(Menomonie, Wisc.) – The first of the STIHL®TIMBERSPORTS® Series events will begin in Menomonie, Wisc. Aug. 6-7, marking the Series' 20th anniversary. The Series launches a new format this year with athletes competing in an Olympic-style pool elimination. A field of axe men and sawyers expanded from 28 to 32 will compete to determine which 16 will make it to the second round, Aug. 26-27 in Lake Charles, La.
As always, spectators will be riveted to the action by a variety of gut-wrenching, sweat-flying disciplines, such as the Single Buck, Stock and Hot Saw, Underhand, Standing and Springboard Chops. Only the best are invited to compete and top athletes from all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, will participate this season.
"Spectators will witness the precision, power and speed of professional axe men competing at breakneck speeds,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. "If you have ever watched the Series on ESPN and said ‘Bet I could do that,' once you see the competition up close you will know that it's not that easy.”
Before the wood chips start flying and the competition begins, a Youth Experience Day will be held Friday, Aug. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Wakanda Park in Menomonie. More than 160 local children will have the opportunity to witness demonstrations by STIHL®TIMBERSPORTS® competitors, get autographs from their favorites and receive free giveaways.
For the third consecutive year, the collegiate series returns to STIHL®TIMBERSPORTS® and as initiated last year, the winner automatically receives a bid into the following year's regular TIMBERSPORTS events. Last year's Collegiate Champion, Michael Koers, will be the first to do so when he joins the field of 32 this year.
Contestants will compete for points and qualifying positions in the overall battle for the 2005 STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® championship title, a new Dodge RAM pick-up truck, a prize purse valued at more than $250,000 and a shot at being called World Champion.
Dodge, the official truck of the STIHL®TIMBERSPORTS® Series, will showcase some of the latest Dodge vehicles, and Carhartt, official workwear sponsor for the Series, will operate its show trailer with displays and prizes. ESPN2 and for the first time, ESPNU, will air the events this December and rebroadcast it throughout the year.
For more information log on to
www.stihltimbersports.com
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 servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. 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 STIHL Web site at
www.stihlusa.com
.
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to
www.stihlcareers.com
. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
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