TITUS Locals Only 2024 - The final in Cologne

Even though the starting field was anything but small compared to many other events, it was still somehow manageable. This may also be due to the fact that many of the riders already have a certain amount of contest experience and therefore aren't always out on the surface. Even at the Best Trick Contest, which kicked off the event early on Saturday evening, not everyone went for it like crazy, but instead limited themselves to the obstacle that suited them best. It all started at the picnic table, which by its very nature was more for the riders who brought the right pop with them. Henry Alberts had this and did what felt like 10 tricks, with the Bs Smith to Bs Tailslide somehow being the most innovative. This was followed by the Bank to Rail and the Hip and everyone who managed a serious trick was generously rewarded with stuff. In addition, Tonale Rubicon, who was visiting Cologne from Mexico for a few weeks, received a wildcard to take part in the actual contest on Sunday for his performance on all three obstacles. That was it for Saturday, at least in the hall. A large number of people headed to the ‘Goldener Schuss’, where the Vans video premiere took place in the evening and rounded off the day all the more.  

On Sunday, the competition continued punctually at 12 noon, which was certainly not so easy for some thanks to the previous evening. Nevertheless, somehow everyone made it and the competent judges around Steffi Wolter, Tim Otto, Sascha Rainer Schmidt and Thomas Uhlendahl were able to do their job. As usual, Jeremy Reinhardt acted as Master MC and those who weren't driving enjoyed the glorious summer day outside or the perfect catering in the adjoining hall. And yes, there was always enough beer available.

Let's move on to the riders, who always create a special tension at a locals-only final, especially if you already know them and their skateboarding quite well. This excitement arises explicitly when you look at riders you either saw at this very final last year or haven't seen at all. Julius Christmann, for example, was already there last year, but only more than deservedly made it to the final this year. Gabriel Kahl was there for the first time in 2024, but always ended up in the following round and also fully deserved to be in the final. And Henry Alberts, yes, I've seen him at quite a few events throughout the year and he's simply in a different class - but it's not his fault that he doesn't have a sponsor.