STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series 2009 World Championship in Switzerland
Arden Cogar, Jr. to represent the United States

Release Date: September 2009

Media Contact:
Anita Gambill
(757) 486-9151

All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100

Brienz, Switzerland (Sept. 11, 2009) – The mountainous panorama of the Swiss Alps will form the backdrop for the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series World Championship presented by Carhartt on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. The international competition in lumberjack sports brings 19 athletes from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada to vie for the world title in Brienz in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland district.

Arden Cogar, Jr. a seasoned competitor in the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series will represent the United States in the World Championship. Cogar became the 2009 U.S. champion with his victory at the U.S. Finals in June qualifying him for the 2009 World Championship.

United States representative lumberjack Arden Cogar, Jr. Chops through the springboard chop placing third in the
discipline with 52.58 seconds at the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series World Championship in Brienz, Switzerland Sept. 13, 2009

A 39-year-old civil defense trial attorney from Charleston, W. Va. who has been competing in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS^® Series for the last 22 years, Cogar has lumberjacking in his blood. His father competed in the 1980s and 90s followed by his cousin, who also competed in the late 90s. In the 2009 season, a new generation of Cogars took the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series stage, as Arden’s younger cousin, Matt Cogar, 23 years old, showed up with sawdust flying. Matt barely missed advancing to the semifinals and left a lasting impression on all of the professionals.

The gruelling all-around chopping and sawing competition consisting of six disciplines, the hot saw, single buck, springboard chop, standing block chop, stock saw and underhand chop challenges the competitors in strength, endurance, stamina, tool skill and agility.

One of those favored to win the world crown is New Zealand’s Jason Wynyard, who captured the coveted title back in 2006. However, a win for Wynyard is not a given, as the American and European athletes have established themselves as strong competitors.

Multiple title-holder Jason Wynyard from New Zealand saws through the single buck discipline with an impressive
time of 13.10 seconds at the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series World Championship in Brienz, Switzerland Sept. 13, 2009

Some 5,000 spectators are expected at the World Championship in Brienz in the Haslital Region. The traditional Brienz Lumberjack Days will be held September 11 – 12 as a run-up to the World Championship. Brienz is known throughout Switzerland as the village of the woodcarvers.

Worldwide fans of the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series can watch the competition live as it is broadcast for German TV via live webcast at www.stihlusa.com from 5:30 a.m.-noon EDT Sunday, Sept. 13.

About the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® SERIES
The STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® SERIES is an international series of competitions in lumberjack sports. It has its roots in Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. In order to determine the best of their profession, lumberjacks there traditionally held local competitions in lumberjacking. Over time, these contests evolved into professional competitions on a high level of athleticism. Since 2001, the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® SERIES has also been at home in Europe. Here it not only draws up to 10,000 live spectators per event, but also enthralled more than 31 million TV viewers worldwide in 2008. At the national and international competitions of the elite division in lumberjack sports, athletes vie with one another in three axe disciplines and three saw disciplines. The springboard, underhand chop, and standing block chop belong to the classic axe disciplines; in the single buck (one-man cross-cut saw), STIHL stock saw (an ordinary chain saw) and hot saw (tuned up to 80 HP chain saw), the athletes compete for the best times with saws.

STIHL Inc. is the official underwriting sponsor of the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series. The series airs throughout the year on the ESPN2 cable network, and the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Collegiate Series airs on ESPNU. The STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® SERIES is the pinnacle event in lumberjack sports. Since 1985 the Series has grown to become the premier showcase of the decades old sport of lumberjacking with competitions held around the world.

The term TIMBERSPORTS^® is a registered trademark owned by ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG. and refers to the series of disciplines and competitions that are part of the STIHL^® TIMBERSPORTS^® Series. As such, it should not be used as a generic description of the overall sport of lumberjack sports. This trademark refers to all modifications of the term TIMBERSPORTS^® such as timber sports, or timbersport. The term TIMBERSPORTS^® should always appear in conjunction with "STIHL."

More information on this topic and photos can be found at www.stihl-timbersports.com and www.ESPNOutdoors.com/timbersports

About STIHL Inc.

STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through independent servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

About Carhartt, Inc
Established in 1889, Carhartt, Inc. exists to provide best-in-class, durable products for the active worker. Carhartt is a family owned, consumer focused, global company that is respectful of its heritage. We lead the way in developing durable, premium, high quality products and services for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with more than 4,500 employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com.