The party is back. Affected by Covid-19, the Fise (International Festival of Extreme Sports) has remained silent since 2019. Digital editions have made it possible to maintain the link between the third largest event organized in France and the millions of enthusiasts. But nothing can replace the fervor of the 600,000 spectators along the Lez. It will again make Montpellier vibrate for five days, from May 25 to 29. The program for this 25th edition was unveiled on Thursday. And it makes you salivate
The world’s top level. The Fise is first and foremost a very high level and 2,000 riders who amaze the spectators who come to witness their prowess. Seven disciplines will support world cup events. Like BMX Freestyle, which has become an Olympic discipline in Tokyo: the 70 best in the world will be present in Montpellier. Or BMX Flatland, with the presence of the top of the discipline. “Our first mission twenty-five years ago when I launched the Fise, which was still a student project, was to democratize these sports and highlight them, evokes Hervé André-Benoît, the creator of the event. . Their presence at the Olympics is the best example of this. »
Urban cultures. The Fise is also a constant openness to emerging cultures. Among the ten disciplines, not all are framed in competitions. Like Bike life, a booming discipline, where bikers spend most of their time on their rear wheel. She will be invited to the Fise. Others grew up during the pandemic, like breakdance or Parkour (popularized in France by Ninja Warrior). The first was invited three years ago. Having become Olympic, it will support a World Cup stage in Montpellier. “Training and dancing on the Fise stage while competing in an official competition is a real source of pride for us”, savors Carlota Dudek, one of the great French hopes in the discipline.
Cultures alternatives. But the Fise is also and perhaps above all a mixture of sport and celebration. And the organizers are careful not to lose sight of what has been the festival’s DNA and success for years. “Art and music are an integral part of ‘action sports’,” continues Hervé André-Benoît. It is very important that these universes can continue to meet”. For that, nothing better than the three evenings organized on the forecourt of the town hall with BMX, rollerblading, scooter and skateboard competitions. But also contemporary music concerts. In these alternative cultures, street art has its place. Two areas will be dedicated to it, one in the chill zone, a relaxation area dedicated to festival-goers, another near the street park.
popular cultures. If the Fise is a very high level festival, its particularity is to remain open to all practitioners. Amateur competitions are organized in parallel during the five days. Appointments that strengthen the link between the largest extreme sports festival in the world and those who have fun practicing it on a daily basis.
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