The rumors have been floating about, but Sega has officially announced that a sequel to Sonic Riders is flying to the Nintendo Wii.

Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity is the next generation of the flying hedgehog and his friends/enemies/acquaintances in search of a secret artifact that can control gravity. The artifact will play a significant role when racing, and it’s powers should be self-explanatory.

“Speed and agility is what built the Sonic franchise,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of Marketing at SEGA of America, Inc. “Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity offers long-time Sonic fans, and newcomers alike, the adrenaline-pumping gameplay and moves that made the blue hedgehog famous, while adding a plethora of completely new elements to the Sonic world. Packed with new and innovative features, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity delivers a rush that gamers can’t resist.”

Dash through the wind with Sonic Riders in February 2008.