The Faction Collective team update from three corners of the world

March has been a productive month for the Faction team spread around the globe. Recently young Faction rider Niklas Erikkson was awarded the "Superunknown" award at the Jon Olsson Invitational a multi-day event held in Sweden with some of the best established riders and emerging talent like Niklas. He pulled of tricks like his patented 900 and the all too sick double flip.

 

 

For more news about Niklas in Sweden and a short edit showing what he has up his sleeve go to:

http://www.level1productions.com/news.php?id=221

 

On the North American side of things Mark Dvorak and Mike Mertion have been hard at work with Rage Productions for next year's film to follow up on the success of "Such is Life" which had segments nominated for the 09 Powder Awards in Aspen. They have been building big jumps in the backcountry with all the spring dumps and throwing down for what should be some exciting segments for Rage.

 

 

Mike Mertion always stays busy and as soon as he got some solid footage with Rage he headed to Silver Mountain to join another Faction rider Alex Wall at the Idafail, an all expense paid superpark photoshoot organized by Eric Norman aka Tight Pants Eric. It was a great weekend and a cool opportunity for Mike and Alex to hang out with friends and see what cool things they could come up with like this tree smackdown that Mike set up for the cameras.

 

Photos by Mason Mashon, Brian Frost & Sam Nelson

 

Back on the Alps side of things the snow kept falling in late March and it was time for some big mountain glory. Canadian ex-pat in Switzerland and Faction big mountain charger Jonas Delogne stepped up to some pretty nice cliffs and handled them with style.

 

Photos courtesy of Tero Repo

 

 

And here in Marrecots...........

 

 

Laurent Belin got in the game during the deep snow and even scammed some chalet pillows

 

photo courtesy of Sergey

 

So what a winter so far now that its drawing to close. In Europe its been sick all season and now North America is enjoying a snow filled spring. Even after the late dumps its time to enjoy the sunshine and appreciate the great season we have all been fortunate enough to have. French team rider Bastien Brouqueyre has pushed his season by organizing the "Shooting Perfect Jump Flaine". He has invited friends and riders on the French scene to the park at Flaine, provided lodging and passes for what should be a weekend to remember at the French resort not far from Chamonix. Stay tuned for images after this weekend with the jump already under construction. For more info if your in the area go to:

 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=733640308#/event.php?eid=78284599828&ref=ts