Back to the ’80s!

Time to turn up the noise and get loud for Swatch Rocket Air 2017! With only a few weeks to go until the only Swiss Gold Event of the FMB World Tour is on the cards, the Flying Metal Crew is sharing some secrets from behind the scenes. The 2016 winner, Nicholi Rogatkin, will be returning once again, Ramon Hunziker reveals how he will incorporate a unique feature into the well loved course, and Emil Johansson, the 17 year old newcomer, has to decide between wearing flare jeans or slim fit jeans. So, check out the interview below.

In the ’80s, Paul Turner and Steve Simons began to develop suspension systems for mountain bikes. Because of their inventions mountain bikes and the sport of dirt jumping has been able to progress to what it is today. This is why Ramon Hunziker and the Flying Metal Crew will be paying tribute to the roots of mountain biking and celebrate the 80s with some modern day MTB action!

Ramon, any new crazy ideas about this year’s course design?
Ramon: Last year we received positive feedback from the riders about the course. That’s why we didn’t want to change too much regarding the obstacles. With that said, the ’80s theme will play a role and will inspire some unique course details.

Tell us more about what’s new?
Ramon: We will create a hip-jump to wallride as a new technical feature, similar to the course design of Colorado Freeride Festival from 2015. The riders have to jump onto the wall and clear it nicely making sure not to lose any speed for the last part of the course. I think it will be quite technical and we are all excited to see what the riders come up with.

And what about the ’80s theme details?
The riders can prove their street skills on the “turntable quarter pipe” at the end of the course. Particularly, I’m pretty proud of the “hot seat”. It is sure to spin riders dizzy.

Nicholi Rogatkin sure likes to think back on the throne from last year. “It was a unique and unforgettable moment when I was riding through the ice rink sitting on a wooden chair with the crowd going nuts. The vibe is always amazing, I can’t wait to be back and defend my title.” In addition to the young American, other well known names like Carson Storch from the USA, Matt Jones from Great Britain and Pavel Alekhin from Russia have already confirmed their attendance. Whether Matt Jones will be able to compete after breaking his arm at Crankworx Rotorua remains to be seen. One guy to watch is the young Swede, Emil Johansson, who wasn’t in attendance last year as he still had yet to compete in an FMB World Tour Event. Check out what he has to say about the ’80s and Swatch Rocket Air.

Emil, flare jeans or slim fit jeans?
Emil: Slim Fit Jeans!

Ghettoblaster oder Spotify?
Emil: Spotify!

What do you think when you hear that Ramon created a ghettoblaster as an obstacle?
A ghettoblaster?! That sounds freaky. I’m super excited to finally be invited and I can’t wait to give my best on the course!

Don’t forget your roller skates and secure yourself a ticket on the webpage: www.rocketair.ch/tickets. More information about the event can be found here.

Photos by: andremaurer.ch

Posted video link: https://youtu.be/7EWzUZE8SGE