We’re not really sure EXPN is the best place to read commentary about the X Games in general, as ESPN owns both franchises, however, editor Mary Fenton has written a timely story about the X Games decision to kill the vert competition.
On April 3, ESPN announced the biggest event shakeup since the inception of the X Games. As of this summer, vert, the oldest discipline in the Games, is out, and a new “SuperPark”-type discipline is in for the 14th year of competition.
“It’s time. It’s been time. ESPN’s always a little slow on the uptake. It’s no secret that the vert field has stayed the same for the last decade. It’s no secret that there aren’t any vert ramps for kids to ride outside Southern California. If you want a vert career, you have to move there,” says X Games General Manager Chris Stiepock.
Not to worry, however. We know all the Vert dogs will pretty much do anything to support their rock and roll lifestyles, so it looks like Shaun White is going to have to learn some new tricks. (Wonder if Snowboarder Magazine ever got that SuperPark name trademarked?)
[Link: EXPN]
