWBOARDER ALEK OSTRENG WINS THE 2012 BURTON EUROPEAN OPEN SLOPESTYLE

Laax, central Europe’s freestyle capital and the host of the Burton European Open for the 8th consecutive year, really nailed this one. The course was everything you could want to test all-round skills. The mens contest was a battle from start to finish, with every round seeing the technical stakes raised. It was also a Scandinavian showdown of epic proportions. Norwegian Aleksander Ostreng dropped and nailed a solid second run, then turned up the heat to stomp a big, clean, final run to snatch victory. Alek linked a Cab 1-backside 3 off the first rail, backside Rodeo 5 to Cab Rodeo 5 in the rhythm section, a perfect off-axis frontside 10 then a backside 12 melon, rounded off with a sick blunt to switch 50-50 to 180 off the bottom rail. In a contest of this level, where the top 10 guys are all throwing a 12 into the mix, it’s getting harder and harder to distinguish a sick run from a winning run, but everyone seemed happy to see Ostreng on top of the podium. Congrats to Alek on his win!

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO EARNS ANOTHER PODIUM FINISH FOR 2ND PLACE AT THE ATLANTA SX

At the sold out Georgia Dome in Atlanta more than 70,000 fans watched The Sports Syndicates’s Ryan Villopoto race to a solid second-place finish. With four wins this season, Villopoto has secured himself as the dominant force in the championship hunt. In the main event, Villopoto was pinched off on the start and had to make his way through the top ten. “I didn’t get the start that I wanted in the main,” said Villopoto after a second place finish. “I was forced to play catch-up and was making headway until I had a small tip over. I caught back up, but just couldn’t close the gap to the leader. I felt like I was faster in some sections, but the track was tough and the ruts got really deep." Now that the season has made its way to the East coast, Villopoto and Weimer have headed to their Florida training grounds. Training and riding during the week in Florida allows both riders to practice and test on similar soft, rutted east coast dirt and track conditions. Next week Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads to Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO where Villopoto looks to extend his points lead.

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO WINS HIS 3RD IN A ROW AND JAKE WEIMER EARNS 3RD PLACE AT THE DALLAS SX

In front of more than 50,000 screaming fans inside Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, The Sport Syndicate’s Ryan Villopoto scored his third-consecutive win of the season. Villopoto got a great start and came around the first turn in second, but quickly took over the lead in the rhythm section that followed. He continued to pull a gap on the field and by mid-race was untouchable. Villopoto took the checkers to earn his fourth win of the season and stretch his points lead to 13. “The night went pretty good for me,” said Villopoto. “In the main I got a great start and was able to take over the lead on the first lap.” Ryan's teammate Jake Weimer rode strong all night to round out the podium in third place. Weimer got a great start when the gate dropped for the main event and pulled into third. While battling to defend his position on the last lap, Weimer got tangled with another racer and held on for third. Weimer currently sits fifth in the points standings. “Overall a podium is awesome,” said Weimer. “It’s nice to get back on the box. After getting blocked passed the last few rounds I came here ready to stand my ground. It was a great night overall for the team, everything was positive.” Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA next weekend.

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO WINS HIS THIRD RACE OF THE SEASON AT THE SAN DIEGO SX

The Sports Syndicate's Ryan Villopoto took his third win of the season during the Monster Energy AMA Supercross at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Villopoto now sits atop the overall standings by 6 points in the SX class. Rounding the first lap of the main event, Villopoto sat in second and wasted no time making his move into the lead, passing the leader before the finish line. He would click off consistent laps until lapped traffic started to hold Villopoto back. This allowed second place to briefly get by for the lead, but Villopoto would again use the corner before the finish to retake the lead and take the checkered flag. “You really had to be smooth every lap to pass lappers and race for the lead," said Villopoto. "San Diego's dirt is really slippery and the whoops were long and cupped out. Most tracks we don’t even think twice about hitting them wide open, but these you really had to think about going into them steady and smooth. I’ve never won San Diego in the supercross class so it feels great to check this off.” Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads to the east coast next weekend to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

