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March 14-16, 2012: One of the most hotly anticipated snow events of the season, Winter X Games Europe returns to Tignes, France, with live U.S. coverage on ESPN2 and ESPN3 as well as extensive coverage on ESPN’s international networks. This year will mark the third consecutive year the event will be held in Tignes and will feature more than 150 of the world’s best action sports athletes competing in Skiing and Snowboarding. The eight disciplines for men and women over the three days will include: Skiing SuperPipe and Slopestyle; Snowboard SuperPipe and Slopestyle as well as Snowmobile demonstrations.

Among the first wave of invited athletes:

Anaïs Caradeux (FRA) — Caradeux didn’t start skiing until she was 14, but her career has taken off quickly. In 2008/2009, Anais stood on top of podiums at six halfpipe events, including wins at the Aspen Open and the World Cup in La Plagne, France. In 2010 at the inaugural Winter X Games Europe, she earned a bronze in Skiing SuperPipe on her home turf. Last year at Winter X Games Europe 2011, Caradeux earned silver in the SuperPipe competition and is returning to Tignes for a chance at a gold medal.

Kelly Clark (USA) — Three-time Winter X Games gold medalist and defending Snowboard SuperPipe gold medalist who also became the first female snowboarder to land a 1080 in the SuperPipe. Clark also has Olympic gold from 2002 and bronze from 2010. Clark is the returning Snowboard SuperPipe gold medalist from Winter X Games Europe 2011.

Iouri Podladtchikov (SUI) — The first gold medal winner in the inaugural Winter X Games Europe in 2010 in Snowboard SuperPipe, Podladtchikov, had to sit Winter X Games Aspen out last year due to a shoulder injury but returned to France to earn a silver in the SuperPipe competition. Known for his double McTwist 1260 and back-to-back double cork 1080s, Podladtchikov is ready to earn that top spot once again on the podium in France.

Kevin Rolland (FRA) — The two-time defending Skiing SuperPipe gold medalist at Winter X Games and Winter X Games Europe, Rolland made history in 2011 becoming the first skier to land three doubles in the same run. Rolland has a total of four gold medals between Winter X Games Europe and Aspen.

Sebastien Toutant (CAN) — The male Jeep Athlete of the Games at Winter X Games Aspen 2011, Toutant was the surprise star of the Winter X Games, winning both Snowboard Slopestyle gold and Big Air silver in his rookie appearance. Toutant earned a silver last year at Winter X Games Europe in Snowboard Slopestyle.