How to

Get ready for winter and split

Tips for Splitboarding

Splitboarding is the perfect solution to a socially distanced winter. So skin up, layers on, sticks out and go hike for some solitude and fresh lines.

by DANNY BURROWS – Gigi Rüf’s photos by TOM KINGSNORTH

TSG pro riders Gigi Ruef and Lea Jugovac have already been out splitboarding for early freshies and here share their wisdom on the best way to escape the lift lines and resort lockdowns.

Splitboarding brings you to untouched off-piste snow. Nice pow spray and big smile from Gigi!

I. WHAT IS SPLITBOARDING?

Legend has it that in 1991 Brett “cowboy” Kobernik showed up at Voile with a prototype splitboard and ever since snowboarders have been sliding into the backcountry under their own steam in search of virgin snow. It has had some very famous proponents over the years, including the likes of Jeremy Jones and Travis Rice, but this year over all others it will come into its own.

splitboarding gets you places that lifts can’t.

“Splitboarding gives you opportunity to reach places on the mountain that are not on the usual slopes,” says Lea who is a recent convert to splitboarding. “You get time to enjoy every bit of nature while going up and the best of the snow on the way down.”

Lea enjoys the calm of a splitboarding tour.

A splitboard is a board that splits down the middle to make a pair of fat hiking skis. To ascend on these an adventurous rider sticks skins to the base, which have a similar makeup to sharkskin – smooth in one direction to slide forward and rough in the other for climbing traction.

Make sure that you don’t get your skins stuck together.

“Make sure you don’t get your skins stuck together though,” advises Gigi. “And always clean the snow off the base and skins before you stick them on.” Otherwise you’re likely to lose them on the way up.

Gigi is putting on the skins on his splitboard.

Splitboard bindings are similar to regular bindings but act as a lock and stiffener when the board is assembled. In ski mode the bindings attach to each plank via a front pin that allows the foot to pivot for easy hiking.

Lea Jugovac prepares for the ride down and puts the bindings on her splitboard.

II. Get Familiar with your Gear

Both Gigi and Lea stress that it is essential to grips with your gear before heading out on the hill: “It is easier to learn how to adjust your equipment in the warmth of your home,” says Lea, “but not so easy on the top of the mountain.”

Other bits of essential hardwear are collapsible poles, which can be stashed in a backpack on descents and all the regular snowboard gear that you would usually wear when winter riding. “Dress smart,” adds Lea. “It is best to dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature.” The layering system is comprised of a thermal base layer, windproof and warm second layer and a breathable and waterproof shell.

It is best to dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature.

As you are heading out into the wilds it is imperative that you go with friends, carry avalanche gear, including peeps, poles and a shovel and know how to use them in an emergency. Lea also suggests packing “snacks, water and dry layers and gloves.”

Lea also never rides without her TSG Fly Helmet: “It is so light that you don’t even feel it in your backpack while skinning up,” she claims. It only weight 350g and with a solid outer shell provides ultimate protection. She also packs some extra lenses for her Goggle Four S so she’s prepared for any light conditions the mountain might throw at her – the magnetic lock system makes it easy to swop out lenses even in gloves.

Shop Lea’s Gear

fly solid color

fly

In short splitboarding gets you places that lifts can’t. “It’s the perfect social distancing option,” Lea teases. If you want to get away from the crowds and find new lines with friends then splitboarding is the way to go. “Splitboarding is always a special experience,” chimes in Gigi who is an old hand at hiking and riding. “It’s all about slowing down, being self-sufficient, making your own plans, and getting some exercise and sneaky fresh tracks.”

Gigi among all his gear.

Gigi rocks the TSG Insulation Jacket, a Back Protector, TSG Facemask and like Lea the super light Fly Helmet.

“Splitboarding is a really calming activity for me,” says Lea. “You appreciate riding more because you came up by foot and not with a chairlift and you can reach places that are otherwise not accessible.

Slashing on some untouched terrain.

Make your break from the crowds this winter and go splitboarding. It is snowboarding as Brett “cowboy” Kobernik meant it to be!

Recommended TSG Gear for Splitboarding

fly solid color

fly

119.95 €

vertice wmn solid color

vertice wmn

119.95 €

goggle four

119.95 €

backbone tank A 2.0

159.95 €

insulation jacket

99.95 €

banked beanie

14.95 €

storm mask

14.95 €

backbone vest wmn A

164.95 €

Looking for a Splitboard?

