Brett Rheeder is the new VIENNA AIR KING

This year’s winner at Vienna Air King comes from Canada and his name is Brett Rheeder. He convinced the judges with two extremely diverse winning runs. Next to him on the podium, was Belgian Rider Thomas Genon (2nd) and Sam Reynolds from the UK (3rd). On Saturday Pavel Alekhin from Russia won the Panasonic Best Trick with a brand new, never seen before trick.

This year’s edition of VIENNA AIR KING was without a doubt the biggest and most successful in the history of the event. Despite a slight chill, there were stable weather conditions and the massive dirt jump course built on Vienna’s “Rathausplatz” was ridable throughout the competition. During the finals riders had three runs of which the average from their top two made the final result. It was obvious that Brett Rheeder felt at ease on the course as he laid down the most spectacular tricks in his winning runs. The Canadian rider from Toronto said: "I’m stoked to win my first FMB World Tour 2013 event, it’s a great way to start the year. I had a great time in Vienna and I’m looking forward to the next events."

After the pre-qualifications on Friday it became obvious, even for the untrained eye that the athletes were going to put on a world-class contest packed with the biggest tricks. Moreover, three pre-qualifying riders particularly impressed the judges with their performance going to the finals on Sunday.

On Saturday afternoon, one athlete in particular electrified the atmosphere during the Panasonic Best Trick contest: Pavel Alekhin! The Russian showman chose to premiere the first ever backflip barspin to barspin to tailwhip right here at VIENNA AIR KING. With this amazingly complex trick he won the Panasonic Best Trick contest and went home with the 1,000 Euro prize money and a Panasonic camera.

The chilly spring weather did not stop 120,000 visitors from coming to visit the ARGUS BIKE FESTIVAL. This turnout is the highest on record. Most of the visitors were attracted by the promise of great mountain biking action and they were not disappointed.

The VIENNA AIR KING has officially kicked off the FMB World Tour 2013 in Europe and from the action shown in Vienna, it is clear that the battle for the overall world title will be a thrilling one. The organizers and sponsors of the event are thankful to the spectators and are already looking forward to the next edition.