Manhead's Vans DTSD 2013 Diary

Sep 2013 by Route One

Since taking residence in Europe in 2008, theÂ Vans Downtown ShowdownÂ has taken many a city by storm, including London and Amsterdam.

This year, twelve of the world's best skate teams competed at the Grande Halle de la Villette, Paris, for aÂ share of the â¬50,000 prize fund.Â Far removed from the traditional format followed by other skateboarding competitions, the event invites the teams themselves to design the obstacles they'll be riding.

For last Saturday's event we sent R1/Vans team riderÂ Josh 'Manhead' Young, over to Paris, to compile a Downtown Showdown photo diary:

JY: "Vans really pulled out all the cards at this years DTSD with a spectacular venue, gnarly obstacles, andÂ notable skateboarding Legends, Pro's and Am's drafted in from every corner of the globe.

Following tradition, Steve Van DorenÂ (son of Vans co-founder Paul Van Doren)Â was all hands on deck cooking up hot dogs and giving away free product all in keeping to his title asÂ the nicest man in skateboarding.Â

As if that wasn't enough, the day was rounded off by Hip Hop legends Black moon putting on a show (and a backpack) to keep the dream alive until next year.

Hats off to everyone involved at this years Vans DTSD!

All packed and ready for the show!