Check out Gigi Ruef’s snowboard brand SLASH by Gigi Rüf

new product

Goggle Four

Our all-new favourite goggle

The brand new Goggle Four is TSG’s latest and greatest contribution to surround vision on the mountain with magnetic lens change system.

Say hello to our brand new Goggle Four and Four S! These amazing supersized goggles, for riders with small to large faces, are equipped with an oversized, distortion-free cylindrical dual-lens that is both anti-fog and anti-scratch treated.

Nick Pünter TSG Goggle Four Fly Snowboard Helmet

Nick Pünter likes the lowchecker design.

The frameless design is one of our team rider’s favourite.

My choice, because the Four fits super nice and the lens can be swopped in seconds.

Michael Schärer, Snowboarder

This lens can be swopped out with the flip of a thumb – even with gloves on – thanks to our magnetic locking system and an easy-grip changing tab.

The magnetic locking system makes it easy to change your lens.

And we even supply a bonus bad weather lens and microfiber goggle bag to keep ‘em in.

Both goggles are also graced with a conformable TPU frame, backed by ergonomic triple-layer face foam for superior comfort, and kept in place with a non-slip 40mm silicone strap.

The larger version fits best from medium to large faces. The small version fits best with small to medium faces.

I love the GOGGLE FOUR for its combination of minimal design and maximum functionality

Markus Keller, TSG Pro Team Snowboarder

Fits perfect with most of our helmets.

Magnetic lens change
Supreme field of vision
Frameless design
Cylindrical dual-lens with anti-fog inner lens and anti-scratch treatment
Frame vent ports
Comes with 2 lenses (for sunny and bad weather conditions)

Goggle Four fits best with these helmet models

Explore all TSG Goggles

Skateistan Campaign

It’s her turn

The power of girls and women inspiring each other

Around the world and in many aspects of life, girls are second in line. That’s about to change. Skateistan aims to support girls to build a better future in which they can thrive. And TSG supports Skateistan! Want to become a supporter too?

I. It’s her turn

Skateistan’s new campaign is called IT’S HER TURN. It focuses on girls’ empowerment and the importance of female role models for girls and young women. A host of prominent women skateboarders supports this campaign. They have contributed to the campaign’s short film (watch below) as well as donating photographs of female skaters to showcase the power of women supporting other women.

Half of Skateistan students are girls

Skateistan runs programs in its 5 locations around the world (Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif and Bamyan in Afghanistan, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Johannesburg, South Africa) and focuses on providing safe spaces for girls, who are often excluded from sports and educational activities. So around half of Skateistan students are girls and all Skate Schools have female General Managers. They provide role models for young girls who might otherwise be limited in their expectations. Because of Skateistan, the highest concentration of female skateboarders in the world can be found in northern Afghanistan.

Girls in Mazar-e-Sharif and Bamyan in Afghanistan

II. Skateistan empowers girls

“All around the world, girls are restricted in many aspects of their lives. It’s often assumed that girls are less interested in sports. But this is often simply that they don’t realize their own potential because of lack of role models, encouragement or access to safe spaces. At Skateistan, we want to challenge that idea and show girls that they can be whatever they want to be.”, says Claire Dugan, Deputy Executive Director at Skateistan.

Therefore, Skateistan provides a safe environment where girls can skate, learn and express themselves. In addition, female leaders and educators can show girls that it’s possible to achieve their dreams.

It’s Her Turn aims to raise $75,000 and will run until the end of July. The campaign will benefit Skateistan students in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa. Around the world, Skateistan has around 2,500 active students, half of whom are girls.

Donate to Skateistan today to give girls a space where they’re supported, encouraged and celebrated. And most importantly, to give them the tools to lead the next generation.

This girl in South Africa is about to drop in.

III. What your support can achieve

$5 can pay for the transport costs of a girl in Mazar-e Sharif to travel safely to and from the Skate School for two weeks.

$30 can provide a session of our peer mentorship program in South Africa, ‘This Girl Can’, where girls come together in a protected space to share support and guidance.

$50 can pay for the additional monthly phone costs for staff in Kabul to stay connected with our female students during Covid19 and ensure they can keep progressing from home.

$120 can pay for a young girl who has been displaced by conflict to attend three weeks of the Back-to-School program in Afghanistan, including transport, a healthy meal and learning supplies.

