48 Staight Tour called off

A staggering economy, which has virtually brought the automobile industry to its knees, took its toll on one of snow sports’ brighter new series when the Jeep 48 Straight Tour announced it would not be holding events this season.

A staggering economy, which has virtually brought the automobile industry to its knees, took its toll on one of snow sports’ brighter new series when the Jeep 48 Straight Tour announced it would not be holding events this season.
            “We were caught in the economic crosshairs,” said Kipp Nelson, the founder and visionary behind the tour which featured pipe and cross events for snowboarders and skiers, as well as music by live bands from dawn to dusk. Jeep, which had been the sponsor of the Jeep King of the Mountain series, became a sponsor of the tour when the series merged with 48 Straight prior to last season. But with the auto industry virtually at a standstill, the car maker said it could no longer participate. Loosing its major sponsor was the knockout blow. Athletes from around the globe were stunned and saddened.
            “I am really bummed, it is a big part of our season,’” lamented Nate Holland to Curtis Bacca. Bacca had acted as athlete liaison for the tour since its inception three years ago. He added that he had heard from about 60 athletes, agents and others who were associated with the athletic segment of the tour.
            “The athletes praised the courses which were the best prepared there were,” Bacca recalled, “and they had fun."

The economic downturn did not surprise the athletes Bacca had talked with, mostly they were sad that it (the Tour) can’t happen.

The 2009 Tour de Georgia cycling race was also canceled due to failing sponsorship dollars. Organizers say they will use this time to prepare for an improved race in 2010. The 2008 event was sponsored by AT&T.