MNSS SURFER MIGUEL PUPO WINS THE ASP PRIME 2012 HANG LOOSE PRO CONTEST IN BRAZIL

With consistent surfing throughout the event, The Sports Syndicate's Miguel Pupo, won the 26th annual ASP PRIME Hang Loose Pro Contest 2012 at Cacimba do Padre Beach, in Fernando de Noronha island, Pernambuco, Brazil. In an all-Brazilian Final, Pupo took home the U$40,000 and 6,500 points to put him at the top of the ASP World Ranking 2012. “To win a contest in Brazil is something that I really wanted to accomplish,” said Pupo. “I’ve won two PRIME events in the US last year (Trestles and Santa Cruz), but I really wanted to show that I could win at home as well, especially here in Fernando de Noronha, which has incredible tubes. I’m stoked to have won the Final." Pupo set the record for the highest-heat total of the event by scoring a 19.77 out of a possible 20 points, which included a perfect 10-point ride from the five judges on an incredible tube-ride during the Semi-finals. “That wave was so perfect,” continued Pupo. “I stalled as long as I could during the drop and then I just enjoyed the ride inside the barrel and ended up with a perfect score. After I came out of the tube, I was so relaxed that I just decided to throw an air at the end to guarantee a 10.”

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO LANDS ON THE PODIUM IN FIRST PLACE AT ANAHEIM 2

Explosions and fireworks marked the start of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in front of a sold out Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. The Sports Syndicate’s Ryan Villopoto started the new season right where he left in 2011, on top of the podium. The 2012 supercross class is one of the most highly competitive fields the sport has ever seen. Villopoto made it seem almost effortless as he led every lap of the 20-lap main event building a lead as high as 20 seconds over the competition. “I’m really happy with tonight,” said Villopoto. “We’re right where we need to be with my KX450F and fitness, and we will just keep pushing into next week. The track was pretty tough and awkward,” said Villopoto. “There are a lot of rounds left, so we will just keep doing what were doing and stay consistent.” Ryan will race the next round of the AMA Supercross series on January 14th in Phoenix, AZ.

MNSS SNOWBOARDER CHAS GULDEMOND TAKES FIRST PLACE IN SLOPESTYLE AT THE BURTON CANADIAN OPEN

The 4th Annual 2012 Burton Canadian Open presented by MINI finished on a very high note with Chas Guldemond taking the top podium spot in the slopestyle finals. Chas walked away $10,000 richer for his performance on the challenging slopestyle course. Guldemond killed it in his second run with a frontside lipslide, backside 180 to 360 out, half-cab 180 backside 180, switch backside 900, backside double cork 1080, backside rodeo 900 and a cab 270 backside lipslide to frontside boardslide. “This is a complete turnaround from last year. I felt really good and was really stoked on the event,” said Chas. “The weather was great and is the best I’ve ever experienced at a contest. This was an awesome contest and Burton took good care of us.” Once again in the 2011-2012 season, MINI was throwing down some serious cash and prizes to the most creative riders in the Burton Global Open Series. Chas Guldemond continued to get his creative on with a 3 “Roofy” stalefish that scored him the coveted CUOS award to come up $2500 richer courtesy of MINI. For more information visit snowboarding.transworld.net.

MNSS SNOWBOARDERS MARK MCMORRIS AND TORSTEIN MEDAL IN BIG AIR AND SLOPESTYLE AT WINTER X GAMES 16

The Sports Syndicate’s Mark McMorris and Torstein Horgmo each brought home medals from Winter X Games 16 in Aspen. In the Snowboard Big Air competition on Friday night it was all about landing the super technical triple cork. Both Mark and Torstein landed the triple cork 1440 to the amazement of the crowd, judges and television viewers. McMorris’ triple secured 49 out of 50 possible points from the judges. His score on his first run for a frontside double cork mute 1080 earned him the Gold. Horgmo nailed the backside triple 1440 on his third and final run to nab Silver. Saturday was the slopestyle finals and McMorris was on his “A” game again throwing down a near flawless second run, giving him a 93.33, which held up through the final run to gain him his 2nd Gold of weekend. His winning run consisted of a frontside 180 onto a cargo container, Cab 270 into the wallride, and a frontside bluntside to 450 out in the technical rail section, then making his way into the four-hit jump line with a Cab double cork 900, a frontside double cork 1080, a double “wildcat” backflip, and a backside 1260. Be on the lookout for Mark and Torstein at the final Winter Dew Tour Stop at Snowbasin, Utah February 9-12. To watch video of Mark and Torstein's runs click to visit www.expn.com.