Learn more here: www.skateistan.org/itsherturn

FIND OUT MORE OF WHAT TSG CARES ABOUT

Story

TSG Team Rides out the Lockdown

Views on the Olympic Games postponement

Read the TSG riders views on the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and how they are staying fit and happy in lockdown.

by DANNY BURROW

I. Postponement of the Summer Olympics

On March 6, with a quarter of the world in quarantine, the IOC reluctantly announced the postponement of the summer Olympics, for the first time in the Game’s 124-year history.

When things get this serious, sport comes in second to life

With a heavy heart, Shinzo Abe, the PM of the host nation, promised that the Tokyo Games would take place “no later than next summer,” and a generation of Olympic hopefuls, including a bunch of TSG team riders, let off the gas of peak performance and settled into lockdown.

“When things get this serious, I think sport comes in second to life.” Renton Millar, professional vert skater, legendary TSG team rider and an official on the organisational side of Olympic qualifying events.

skateboarder in the air tsg team rider Renton Millar

The Australian Olympic Skateboard Team could not get a better coach than Renton Millar. He still sends it!

The unravelling of this leviathan of a sporting event, described as a union of 28 world championships, began in January as boxing and women’s Olympic football, in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, were cancelled or relocated. And over the next two months sickness, cancellations and lockdowns ploughed furrows through level playing field of competition, a pillar of the Olympic ethos.

II. It was a no brainer to postpone

For many of the athletes and associations postponement was really the only option from the very start of the pandemic: “It was a no brainer to postpone,” says Juergen Horrwarths, who skated for many years on the TSG pro team and is now the official coach to the German Olympic skate team. “Some national teams had already declared not taking part and I suppose we would have done the same…”

Juergen Horrwarth portrait men with helmet

Jürgen Horrwarth coaches the german skateboard team

Canada, Australia and Norway were the first countries to withdraw their teams and after a survey of national athletes, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee joined them: A statement on the TeamUSA website read: “Our most important conclusion from this broad athlete response is that even if the current significant health concerns could be alleviated by late summer, the enormous disruptions to the training environment, doping controls and qualification process can’t be overcome in a satisfactory manner.”

III. The importance of the public

One suggestion being batted around the marble corridors of the IOC was that the Games could be run without spectators but this, according to many athletes, would have diminished the experience of the Games and also the potential performance of athletes.

the crowd atmosphere is the biggest motivator

“In my experience the crowd atmosphere is the biggest buzz in skating contests and the biggest motivator for you to skate outside your comfort zone,” says Renton Millar, who has plenty of experience putting down tricks in packed arenas. “I would assume the roar of the crowd at the first Olympic skateboarding event would be something that would be remembered for a long time.” This is an opinion shared by BMX champion and French Olympic hopeful, Anthony Jeanjean: “When there are spectators the atmosphere pushes us to excel and exceed our limits. Without (them) the events are not the same.”

Anthony Jeanjean at Fise Wolrd Montpellier 2019

Anthony Jeanjean is convinced that the crowd is a huge motivator. photo: FISE

IV. How to stay fit during lockdown

Officially in lockdown and with a year’s reprieve from the heat of the Olympic flame athletes could ease off the gas yet would still have to keep up a professional level of fitness under the “stay at home” restrictions. TSG team rider and vert skater Jono Schwan began channelling his energy into his home gym and flatland tricks: “With pretty much everything closed, fitness and training has had to change up a bit,” he says with a laugh. “Most of the exercises we are doing at home are just calisthenics and weights but to try to keep on the board I’ve just been doing stationary tricks indoors. It’s not the same as a skatepark,” he adds wryly, “but a fun new challenge!”

tsg team rider skateboarder jono schwan upside down

Jono Schwan is not going to the Olympic Games, but like all other athletes he is affected by the lockdown and has to find new ways to stay fit, as skate parks are currently closed.

For other athletes the lockdown provided a welcome and unexpected rest. “At some point I‘m actually happy about the situation,” jokes TSG mountain bike team rider Lucas Huppert, who has been staying “fit and strong” doing home workouts, running and enduro rides. “I‘m having my first holiday of more than three days at home in four years and it’s meant I can finally find some time to relax.”

