The road back to the top of the world downhill skateboarding scene has been a bumpy ride for Vernon’s Mischo Erban.
After winning the IGSA (International Gravity Sport Association) World Cup Series in 2009, the 28-year-old made wholesale equipment and sponsorship changes. He started his own deck and truck company and also switched wheel sponsors.
He struggled to return to form, showing occasional flashes of brilliance, but ultimately going winless in world cup competition for the next two seasons.
Erban finally put it all back together in 2011, capping an impressive return to form by claiming the Malarrara Pro Teutonia IGSA World Championships in Brazil. He is also the IGSA NorAm Series champion.
The Czech-born adrenaline junkie steamrolled his way through the Teutonia championships, picking off his rivals one by one. In the semifinals, Erban squared off against top-seeded qualifier and defending Teutonia champion Kevin Reimer of Vancouver. Erban handily beat the two-time world champion to advance to the final.
In the other semi, Brazil’s Danky Dean pulled off a huge upset when he defeated fellow countryman and pre-race favourite Douglas Silva to earn his pass to the finals.
Racing in front of a massive crowd, Erban, who won the event in 2009, built a commanding lead over Dean that he held all the way to the finish to earn his first world title.
Reimer and Silva squared off in the consolation final, the latter winning in a photo finish.
