The 2017 Red Bull Rampage is being heralded as one of the best in in recent years. Comments on vibe, professionalism and weather were all positive. As always there will be a few people that may have been a point or two off in the judging scale, but that’s the nature of the beast.
RED BULL RAMPAGE 2017: FINALS
The starting gate at Red Bull Rampage can be a lonely place.
Rider’s stand atop a wooden platform looking down at the hardest and most technical venue in the history of mountain biking.
Shirts don’t lie, the stoke is high! Oakley sports marketing manager Steve Blick was on hand to witness the insanity and cheer on his athletes.
Rampage rookie Ryan “R-Dog” Howard is known for his smooth style and signature flatspin 3s. As expected, his run did not disappoint and the fans were treated to one of the cleanest rampage lines of the day.
As first light breaks over the mountain, riders can be seen pushing their bikes uphill to take advantage of the last minutes of practice before show time.
At 9 am there is a mandatory riders meeting, a time when all athletes gather to discuss the schedule and safety for the day. The mood is serious and the riders are focused.
Crashing on his first attempt, Brett Rheeder was able to hold onto this 720 on run two, which propelled him into 5th place.
The Claw has always been a fan favorite. Here he is whipping it out for the crowd.
The first three time winner in Rampage history, Kurt Sorge had the run of a lifetime. Multiple backflips, steep drops and oodles of style.
Steep exposed ridgelines are one of the staples of the event. Early morning sun made for a plethora of amazing backlit dust trails.
Ethan Nell was the youngest competitor of the day and proved to the world that the Utah local was ready for the big show. His second run bumped him into the third place spot where he made the local fans proud.
The legend and now hat-trick Rampage winner Kurt Sorge had the biggest flip of the day.
Cam Zink narrowly missed the top spot. His second run was on track to potentially overtake Sorge, but an over rotated front flip on the last hit ruined his chances and solidified his second place finish.
The celebration champagne was made for drinking right? Kurt and Cam certainly think so.
Pierre Edouard Ferry took home the Kelly McGarry Spirit Award. Handed out to the rider who best embodies the spirit and attitude of McGazza.
RED BULL RAMPAGE 2017: DAY ONE – PRACTICE
Logan Bingelli had one of the heaviest lines of the day. He rode the far left ridge directly into this lofty drop followed by a huge canyon gap.
The staff and volunteers are some of the unsung heroes at any event. We’re stoked with the dedication they have for putting on Rampage.
Andreau Lacondegy looking focused before dropping into the steepest chute in Rampage history.
The athletes and their dig crews work simultaneously to ride and finish building the course. The majority of riding is done the two days before finals when the features are nearly all built.
With an average angle of 63 degrees and multiple disconnects this is hands down one of the steepest and gnarliest lines in mountain biking.
Conor McFarlane making a test hit on one of the drops in his line.
This is the time that athletes can practice their lines and hone in the groundbreaking tricks that have been kept secret until now.
Riders can be see all over the mountain dialing in speed for drops, figuring out the lips of jumps and finding the courage to ride the ultimate exposed line.
Newcomer Vinny T stepped up to the main chute and proved to the world he has the big mountain skills to hang with the best.
Andreau and Vinny sharing the stoke after guinea-pigging the new chute.
Conor McFarlane came up short during practice and had his bell rung pretty good, forcing him make the tough decision to not drop in on competition day.
Connor had a solid run planned for game day. Fingers crossed he makes it out next year.
A legend in his own right, Matt McDuff was there all week to build and sculpt Reed Boggs’s line.
The shuttle out to the site was an adventure in itself. Thanks to Maverick and Zion tours for the rad shuttle rigs.
The people have spoken and Antione Bizet takes home the coveted People’s Choice award.