<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The World Rookie Tour is ready to level up its skateboarding division for 2026 with two major updates: a <strong>new location for the Skateboard Finals</strong> and the appointment of a <strong>new </strong><strong>Skateboard Technical Director</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After last year’s successful edition in <a href="https://nl.worldrookietour.com/nl/link?c=djqv&d=1sf&h=2qrv5kl3bbdl486ef9elcgeqfm&hpl=CCG6883941KNE83G41PI0SRE41T20Q3GDG&i=34s&iw=1&p=H1716005289&s=lp&sn=28q&z=1kb7" target="_blank">Velenje</a>, <strong>the World Rookie Tour Skateboard Finals will move to Celje</strong>, Slovenia, where a <strong>brand-new skatepark is currently under construction </strong>and scheduled for completion this summer. The Finals will take place from <strong>September 25th to 27th, 2026</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The park was once again designed by <strong><a href="https://nl.worldrookietour.com/nl/link?c=djqv&d=1sf&h=23vk20e212lf8lghkq3jlj3krt&hpl=CCG6883941KNE83G41PI0SRE41T20Q3GDG&i=34s&iw=1&p=H1716005290&s=lp&sn=28q&z=1kb4" target="_blank">Chris Khan</a></strong>, one of Slovenia’s top skateboarders, who will also oversee the build. Chris already designed the skatepark in Velenje that hosted last year’s Finals, further confirming his experience in creating high-level competition venues. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Designed by skaters for skaters, the new setup promises <strong>fresh lines, creative flow and technical features built for next-level progression and high-level competition</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“As Director of the skatepark design firm Urban Agenda, it’s a real privilege to see the World Rookie Skateboard Finals 2026 take place this year in Celje, in a skatepark that holds special meaning for us. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">While we’ve designed over 150 skateparks across more than 11 countries, this project is different both because of the years of work behind it and because it’s rooted in the city where I was born. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hosting the World Rookie SKateboard Finals here, following last year’s edition in our Velenje skatepark, reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering spaces that meet the highest standards of international skateboarding.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>— Chris Khan</strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 2026 season is about to drop, with the <strong>full World Rookie Tour Skateboard calendar coming soon</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For now, the first two stops are already locked: the <a href="https://nl.worldrookietour.com/nl/link?c=djqv&d=1sf&h=3di2iojdp5ms8lpdlc30nfaduf&hpl=CCG6883941KNE83G41PI0SRE41T20Q3GDG&i=34s&iw=1&p=H1591458536&s=lp&sn=28q&z=1k9p" target="_blank">French Fries Rookie Fest in Les Deux Alpes</a> on <strong>May 13th, 2026</strong>, kicking off the summer flow in the French Alps, followed by the <a href="https://nl.worldrookietour.com/nl/link?c=djqv&d=1sf&h=1nbr4t3ic3muo88dfsao4a3uu&hpl=CCG6883941KNE83G41PI0SRE41T20Q3GDG&i=34s&iw=1&p=H1591458537&s=lp&sn=28q&z=1ka6" target="_blank">Garda Rookie Fest in Riva del Garda</a> on <strong>September 13th, 2026</strong>, one of the key events of the season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These first confirmations already set the tone for an international and progressive tour. <strong>More events will be announced shortly, stay tuned.</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>New Technical Leadership for WRT Skateboarding</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the same time, the World Rookie Tour officially welcomes <a href="https://nl.worldrookietour.com/nl/link?c=djqv&d=1sf&h=3prvcfns71e724haqo04j9835i&hpl=CCG6883941KNE83G41PI0SRE41T20Q3GDG&i=34s&iw=1&p=H861486814&s=lp&sn=28q&z=1ka7" target="_blank">Iztok Šumatić</a> as <strong>Skateboard Technical Director</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A long-time WRT partner and an important pillar of the <a href="https://nl.worldrookietour.com/nl/link?c=djqv&d=1sf&h=i4a44krhmdv06ei09vvdv3edk&hpl=CCG6883941KNE83G41PI0SRE41T20Q3GDG&i=34s&iw=1&p=H861486813&s=lp&sn=28q&z=1kb8" target="_blank">World Cup Skateboarding</a> organisation, Iztok will be responsible for <strong>consolidating and supervising the technical side of the WRT skateboard tour</strong>, while supporting organisers in delivering events at an increasingly professional international level.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With decades of experience inside the international skateboarding scene, Iztok has built a strong reputation as a <strong>Head Judge, event organiser and technical expert</strong>, working on skateboard competitions across the globe. His role within the World Rookie Tour will also include supporting the <strong>pre-selection process for new events</strong> aiming to join the tour calendar.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Iztok Šumatić </strong>Skateboard technical director:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Skateboarding has always been a huge part of my life and joining the World Rookie Tour as Skateboarding Technical Director is something I’m really excited about. Through my experience with World Cup Skateboarding and many international events around the world, I’ve had the chance to work closely with riders, organisers and federations at every level of the scene, and I’m happy to bring this experience into the WRT project. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the years, I have seen so many young riders approach this sport with incredible passion, creativity and motivation, and that is probably the most beautiful part of skateboarding. The World Rookie Tour is an important platform for the next generation because it gives young athletes the opportunity to travel, meet other riders, improve their level and experience the true international skateboarding community. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’m very happy to become part of this team and I look forward to helping the tour continue to grow while supporting organisers and riders with my experience.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Meinhard Trojer </strong>Event coordinator:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We have known Iztok for many years and, honestly, it feels like he has already been part of the World Rookie Tour family forever. He is one of the most respected figures in the international skateboarding scene, with huge experience both as Head Judge and event organiser. On top of that, he is someone who truly understands the culture and spirit of skateboarding.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For a long time, I kept telling him that sooner or later he had to officially join the WRT team, so I’m really happy he finally accepted. Having Iztok on board is an important step for the future development of our skateboard tour and for supporting our event organisers with even higher technical standards and international know-how." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With a new Finals city, a next-level skatepark, and strong technical leadership, the World Rookie Tour Skateboard Tour is ready to <strong>raise the bar for 2026</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>New spots, new opportunities, same mission: give the next generation a real shot at the global stage.</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Get ready, the season is about to drop.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">More information:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="mailto:info@worldrookietour.com" target="_blank">info@worldrookietour.com</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Telefono: +39 059 9783397 (also WhatsApp) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Follow the <a href="https://nl.worldrookietour.com/nl/link?c=djqv&d=1sf&h=2bekdv08strhntr60ht6d6l9m9&hpl=CCG6883941KNE83G41PI0SRE41T20Q3GDG&i=34s&iw=1&p=H193444781&s=lp&sn=28q&z=1k9v" target="_blank">World Rookie Tour</a> and get ready for an epic winter, where every ride could become the launchpad for a pro career! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If your dream is to become a professional athlete, then your future begins on the World Rookie Tour. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you want more information about our project and wish to become a partner, contact us at: <a href="mailto:info@worldrookietour.com" target="_blank">info@worldrookietour.com</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">World Rookie Tour Media Manager </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Marco Sampaoli - <a href="mailto:marco@moonsrl.it" target="_blank">marco@moonsrl.it</a> - Tel +39.059.9783397 or +39.340.328.55.69 </div><div style="text-align: justify;">World Rookie Tour Event Coordinator </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Meinhard Trojer - <a href="mailto:meinhardtrojer@powdern.com" target="_blank">meinhardtrojer@powdern.com</a> - Tel +43.650.56.37.424</div><div> </div>