ISSA - International Slalom Skateboarding Association

The strategy of bringing on the race so early this year is to encourage a whole new generation of racers here in France.

Most skaters here come from longboarding and are just discovering slalom and realizing that it is complimentary to fast longboard downhill racing and sliding. With these guys fresh to slalom a varied mix of racers will provide the best show.

I just spoke to Luca Giammarco, Italy, as well - The current World Record holder at 100 cones and no 1 in the ISSA World Ranking 1995. He hasn't skated more than a few times since then, but he got the board out of the closet now and is heading for Paris.

Mix that with the Europeans: a big bunch of slalom newbies, a couple of awakened skaters and a group of seasoned pro's and we will have a great mixed "salade de Paris".

Looks like we have quite a diverse mix of racers going over to Paris.
Kenny Mollica has the Power.
Vladi has the tech.
Gilmour out romances the great romancers.
Brewington has tradition and surf style hands.