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| | Tuesday, August 15 ESPN'S alternative sports competition returns | |||||
| After an incredibly successful X Trials in Louisville last year, ESPN will return for their 2000 B3 competition. The Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville, Ky., will host this year's B3 (Bikes, Boards and Blades) competition April 14-16, 2000. Athletes will have the chance to qualify for the 2000 X Games in San Francisco, Calif., at two B3 events this year. "ESPN's decision to return to Louisville, KY for the 2000 B3 was made as a result of the success of the 1999 X Trials, the overwhelming enthusiasm of the city and the positive working relationship ESPN built with the Kentucky Derby Festival," said ESPN Linda Moore, Director of Auxiliary Events. Says Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, Michael E. Berry, "We are absolutely ecstatic that our community and the Kentucky Derby Festival will again host this thrilling competition. This event helps the Festival continue its mission to serve all segments of the community. Bike, boards and blades were a great addition to our traditional B3's balloons, boats and bands." The B3 competition will feature more than 250 athletes from around the world, competing in aggressive in-line skating, skateboarding and bicycle stunt for medals, cash prizes and an open bid to the invitation-only X Games. The event will be televised by ESPN and ESPN 2. All of the competitions will be held at Louisville's Waterfront Park in conjunction with the 2000 Kentucky Derby Festival. There are 3 sport categories with a total of 9 disciplines, including bicycle stunt street, halfpipe and flatland; men's and women's in-line skating, street and halfpipe; skateboarding, street and halfpipe. Spectator admission to the B3 competition is free. For the 2000 B3, ESPN and ESPN 2 will combine to televise approximately 55 hours of programming, including re-airs, encore presentations and 11 hours of original programming. Coverage of the 2000 X Games will total more than 38 hours of original programming, including extensive live coverage. San Francisco, CA will host the X Games Summer 2000. | ALSO SEE B3 Competition Schedule B3 Descriptions 2000 ESPN B3 B3 Organizing and Judging Road to San Francisco X Games | |||||