Audi Nines Returns, Adds Women to its Invitation List
The four-year-old event has added six female riders to its roster, three of whom have committed to attending
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
The Audi Nines MTB slopestyle and freeride event returns for the fourth consecutive year this August in Germany, and for the first time, will add women to its invitation-only roster. Casey Brown, Veronique Sandler, Caroline Buchanan, Joey Gough, Kathi Kuypers and Robin Goomes are the six female invitees, with Brown, Buchanan and Sandler already committed to participate. The event brings together a group of the world’s best slopestyle and freeride mountain bikers in a re-purposed stone quarry in Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate state for a week of non-stop action and progression on the highest level.
“I’ve been a big fan of this event for many years, and I think having us ladies included in 2021 is huge, ” Sandler said. “In my opinion, the format of a big session in a non-competitive environment is the perfect recipe for creativity and progression in women’s freeride and is exactly what is needed to develop the sport further and inspire more women to get amongst it. I can’t wait to send it with these awesome riders.”
On the men’s side, four-time Crankworx Slopestyle winner Emil Johansson, Nicholi Rogatkin, Bienvenido Aguado, Szymon Godziek, Sam Reynolds and Thomas Lemoine are committed, while local legends such as Erik Fedko, Nico Scholze and Lukas Knopf are also planning to attend.
The Big Air, Slopestyle, Freeride lines will be playfully expanded and intertwined, facilitating multiple options and riding experiences. These lines will all converge into a classic Audi Nines multi-hit-mega-feature that’s sure to bring the heat. More details on the set-up design will be released soon.
Course builders Sam Reynolds, Andi Brewi and Clemens Kaudela are already deep into discussions with the riders, planning a new and interweaving course design that will incorporate new terrain in the Quarry, giving riders the option to find creative lines from top to bottom.
“Again, with uncertain times, we weren’t sure if we were able to pull off another Audi Nines, but I’m stoked to say we are going for it,” Reynolds said. “Events like these are becoming more and more relevant, with riders frothing to throw down their new moves on the best courses. I can’t wait to see not only what the boys will bring this year but also the ladies too.”
The “Become a Nine” online video contest offers two amateur or professional mountain bikers the chance to win a wildcard entry to the Audi Nines MTB 2021 and showcase their talent on a global stage. Alongside the men’s entry, this year, we are proud to debut the addition of a women’s wildcard spot. The deadline to submit entries for the contest is 15th August 2021. Learn more at www.audinines.com.
With the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, the Audi Nines team has decided not to host a public viewing day to maintain the safest and most stable environment for staff and riders.
For more news on this unique intersection of action sports, cutting-edge course design and top-notch media content, stay tuned to Audi Nines platforms and www.audinines.com.