Lucas Huppert mountain bike TSG team rider

Lucas Huppert back in the days in Canada, when travelling was as normal as washing your hands. Photo: Dominik Bosshard

V. Outlook to 2021

In the end we are all in this together and all we can do is stay home, stay fit and protect key workers and health services. Sports events like the Olympics will be back bigger and better before “the fat lady sings” and as German freestyle BMX prodigy and TSG team rider Lara Lessmann suggests, “many athlete will be even better in 2021 than 2020”. Renton Millar is also optimistic about the future games: “Hopefully by the time of the 2021 Olympics the whole world is well, truly ahead of this situation and the event will be a big celebration of life.”

TSG must have product bmx Lara Lessmann TSG Evolution Helmet clear white

Lara Lessmann is prepared for 2021. Photo: Kira Eilenna

In the meantime, Juergen Horrwarths advice is to “keep calm and keep up the spirit of sports by challenging yourself with different physical and mental exercises. Keep things fun, stay positive in your thoughts, be aware and responsible and above all, always try to be grateful for life!”

“See you in the park, on the mountain and on the trails, when the time is right,” says TSG’s CEO Ruedi Herger. “And in the meantime, stay safe!”

Read interview with Anthony Jeanjean about the lockdown and the postponement of the games

Team rider video

Kabbani

A film about changing priorities

Amir Kabbani is one of Germany’s best freeride mountain bikers and on TSG since ages. Now comes a film about his biking career.

Watch video now

I. Kabbani

Amir Kabbani is one of the best freeride mountain bikers in Germany and riding for and with TSG since more than a decade.

mountain bike rider with TSG Full Face Helmet

Always focused!

Amir made his first appearance at the District Ride 2006 in Nuremberg. At that time he was 17 years old. Later he was up front at the FMB World Tour, doing the most radical tricks of this time. Everything was going great until a serious accident threw him to the ground. Amir’s body recovered quickly, but something in his mind changed…

It’s about being in that moment

Along with Lukas Tielke, with whom Amir has worked successfully in the past, he has filmed a video about himself . This film gives special insights into his life and the process of facing and embracing change. It’s not about regretting – it is about honesty and growth.

Besides riding, building trails and jumps in the wood is Amir’s second passion.

„Its been a true process putting this film together with my old friend Lukas Tielke. After not working together for 6 years, it just felt like it’s time to create something unique and different. Over the years we both kinda moved on with things and mainly tried to showcase this. Can’t wait to show what we came up with.“, states Amir Kabbani.

Enjoy the video:

II. Kabbani Style

Get Amir’s style & protection

evolution solid color

evolution

59.95 €

kneeguard tahoe A

109.95 €

shinguard samir

69.95 €

tsg sock

9.95 €

drop rain jacket

159.95 €

TSG saved my life

Thank you TSG

Gerd’s story

TSG team rider Gerd Skant tells his story about how TSG saved his life.

Story and photos by GERD SKANT

Thank you TSG

I was riding my local trails in Graz in Austria with my buddy and TSG ambassador Cri Meierhofer.

Seconds later I was lying on the ground

I know these trails by heart and we just had an easy run. Suddenly my front tire slipped and seconds later I was lying on the ground. I really don’t remember what had happened. It was not a technical section or anything special, it happened just our of the blue.

Mountain biker Gerd Skant on a trail in the wood

My local trails

Cri told me that I fell over the bar and my head crashed into a tree. Luckily I was wearing my TSG Scope helmet and I walked away without any serious injury.

Thank you TSG!

Big dent in my helmet, not at my head.

Always remember to replace your helmet after a crash with impact and do not use it any longer. Your helmet absorbs the impact energy by partial destruction of the EPS foam of the inner shell, this might not be visible.

Follow Gerd Skant on Instagram.

Gerd rides with our TSG Scope helmet:

scope solid color

scope

124.95 €

Jason Watts

BMX in South Africa

Last call to lockdown

TSG’s Jason Watts did a trip to South Africa right before the Corona Lockdown. The video released after this trip is just epic.

photos by WAYNE REICHE

BMX in South Africa

Jason Watts together with Greg Illingworth, Boyd Hilder, Dan Lacey, Murray Loubser and Corey Walsh trip around South Africa, riding some of the best ditches, pools and street spots in the world! The vibe on this trip was incredible and the video captures the true energy and beauty of South Africa and the crew.

Jason Watts states about his South Africa experience:

“My South Africa trip was incredible but also risky at the same time. A lot of countries around that time were starting to close their boarders because of the corona virus. I felt as tho it was a once in a life time trip so just sent it and I wasn’t disappointed one bit.

