Race Face announced the fourth running of its Ultimate Freeride Challenge a few months back, but we thought we’d put out a bit of a reminder. Particularly as Race Face is keen to encourage non-Canadian or US entries and we’d love to see some Brits in there.

Previous year’s UFC contests have launched pro riding careers for Tyler Klassen, Matt Hunter and Wayne Goss, all now freeride flick regulars. You don’t even have to win, even the runners-up have gone on to ever-greater things. Winning’s good, though – you get a sponsorship deal from Race Face, Giant and Manitou worth $25,000.

Race Face has tweaked the format a bit this year, introducing a bit of a strategic element. To enter you need to submit two one-minute riding videos and a 30-second “lifestyle” segment. A judging panel will whittle all the entries down to the best 16. The first riding segments from those 16 will then be posted on www.raceface.com for on-line voting. The first round of voting will decide which four riders go through to the semi-final, with the finalists being decided from the second riding video. For the finals, both riding videos and the lifestyle segment will be posted.

Also new this year are category awards with product prizes to recognise good stuff from riders who didn’t ultimately win:

• Best Line – Manitou Dorado MRD X-Works Fork
• Best Air – 2005 Giant Freeride Frameset
• Most Creative Stunt – Race Face Diabolus Kit
• Best Urban Assault – Giant STP Frame
• Breakout Performance by a Grom (13 and under) – Manitou Sherman Breakout Plus Fork
• Worst Crash – Race Face Arm and Leg Armor, Shorts, Jersey and Gloves

So lots to play for. You can download an entry form from Race Face and the closing date for entries is 1 February 2005. We reckon there’s plenty of UK talent out there, let’s see some of it go international…