After establishing itself as the most challenging test for freeride mountain biking in the world since 2001, Red Bull Rampage has taken it a step further by introducing its first-ever women’s event on Thursday, preceding the highly anticipated men’s event on Saturday. This thrilling competition will take place on the striking ochre cliffs of Virgin, Utah, USA.
The 18th edition of Red Bull Rampage is back this week, featuring a groundbreaking women’s event on Thursday, October 10. Prior to this, the talented roster of riders had competed at Red Bull Formation, a freeride progression session launched in 2019 that played a crucial role in their journey to Rampage.
By immersing themselves in the dirt and conquering steep lines, the entire women’s field has honed their skills on the challenging Utah terrain during Formation. They have now come together to showcase their abilities by executing top-to-bottom runs on previous Rampage venues.
Renowned for their fearless riding style and ability to conquer massive drops, riders like Casey Brown and Camila Nogueira are expected to make an impact. Additionally, riders who excel in performing flips, whips, and supermans such as Robin Goomes, Vaea Verbeeck, Vero Sandler, and Vinny Armstrong will also take the spotlight.
Canadian Brown disclosed: “Observing Rampage (on site before as a spectator) felt like I was witnessing the pinnacle of the sport and you knew you were part of something extraordinary. Regardless of whether or not they have Rampage as their objective, I believe the far-reaching impact of including women at the event will be immense for mountain biking.”
- In the meantime, the men’s field, comprising 18 skilled participants, will once again take to the stage on Saturday, October 12. This talented group includes recognizable names such as Cam Zink, the champion of 2023, Brandon Semenuk, a four-time champion, Brendan Fairclough, a decorated World Cup racer, and Tom Van Steenbergen, who has achieved top podium finishes.
- Among the 10 wildcard entrants in the men’s category are newcomers Luke Whitlock and Tom Isted. Whitlock from the United States is particularly enthusiastic about the old-school raw and steep terrain that is emblematic of the original events. On the other hand, Isted from Britain is renowned for executing impressive tricks in slopestyle competitions, including holding the record for the world’s largest backflip of 120 feet, which he accomplished in 2023.
Unlike the conventional mountain bike slopestyle course consisting of wooden ramps and smooth terrain, Red Bull Rampage is a freeride event that occurs on loose ground, providing minimal grip. Riders utilize durable downhill bikes equipped with ample suspension and large tires.
Riders, accompanied by their small excavation team, spend four days shaping the natural terrain within the designated area using shovels, picks, and 75 sandbags. This is followed by a rest day and an additional four days for practice.
During the competition, riders have two runs lasting three minutes each to impress the judges. They are evaluated based on the difficulty level of their chosen line, executed tricks and style, fluidity and control, as well as the altitude achieved over the awe-inspiring cliffs, vertigo-inducing exposure, and near-vertical gullies connecting the lines.
The men will compete at the 2018/2019 site, which is the largest and steepest among all previous venues, featuring an additional 150ft (46m) of vertical at the starting point. Meanwhile, the women will be situated nearby on a new course.
At this particular site, Fairclough gained notoriety for conquering a massive rock drop he affectionately named ‘Dwayne Johnson’. The landing was quite treacherous. Additionally, his line showcased an iconic 50ft (15m) canyon gap and chute aptly named ‘The Crack’.
2022 runner-up Szymon Godziek of Poland, who returns for his eighth attempt at the intimidating course, declared: “Red Bull Rampage is the ultimate test of your skill on a mountain bike.”
2024 Red Bull Rampage Invited Women Riders
Camila Nogueira (ARG)
Casey Brown (CAN)
Robin Goomes (NZL)
Vaea Verbeeck (CAN)
Vero Sandler (UK)
Vinny Armstrong (NZL)
Georgia Astle (CAN)
Chelsea Kimball (USA)
2024 Red Bull Rampage Women Alternates
Micayla Gatto (CAN)
2024 Red Bull Rampage Pre-Qualified Riders From 2023
Carson Storch (USA)
Cam Zink (USA)
Tom Van Steenbergen (CAN)
Ethan Nell (USA)
Brendan Fairclough (UK)
Talus Turk (USA)
Kyle Strait (USA)
Bienvenido Aguado Alba (SPN)
2024 Red Bull Rampage Men’s Wildcards
Brandon Semenuk (CAN)
Szymon Godziek (POL)
Thomas Genon (BEL)
Adolf Silva (SPA)
Clemens Kaudela (AUT)
Kurt Sorge (CAN)
Luke Whitlock (USA)
Reed Boggs (USA)
Tom Isted (UK)
Tyler McCaul (USA)
2024 Red Bull Rampage Men’s Alternates
DJ Brandt (USA)
Jaxson Riddle (USA)
Hayden Zablotny (USA)
Dylan Stark (USA)
