Mainstream Muscle

Mainstream Muscle

How cool is this? Giant billboard posters of British men's physique star Rasto Valent have gone up across Slovakia to promote the country's forthcoming IFBB Elite Pro show on April 13-15.

The billboards show Rasto alongside three-time Olympia figure competitor Adela Ondrejovicova, who has also chosen to compete in the Elite Pro division. British muscle fans may remember her for winning the 2015 Bodypower Pro.

Rasto is the reigning Arnold Classic Europe champion as well as British champion in the over-182cm height category.

He is now just weeks away from becoming one of the first British competitors to take part in the Elite Pro division, which has more than $1m up for grabs.

Elite is already underway. Last weekend's event in Brazil had $30,000 of prizes.

The first European event, which takes place in Greece on March 22-24, has a prize fund of €50,000. Malta, the following week, has €25,000 available.

Other European events include the €100,000 Arnold Classic Europe and the €200,000 World Championships in Romania.

A series of Diamond Cup events will give competitors the chance to become Elite Pros.

Rasto Valent on stage. PHOTO: Christopher Bailey