2024 Red Bull Rampage Marked a Historic Milestone

The 2024 Red Bull Rampage marked a historic milestone in the world of freeride mountain biking, introducing the first-ever women’s competition alongside the renowned men’s event. Set against the rugged terrain of Virgin, Utah, this year’s Rampage showcased unparalleled feats of skill, courage, and innovation.

Men’s Competition Highlights

Brandon Semenuk solidified his legendary status by clinching his fifth Red Bull Rampage title, a record-setting achievement that underscores his dominance in the sport. Semenuk’s final run was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a highly technical tail whip into a double drop, followed by a flawless flip whip, earning him a score of 92.73.

Polish rider Szymon Godziek secured second place with a daring line that included a backflip on the event’s largest drop, measuring an astonishing 95 feet from takeoff to landing. His performance garnered a score of 91.66. Veteran Tyler McCaul rounded out the podium in third, impressing judges with a 74-foot step-down canyon gap and a series of complex tricks, achieving a score of 90.66.

Women’s Competition Debut

Making history, the inaugural women’s competition featured seven of the world’s top female freeriders. New Zealand’s Robin Goomes emerged victorious, earning the title of the first female Red Bull Rampage champion. Goomes’ run was highlighted by her signature backflip and a challenging line that demonstrated both technical prowess and fearless execution.

Notable Mentions

• Brendan Fairclough received the Samsung Galaxy Trailblazer Award for his creative line choices, showcasing innovative approaches to the course.

• Bienvenido Aguado Alba was honored with the BFGoodrich Tires Toughness Award for competing in the finals despite a severe crash during practice, exemplifying resilience and determination.

• Ethan Nell earned the McGazza Spirit Award, a rider-voted accolade recognizing his positive influence and embodiment of the freeride spirit.

• Tom Van Steenbergen secured the Utah Sports Commission Best Trick Award with a daring front flip on one of the biggest drops in his line, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.

Controversies and Discussions

As with previous editions, the 2024 Rampage was not without its controversies. Some riders expressed dissatisfaction with the judging, sparking debates about scoring criteria and the subjective nature of evaluating such complex runs. These discussions highlight the ongoing evolution of the sport and the challenges in maintaining fairness and consistency in judging.

Conclusion

The 2024 Red Bull Rampage will be remembered as a pivotal event that not only celebrated the progression of freeride mountain biking but also championed inclusivity with the introduction of the women’s competition. The remarkable performances, groundbreaking achievements, and spirited debates all contribute to the rich tapestry of this iconic event, setting the stage for even greater advancements in the years to come.

For a comprehensive look at the men’s competition, you can watch the full replay below: