The AST, the umbrella brand and organization of the world's most prestigious action sports events, today announced the AST China Invitational skateboard competition and BMX vert exhibition will be held April 18-20, 2008 in Beijing.

The top vert and park skateboarders in the world will compete in China, including vert skater Pierre Luc Gagnon of Carlsbad, Calif. and skateboard park competitor Rodolfo Ramos of Brazil. BMX vert legend Jamie Bestwick of England will join fellow AST BMX riders for a fan-friendly exhibition on the vert ramp.

"We are thrilled to expand the AST brand to the international stage with our first skateboard competition in China," said Wade Martin, AST president. "Action sports have a worldwide following and we are excited to bring the best skateboard and BMX athletes in the world to the fans in Asia."

"We couldn't be more excited to bring the first AST international event to Beijing and Daxing China New Media Zone," said Zhou Qiang, president of Xingyi New Media Investment Company. "Action sports has a global audience, and the best skateboard and BMX athletes in the world will be in Beijing to compete in the event. With strong event media partners, such as CCTV Olympic Channel, we believe AST China Invitational will generate unprecedented Chinese interest in action sports."

The point's leaders in the skateboard vert and park and BMX vert disciplines were invited to the AST China Invitational based on their rankings at the end of the 2007 AST Dew Tour season. The complete list of confirmed athletes is as follows: