The first-ever Simple Session, then known as SIMPEL Session because of the main sponsor Simpel, was born in 2001 after the success of Pepsi Street Challenge the previous year. This time around, the competition was a 2-day event and things got loose – the riding was on another level thanks to fresh obstacles, the parties were poppin’ and the Latvians went all Mortal Combat in the streets. So don’t let the name fool you, it’s never been a dull, simple competition.
Thanks to the Finnish pros, BMX Flatland was introduced to the already packed line-up of BMX Dirt, BMX Street/Park, Inline Park, Inline Vert, Skateboarding Street/park. Can you name another contest these days that is as varied? It was a hectic, adrenaline-filled weekend celebrating action sports in its absolute best form.
Even more international pros showed up for the competition: flatlander Kimmo Haakana from Finland, skateboarders Jussi Korhonen, Timo Kuulusa, Tero Malinen, Juoni Leino, Vesa Ritola, Jussi Tuominen and many more from Finland, park & vert rider Jonas Malmberg and park & ramp rider Mikael Malmberg from Sweden as well as vert rider Alex Reinke from Germany. All accompanied by many more riders and skaters from all these countries. As well as crazy Latvian dirt and park riders.
The afterparty was held at the most legendary nightclub in Tartu – Club Atlantis. This marked the beginning of a wild action sports and party festival we’ve all grown to love so much. The competition and its tiny country were put on the map for its crazy antics on and off the course.