MNSS SNOWBOARDERS MARK MCMORRIS AND TORSTEIN HORGMO WIN AT TRANSWORLD SNOWBOARDING RIDERS POLL AWARDS

The Sports Syndicate’s Torstein Horgmo and Mark McMorris took home awards at this year’s Transworld Snow Riders’ Poll Awards. For the second year in a row, Torstein took home the Men’s Reader’s Choice Award, the only award of the ceremony that is decided by the readers of Transworld Snow. Torstein’s continued viral success with his website, Torstein.net clearly delivers the content snowboard fans around the world are looking for. Mark McMorris’ breakout season in 2011, where he landed the first backside 1440 triple cork, brought home silver at Winter X Games in slopestyle and second overall at the Winter Dew Tour in slopestyle, secured him the Men’s Rookie of the Year Award. For more information about the TWS Riders Poll Awards click to visit snowboarding.transworld.net.

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACERS JAKE WEIMER AND RYAN VILLOPOTO EARN PODIUM FINISHES FOR 2ND & 3RD PLACE RESPECTIVELY AT THE PHOENIX SX IN ARIZONA.

The Sport Syndicates’s Jake Weimer had the ride of his life in Phoenix, winning his heat race and scoring his first ever supercross class podium. In his heat race, he got a great jump off the start and quickly moved into the lead. He held onto the lead until the checkered flag to earn his first-ever supercross class heat win. In the main event he got a great start and quickly moved into second. He laid down 20 smooth and fast laps. His impressive performance also netted the first supercross main event podium of his career. “Tonight felt awesome,” said Weimer. “It’s been a long time since I stood on the podium. I have been working so hard to get up there, it feels so good to have it finally pay off." The Sport Syndicates’s Ryan Villopoto got a mid-pack start in the main event and was setting up a pass when another rider went down right in front of him, causing him to crash. When he picked up his bike he was sitting in 18th place, with 19 laps to go. He charged through the field on a mission. On the final lap, Villopoto did the seemingly impossible, and made the push past third in the final few turns of the race to secure a spot on the podium. “It was a tough night,” said Villopoto. “I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Milsaps went down in the sand right in front of me and I got tangled up with him. I’m looking forward to getting back to Dodger Stadium where I won last year.” On January 21st the SX series heads to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA, for Round 3.

MNSS SUPERCROSS RACER RYAN VILLOPOTO KICKS OFF THE 2012 SUPERCROSS SEASON ON THE PODIUM IN FIRST PLACE

Explosions and fireworks marked the start of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in front of a sold out Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. The Sports Syndicate’s Ryan Villopoto started the new season right where he left in 2011, on top of the podium. The 2012 supercross class is one of the most highly competitive fields the sport has ever seen. Villopoto made it seem almost effortless as he led every lap of the 20-lap main event building a lead as high as 20 seconds over the competition. “I’m really happy with tonight,” said Villopoto. “We’re right where we need to be with my KX450F and fitness, and we will just keep pushing into next week. The track was pretty tough and awkward,” said Villopoto. “There are a lot of rounds left, so we will just keep doing what were doing and stay consistent.” Ryan will race the next round of the AMA Supercross series on January 14th in Phoenix, AZ.

MNSS SNOWBOARDER MARK MCMORRIS WINS THE O'NEILL EVOLUTION BIG AIR CONTEST IN DAVOS, SWITZERLAND

Mother Nature is certainly having fun with us this year, isn't she? Winter finally arrived, right in time for the Big Air portion of the O'Neill Evolution TTR 6Star event. Fresh powder wreaked havoc on the early qualification rounds, forcing the men to compete in slow, snowy conditions. The best of the best persevered, however, and in the end Mark McMorris came out on top with a backside double cork 1260 mute into a gap switch hard way to 270 out on the down-flat-down rail, taking first place with a score of 95.60. Congrats to McMorris for his first win of the 2012 season. To watch video of Mark's winning run click to visit www.expn.com.