Greg set up the most bad ass trip with some of the best dudes. We got to ride some incredible spots, eat so good food and see so many crazy situations and animals.

Even tho the trip got cut short and I had to fly home early, I still had an amazing time and recommend anyone if they get the chance to ride any sorta bikes in South Africa, DO IT!..

One of my favourite go to tricks is a one foot tabes and even better was to be able to make the locals stoked while doing it. Most people who where watching have never seen bmx before and seeing the smiles on there faces was awesome. This session is one I’ll remember for years to come.

Flair tabes – Funny that I only usually do this trick a couple times a year and usually always at a drain for some reason. This setup in the middle of no where was too good not to give one a go and it turn out nice thank you Wayne for the shot

Last call to lockdown

Now enjoy watching the beautiful vibes of this trip and country.

Jason rides with the Dawn Flex Helmet

dawn flex solid color

dawn flex

74.95 €

TSG saved my life

My helmet had done its job

Renton’s story

Australian skateboarder and TSG legend Renton Millar tells you about his last major slam during a Madonna. Luckily his TSG Evolution helmet had done its job.

Story and photos by RENTON MILLAR

Unfortunately I can speak with experience about hitting my head, although luckily I don’t think I have had any majorly heavy hits.

I’ve had over 13 concussions

I’ve had over 13 concussions, a lot that had me out for a second, or a few minutes. None were enjoyable, but looking back I’m just glad I’ve never had to spend weeks in hospital, or been in any sort of coma. I’ve done it without helmets, in many different brands, and of course in certified helmets. For the past decade or so I have ridden TSG, so I can say I have been lucky in that time as I can say as a person with experience, they offer the best possible protection.

My helmet did its job

The last time I had a head hit was this year. I promised myself I wouldn’t do it again, but I was very keen, and was skating a rad ramp, with a great crew. It was Jeff Grosso’s ramp in California. And I was stoked to be skating with the man himself.

I started to blast, and I made a mistake on a Madonna

TSG saved my life broken helmet Renton Millar

Renton’s helmet did its job and took all the impact energy. So his head stayed safe!

As the session got on, I started to blast, and I made a mistake on a Madonna. A pretty staple trick for me, but I got tangled up, and bailed on my board. My body whipped and I hit my head. I knew from the second I hit, it could have been very gnarly, but luckily I didn’t hit really hard. I was in the USA to judge the first Olympic qualifier the day after the next day and I needed my brain!

After I slammed I checked my helmet, as I tried to regain my dizzy thoughts. There was a big crack in my TSG Evolution helmet… it had done its job. I couldn’t believe the crack was so big, but my head didn’t seem to take a great deal of force. I was concussed, but I got out of it.

Thanks TSG, yet again!

evolution

74.95 €

Discover more Evolution helmets

Interview

How the Tokyo Games Lockdown Impacts Athletes

With BMX freestyle rider Anthony Jeanjean

In January 2020 World and European BMX Freestyle Champion Anthony Jeanjean was preparing to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. Read here his thoughts about the postponement of the games.

by DANNY BURROW

The Olympic Games were not to be

In January 2020 World and European BMX Freestyle Champion Anthony Jeanjean was preparing to compete in the Tokyo Olympics. It would be the maiden appearance of his discipline at the Games and Anthony was amped to have qualified and that sport would get the exposure it deserved: “Our sport is still little known and I think that with events like the Olympic Games, which reach people all over the world, it will evolve and more young people will start BMX.”

But the Games were not to be. On March 6, with a quarter of the world’s population in quarantine, the IOC postponed the Tokyo Games for the first time in its 124-year history. Shinzo Abe, the PM of the host nation, promised that they would take place “no later than next summer” and athlete’s the world over breathed a collective sigh of relief.

How had it affected Anthony’s plans?

Having watched the level playing field of the Games evaporate under lockdown and through and illnesses the postponement was long overdue and finally athletes like Anthony take their foot off the gas, settle into lockdown and recalibrate their sights on summer 2021.

TSG caught up with Anthony, at home in France, and asked him about the postponement of the Tokyo Games, how it had affected his plans and aspirations and how he was staying positive in lockdown.

Anthony before the lockdown when the world felt just normal.

How do you feel about the postponement of the Tokyo Games to 2021?

The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games is very sad because the athletes have been waiting for the event and preparing for it. It has impacts us a lot but I must look at things in a positive light: I will be able to work hard for the next year and get ready for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.

