Planet News Archive ... ... for the week of April 16-22, 2006 Monday
(April 17, 2006)
Cactus Classic Canceled Again
 Unable to find financial backing, the Cactus Classic will once again skip a beat in 2006. "We've been trying to find some money — but there's just nothing," said lead organizer Edward Wachter. (Go to Planet story.) Mantia, Bowe Win Again in Florida
 Luigino's duo lightning bolts Joey Mantia and Brittany Bowe blazed the way at the weekend's Tampa Classic Invitational in Florida. Mantia proved particularly dominating, easily winning all three of Sunday's outdoor events. (Go to Planet story.) Skate Bytes ...
Healthy Saturdays jumped a high curb Friday when it was approved unanimously by San Francisco's land use committee. The measure would ban cars from a portion of Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park on Saturdays. (Go to more info.) Tuesday
(April 18, 2006)
Naomi Goes Crazy in Singapore
 And we've got the video to prove it! Cone weaving, leg pretzels, assorted Crazies ... the English freestyle champ does it all in this video from her recent Asian holiday. (Go to Naomi Grigg video.) Austin Gets New Training Program
 Austin skate instructor Richard Littrell isn't easily discouraged. Despite the failure of Austin Inline Fit, he is launching a new marathon training program in the city next month. (Go to Planet story.) Skate Bytes ...
Organizers are moving up the Skate DC Weekend this year to avoid Memorial Day congestion. The weekend skate party will be May 5-7. (Go to more info.) ... Yann Guyader overcame a strong field, including Alexis Contin and Pascal Briand, to win the 3 Pistes in France over the weekend. Angele Grandgirard won the women's title. (Go to results.) Wednesday
(April 19, 2006)
Team Numbers Soar for Dome Marathon
 The number of skaters expected for the second annual Metrodome Inline Marathon is about the same as last year: 270. But the number of teams has doubled. So far, 14 teams have signed up for the popular team time trial, the organizers say. The event, the world's only indoor skate marathon, is Saturday in Minneapolis. It's not too late to sign up! (Go to official event page.) Israelis Hold Downhill Championships
 Israeli skaters held their first official Downhill Championships in the Pisgat Ze'ev section of Jerusalem last Friday. Aside from downhill racing, the event featured a speed slalom competition and an uphill race. The top climber, Boaz Arad, sent us a report complete with photos. (Go to Arad's report.) Thursday
(April 20, 2006)
Rolling Out the French Mouse
 I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto. ... You got that right! The Val d'Europe is in Paris, France, where the natives have different ideas about how to organize an inline marathon ... even if they are staging it at a U.S.-inspired theme park. (Go to Planet story.) Skate Bytes ...
Skaters will once again be part of the Ride for Children fund raiser (June 24) in Oklahoma City. The event features routes of 10 to 54 miles. (Go to more info.) Friday
(April 21, 2006)
Skate Bytes ...
 The bargain SkateFresh tour of Holland will skip 2007 to give its volunteer staff a breather. But there's still time to sign up for this year's tour (May 9-14). (Go to more info.) Coming Saturday ...
Coverage of the Val d'Europe World Inline Cup and the Metrodome Inline Marathon! Saturday
(April 22, 2006)
Finster, Barbotin Win World Cup in Paris
 Salomon's Nathalie Barbotin went on a solo breakaway to win today's Val d'Europe marathon in Paris. In the men's race, Australian Danny Finster marked his return to World Cup racing with his first-ever win. (Go to Planet story.) Peterson, Starykowicz Win Again in the Metrodome
 Peter Starykowicz borrowed a tactic from the Indy 500 to win today's Metrodome Inline Marathon in Minneapolis. Kara Peterson finished third overall to win the pro women's division. (Go to the Planet story.) | 
