Microsoft has announced that it has signed on as a sponsor for the Vans Triple Crown Series, which features world-class athletes competing in alternative sports such as skateboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding, BMX, and freestyle motocross. As part of the three-year partnership, Microsoft has secured the rights as the presenting sponsorship of three Vans Triple Crown Series sports. They are the Xbox Pro of Freestyle Motocross, the Xbox World Championships of Skateboarding, and the Xbox Pipeline Masters of Surfing.

　　"Sponsoring the Vans Triple Crown Series allows us to put Xbox front and center with one of the hottest lifestyle brands," said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer and senior vice president of Microsoft Games Division. "Fans of the series appreciate both adventure and entertainment--qualities Xbox and Vans bring to life."

　　Top names taking part in the Vans Triple Crown Series include BMX riders Dave Mirra, Motocross star Jeremy McGrath, skateboarder Steve Caballero, and surfer Sunny Garcia, among others. The Microsoft Xbox will launch in North America on November 8, 2001.