With the disruption to training and qualification process it must have come as a relief to finally have a clear decision made to postponement of the Olympics?

Obviously, this situation has affected our training and preparation greatly but the decision to postpone the Olympic Games to 2021 was inevitable. Really, we were waiting for the decision so that we could recalibrate our training properly.

How had Coronavirus affected your training and qualification schedule before the postponement?

It had a big impact and now I cannot ride as the BMX parks are closed and we cannot train. I am continuing my physical preparation at home because it is important to stay in shape so I am ready to ride at the highest level once all this is over. For the Olympic qualification, all the qualifying competitions were postponed or cancelled, so the date of the end of the qualifying period might also been postponed to 2021. This is so that the countries that had as yet not qualified can try to qualify.

Anthony Jeanjean athlere bmx doing excercise during covid-19

Staying fit during the lockdown.

Would it have been inappropriate, in your opinion, for the Games to proceed as planned? And had they gone ahead would you have had reservations about taking part?

Indeed, given the situation the main priority has to be health of the sportsmen, the staff and the public. And, at the moment, it is also the health of the whole world that we need to worry about. I think given the world situation, it is better that the Olympic Games takes place in 2021.

One option being discussed before postponement was to hold the Games without spectators. The charged atmosphere of a packed stadium must be a huge incentive to perform up to and beyond your limits: Would you agree?

Yes, when there are spectators the atmosphere pushes us to excel and exceed our limits. Without spectators the events are not the same. This was the first time that BMX Freestyle will be represented at the Olympic Games and it is a historic moment for our sport. I think it is very important that everyone benefits from this event and that it takes place in the best possible way for both athletes and the public.

Do you feel that by postponing the games all athletes will be able to complete on a level playing field in the summer of 2021?

The postponement of the Olympics gives us one year to prepare and this is the same for all athletes, as we are all in the same boat. We are waiting for the decision of the IOC with regard to the change in the qualification procedures and are hoping that this decision will be fair and even-handed for all countries.

It is necessary to overcome and move forward.

it is important to move forward.

How are you staying in touch with your team and training partners in these unprecedented times?

I try to keep in touch with my loved ones on social media and phone. The French team organizes videoconferences with its athletes twice a week with staff. This is to do our physical preparation sessions and also to keep in touch. Also to maintain my physical condition I play sports at home. I have several sessions per week, including stretching. But it is also important to stay healthy in your mind and keep up your moral and a good pace of life.

What advice do you have to athletes and sports fans around the world?

For me, I am extremely motivated, I have specific objectives and I know what I must do to achieve them. This situation is a test of life and as always it is necessary to overcome and move forward. I think it is very important to keep in shape by doing regular physical activity at home; to stay in touch with loved ones; and staying motivated. It’s a complicated time for the whole world, but you have to keep a positive mind, as it will all be over soon.

TSG would like to send their best wishes to everyone out there in lockdown. We will all be out riding, skating and biking soon. But in the meantime stay safe, stay fit and stay positive. One love!

Want to know which TSG products our riders use? Watch our What I Ride playlist on youtube.

What I Ride – Alban Aubert – Kneeguard Temper A 2.0

What I Ride – Alban Aubert – TSG Knee-Sleeve & Elbow Sleeve Dermis A

What I Ride – Daniel Wedemeijer – TSG Kneeguard Tahoe A

What I Ride: Jono Schwan – TSG Knee-Gasket Brace AD

What I Ride – Jason Watts – TSG Dawn Flex Helmet

Team Rider recommendation

Wearing the right protection

How mountain bike enduro champs stay safe

Mountain bike racers and enduro champions Mary & Mike regularly put their bodies on the line. So they know exactly what gear they need to stay safe. Read more about Mary McConneloug’s experiences.

by MARY MCCONNELOUG – 23. April 2020

I. Why we ride with TSG

As racers, putting our bodies on the line is something we do regularly, with out abandon… Giving time and energy into being fit, healthy and ready to go has become second nature. The gear and protection we use in training and competition is key to staying safe.

Designed in Switzerland

Mike sends it, landing on the masters podium EWS Rotorua, New Zealand – wearing the Advance Carbon Full Face Helmet and the Knee-Shinguard Temper A 2.0. Mary on a scenic ride in front of the Matterhorn.

