Swatch Rocket Air Becomes FMB Gold Event

Dec 17, 2015
by Flying Metal  
This year, the Swatch Rocket Air will raise its level in the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour becoming a ”Gold Event.” On the 29th and 30th of April, the beautiful Alpine city of Thun will be hosting one of the 10 most important bike events in the world.

Photo Andre Maurer
Photo: www.andremaurer.ch

The Hunziker brothers and their team can be proud of what they have created. Seven years ago nobody could have imagined the event’s success. “Becoming a gold event is the result of the hard work we have been committed to over the past seven years,“ reports Ramon Hunziker. He goes on to explain the system behind the classification: “There are four different levels in the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour. The Diamond League, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Because the event is rated higher, the riders are able to gain more points towards their overall tour score and therefore, elevates the events importance.”


Photo Manuel Lopez
Photo: Manuel Lopez.

But what does the “Gold” ranking actually mean for the Swatch Rocket Air? “Regarding the Event itself, there won’t be that many changes because of the new level,” in the opinion of Jérôme Hunziker, “We have already been producing a very high level event concerning the course and the level of the riders. What we are expecting is that even more qualified riders will show interest in our event.“ He is also sure that because of the new level, the media presence will grow making the difficult search for sponsors easier.

Photo Andre Maurer
Photo: www.andremaurer.ch.

The boost of event level will be taken as an opportunity to again improve some details. The spectators can look forward to seeing some new things. The team of Swatch Rocket Air is adapting the course as well as the theme for this year’s event. Course builder, Ramon Hunziker, doesn’t want to reveal too much. He already spent hours planning the new course. “It is almost impossible to build a totally different course. At some point we reach a limit because the ice rink of Thun is ultimately a fixed building. But spectators can definitely expect some surprises this year. The event may take place in the Swiss Alps but the riders can get ready for a completely different kind of atmosphere because the theme for the 2016 Swatch Rocket Air will be “into the jungle.“ A horde of crazy monkeys will fight for golden points in the Freeride circus of the FMB World Tour.

Highlight clip 2015.



MENTIONS: @flyingmetal



Author Info:
flyingmetal avatar

Member since Sep 2, 2013
65 articles

16 Comments
  • 14 0
 When I first read the title I though in my head "diamond event" ... I was like what the hell.. then I read Gold event, I can handle that... Its a pretty cool event. They should add more features on, over or wallriding airplanes!
  • 2 0
 i wonder if we will see Semenuk this year.
  • 1 0
 I dont think so Frown
  • 1 0
 This event is totally sick. Love watching the past couple of yrs. Congrats on the event status.
  • 15 0
 that quad truck was insane
  • 10 1
 I dont understand why lamirande didn't win, his run was insane
  • 4 0
 congrats to Jeròme and Ramon
  • 2 0
 Such a great environment at this event. Stands are packed, course is cool! One of the better European stops
  • 4 1
 Sad that if that was in the uk I doubt you will fill many seats to watch it! Years ago yes, now a days no way
  • 2 0
 I would buy a ticket for an event like this in Ontario in a heartbeat.
  • 2 0
 shit. that looks like a great show.
  • 1 0
 About time I would say, this contest is always a blast to watch.
  • 1 1
 Well looks like fmb is dead...
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