McLean, VA -- The best inline skaters from around the globe are gearing up for the ultimate test. At the third annual Ultimate In-Line Challenge Presented by Rollerblade ® , over 125 athletes will compete to see who can clear the loftiest pipe, get the highest air, land the biggest trick, and finish the last man or woman out. This premier inline skating competition will take place at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando from May 1 - 3, 1998. The largest purse in the sport of inline skating, $60,000, will be on the line as both racers and aggressive skaters do their thing for the ESPN cameras. The event attracts international attention and will air on ESPN and espn2 between May 15 and June 15, 1998.

The Ultimate In-Line Challenge is considered a favorite among skaters on the circuit because of its elite pool of athletes, casual atmosphere, and unique setting. It is the only inline skating competition in the world that features both aggressive and racing inline skating. Athletes qualify for the event based on performances throughout the 1997 season.

The Ultimate In-Line Challenge Aggressive Skating Competition is sanctioned by the Aggressive Skaters Association, the governing body of the sport. Skaters will compete in several disciplines including:

Vert Doubles This new competition has become increasingly popular on the aggressive circuit. In vert doubles, two skaters ride the ll-foot tall, U-shaped half-pipe.

Street Course In the street course event, all the competitors perform various tricks and stunts during two 65-second runs. Judges rate competitors on style, difficulty, line (creativity), and consistency. The skaters perform on street apparatus including launch ramps, fun boxes, hand rails, and quarter-pipes. All equipment enables competitors to perform amazing tricks including high-flying airs, flips, spins, and grinds.

Half Pipe (Vert) Skaters are given two 60-second runs to perform tricks and stunts on the 11-foot-tall, U-shaped ramp. Judges rate competitors on style, creativity, consistency, and degree of difficulty.

Best Trick Competitors perform dazzling moves and tricks for judges on the street course. This event rewards skaters who are both creative and talented.

High Jump Each competitor receives three attempts at launching themselves into the air off a jump ramp, clearing a high jump bar, and landing in control.

The Ultimate In-Line Challenge Racing Competition, sanctioned by the USA InLine Racing, features both team and individual performances with top speeds up to 25 mph. Each race has a male and female catergory. Athletes compete in four different areas which include:

20K 20,000 meter event showcasing team strategy (racing) and the different components (flyers, chase, pack, and blocking) of closed-circuit racing.

Sprint Head-to-head heats pitting the fastest men and women in the world in 500M and 1,500M competitions.

Criterium Skaters race for either 15 or 20 minutes around an oval track. Anyone lapped is pulled from the field. This event incorporates strategy, endurance, and excitement as racers jockey for position in an attempt to break from the field.

Last Man/Woman Out This is the most popular race for speed skaters. Similar to criterium, the last man or woman to cross the finish line on each lap is eliminated until only the winner remains.

"Rollerblade is proud to sponsor the Ultimate In-Line Challenge," said Maureen O'Neill, spokesperson for Rollerblade, Inc. "We hope that our presence in competitive in-line sports will encourage people to view inline skating not only as a sport, but also as a form of enjoyable exercise."

The Ultimate In-Line Challenge will air on ESPN and espn2 between May 15 and June 15, 1998, with at least five hours of programming on each network. In addition to Rollerblade, Inc., Ultimate In-Line Challenge partners include Duncan Yo-Yo, 7-UP, Snickers, and Taco Bell.