Mike and I are stoked to be partnering with TSG for our helmet and body armor protective needs. All TSG products are well designed (in Switzerland) by athletes for athletes, so they are comfortable, low profile and offer the best sport specific protection to athletes of all levels. From Kids to professionals, TSG strives to comply with or do better than certification standards!

Zermatt offers some epic rides.

II. Protective gear that keeps its promises

This year, I took a few good tumbles, hits, dings and ‘over the bars’ – even landing on my head and face in two cases! I felt lucky, or more like prepared (!), to get up unscathed. I could feel the impact was cushioned perfectly inside my helmet, protecting me from serious harm.

Sport can be dangerous – so please arm yourself!

Thank you TSG for having our backs!

Mike fully kitted in TSG in Canazei, Italy at the EWS Val Di Fassa 2019.

If you are brainstorming for your next piece of protection or a useful cool gift – check out TSG’s bike safety gear for every rider type. From helmets to ankle pads and everything in between, a snug low profile fit is key to both comfort and safety.

Here’s a little video of me showing some of the pieces I ride just before racing in Northstar, CA.

Watch more of our videos here: https://vimeo.com/mikeandmaryride

Mike Broderick and Mary McConneloug mountain bikers

Ready to ride! Mary and Mike above Val di Fassa in Italy.

III. What protection we wear

Thanks to TSG from protecting our greatest assets – our head and bodies!

scope solid color

scope

124.95 €

protective shirt l/s tahoe pro A 2.0

174.95 €

knee-shinguard temper A 2.0

134.95 €

elbow-sleeve dermis A

74.95 €

ankle support

64.95 €

crash pant all terrain

69.95 €

riot sock

44.95 €

IV. Some words about the current lockdown situation

It has been a challenging few months. With pressure to get ready for the race season, prepare physically, mentally and financially to set out on another year of racing always takes a lot of energy… And then with the current global situation with Covid19 is like having the rug pulled out from under us all, so to speak. It is unfortunate that we have to postpone our racing and travel but we fully respect the decisions to postpone our events as the health of the world is the priority.

To all the riders out there we would like to say – Be patient with this process, and proud of the work you have put into your fitness, it is not over! keep smiling and seek your next goals on the horizon as you continue to flow this trail in a positive way.

We are in this all together. It is a time to think outside the box, find new ways to connect and enjoy life.

How to

Get ready for winter and split

Tips for Splitboarding

I. WHAT IS SPLITBOARDING?

II. Get Familiar with your Gear

Shop Lea’s Gear

fly solid color

goggle four S

replacement lens goggle four S

replacement lens goggle four S

replacement lens goggle four S

replacement lens goggle four S

III. WHY GO SPLITBOARDING?

Recommended TSG Gear for Splitboarding

fly solid color

vertice wmn solid color

goggle four

backbone tank A 2.0

insulation jacket

banked beanie

storm mask

backbone vest wmn A

Looking for a Splitboard?

new product

Goggle Four

Our all-new favourite goggle

Goggle Four fits best with these helmet models

fly solid color

arctic kraken solid color

konik 2.0 solid color

tweak solid color

fly asian fit solid color

Shop it

goggle four

goggle four

Goggle Four S fits best with the following helmets

lotus solid color

vertice wmn solid color

Shop it

goggle four S

Explore all TSG Goggles

Skateistan Campaign

It’s her turn

The power of girls and women inspiring each other

I. It’s her turn

II. Skateistan empowers girls

III. What your support can achieve

Learn more here: www.skateistan.org/itsherturn

FIND OUT MORE OF WHAT TSG CARES ABOUT

Story

TSG Team Rides out the Lockdown

Views on the Olympic Games postponement

I. Postponement of the Summer Olympics

II. It was a no brainer to postpone

III. The importance of the public

IV. How to stay fit during lockdown

V. Outlook to 2021

Read interview with Anthony Jeanjean about the lockdown and the postponement of the games

Team rider video

Kabbani

A film about changing priorities

I. Kabbani

II. Kabbani Style

evolution solid color

kneeguard tahoe A

shinguard samir

tsg sock

drop rain jacket

TSG saved my life

Thank you TSG

Gerd’s story

Thank you TSG

Gerd rides with our TSG Scope helmet:

scope solid color

Read more TSG saved my life stories

Jason Watts

BMX in South Africa

Last call to lockdown

BMX in South Africa

Jason Watts states about his South Africa experience: