SAINT DEEP SUMMER PHOTO CHALLENGE BACK WITH WORLD CLASS PROS

Saint Wildcard Contest On Pinkbike.com Will Determine Sixth Contender

WHISTLER, BC June 30, 2010 – The Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge, Kokanee Crankworx's preeminent photo contest, is back for 2010 with an unbelievable list of confirmed photographers. Joining defending champion Mattias Fredriksson are: Paul Morrison, Sterling Lorence and Jordan Manley.  A fifth pro photographer will be invited, and a wildcard entry, determined through pinkbike.com, will come together in an epic battle for photo supremacy on Wednesday, August 11, 2010. 

The photographers will work against the clock, and each other, to create a slideshow from images shot over three days in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and on Whistler's cross-country trails. Each show will be presented to a live audience of over 1,000 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler with first place taking home $3,000, second place $2,000, third place $1,000 with an additional $1,000 up for grabs for the best photo of the evening.

“Last year's event was incredible and with heavyweights like Paul Morrison, Sterling Lorence and Jordan Manley taking on the current champion Mattias Fredriksson, you know it is going to be on,” says Michelle Leroux, Deep Summer Event Manager. “We are stoked Saint and associate sponsors Evok and Sombrio have come on board. I can't wait to see what these  shooters come up with this year.”

The photographers will rally their athlete teams to embark on three days of intense shooting and editing commencing Friday, August 6. Slideshows will be handed in by the end of the day Monday, August 9. Then, on Wednesday, August 11 at 7pm, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler will play host to the Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge slideshow event.

“After Team Scanada's great success in the Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge last year we are psyched to come back,” says Mattias Fredriksson. “We have kept parts of the team from last year and have signed up a few new, amazing riders as well. It´s gonna be super maximum fun. I'm warming up for Deep Summer with my Scandinavian Photo Challenge taking place in my hometown of Åre, Sweden next week. This event will be a great way to try out some new stuff before coming to Whistler.”

Saint is also launching a wildcard contest on pinkbike.com to determine a sixth photographer to join the competition.  Based on a submission of three photos, one photographer will be chosen to compete.  Photographers interested in becoming the wildcard need to submit their photos at www.pinkbike.com/deepsummer by midnight, July 9, 2010.

Tickets are $17 and on sale now at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations. They can also be purchased over the phone by calling 1.866.218.9690. The inaugural Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge sold out last year and organizers anticipate it will happen again so be sure to purchase tickets in advance.

Get more information at www.crankworx.com/whistler/entertainment/photo-contest and RSVP for the Saint Deep Summer Photo Challenge at facebook.com/crankworx.

Keep up to date on all things Kokanee Crankworx through crankworx.com, facebook.com/crankworx and make sure to add @Crankworx via Twitter for all the latest news.