After 10 years of making and breaking careers, launching insane tricks that fill global highlight reels and pushing the boundaries of professional freeride mountain biking, Red Bull Rampage will once again bring the best of the sport to Virgin, Utah for a downhill spectacle that will be sure to drop jaws around the world. For 36 chosen athletes, Red Bull Rampage will be their chance to prove who’s the most spectacular and well-rounded freerider on the planet on October 5-7, 2012.
The athlete selection process will ensure that the best of the best take on the steep descents of the desert. The winners of the last two Red Bull Rampage events, young Canadian phenom Brandon Semenuk and 2010’s hero Cameron Zink will be automatically placed into the final on October 7th. Also confirmed to compete are the top 12 finalists from 2010, including names such as Darren Berrecloth, Andreau Lacondeguy, Robbie Bourdon and Thomas Vanderham.
Prior to the final, a qualifier battle will take place on October 5th where 24 athletes will try to prove they are worthy to go head to head against the best. The top 12 ranked athletes from the FMB World Tour will receive invites to the qualifier, including current point leader Sam Pilgrim and the top two from the Chatel Mountain Style 2012 will also receive invites to compete. Joining this year will be top World Cup riders, chosen because of the their proven freeride skills and ability to ride this type of terrain including 2010 World Cup champ Gee Atherton, Brendan Fairclough and Mick Hannah. Riding the qualifier will also be Paul Basagoitia, who landed the first-ever double backflip on natural terrain – a move that fans hope he will pull out of his bag of tricks on the steep slopes in Utah. First timer young gun Anthony Messere will join additional wild card athletes with proven big mountain riding ability that will receive the remaining invites. Results and film will be reviewed by a selection panel of event organizers, filmmakers and athletes to determine who makes the cut. Final wildcard athletes invites will be announced after Red Bull Joyride at Crankworx, Whistler on August 21st
Red Bull Rampage is known for catapulting riders into the spotlight – and in 2012 this includes showcasing their talents in a national TV broadcast on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series. The event will air on Saturday, December 8th from 2 to 4pm. The Red Bull Signature Series is made up of 35 hours of one-of-a-kind programming on NBC and NBC Sports all year long. Red Bull Media House and Alli Sports, a division of the NBC Sports Group, are building the most progressive and innovative snowboarding, mountain biking, freestyle motocross, ice cross downhill, skiing and BMX events, showcased on custom courses from the inspiration of the athletes themselves. Go to www.redbullsignatureseries.com <www.redbullsignatureseries.com> for web videos, photo galleries and see more of the action that makes up the Red Bull Signature Series.
Elevating the competition are event partners the Utah Sports Commission, Specialized and Oakley, along with Signature Series presenting partner Casio G’zOne Commando. Oakley returns this year with the Icon Sender, an on-course, custom-built feature that was the catalyst for the most awe-inspiring tricks in 2010. Through the Utah Sports Commission, the event will once again return to the majestic backdrop of Virgin that has proven to be the best terrain in the world.
Visit redbullusa.com/rampage for further event details and to watch the live webcast on October 7th.
