Intro Text
As the dust from Red Bull Rampage 2018 has settled, all we want to do is rejoice in how thankful we are that there were no serious injuries​ or problems as the most skilled, calculated and determined freeride mountain bikers on the planet piloted their steeds down the cliffs of Virgin, Utah. Regardless of results and format, Rampage is the MTB show to end all shows and 2018 proved to be a showcase of hard work, talent and creativity. @maddogboris somehow survived the desert crustiness do deliver contest photo goods.
Brett Rheeder's winning run had everything: oppo and regular 360s, a huge flat drop backflip, and a backflip one-foot can to finish it all off in style.
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Rheeder gets rowdy.
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One for the trophy cabinet! Brett Rheeder threw down a run for the ages, taking the W without even having to drop in for his second run.
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Andreu Lacondeguy doing Andreu Lacondeguy things.
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Never accuse Andreu of not trying...
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He only knows how to give 100%.
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Andreu wanted the win, and he came oh so close to pulling it off with that perfect mix of aggression and control that only he knows the secret to. He'll be back, hungry for more!
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Local boy Ethan Nell showed that last year's podium finish was no fluke, stomping a rowdy run that featured big moves and solid tricks. Clearly satisfied with third, he opted out of trying to improve in this second run, inviting Andreu and Brett to go hit some "Kong laps later" instead.
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Ethan Nell nosing it in.
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Szymon Godziek had a massive crash in the first run, but his reaction when asked if he was going back up for another attempt showed that he came to play: "OF COURSE!" The first time Rampage competitor was rewarded with a full pull and 8th place after a performance that included this front flip.
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Belgian bomber Thomas Genon went big and showed impressive control where others faltered, taking a well-deserved 5th spot on the day.
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It wasn't to be for Semenuk. He had a unique line and refused to play it safe, going for glory in both runs but coming unstuck on a huge cork 720.
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Reed Boggs taking flight in the Utah sky. His 59.66 in the first run was not enough for a top-10 finish, and he crashed in run two.
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Brendog did everything right. He worked hard on his flips leading up to the event, built a unique and raw line which he then rode perfectly, only to see the judges hold him back in what has to be considered the robbery of the day. He opted out of taking a second run.
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The one that got away. Adolf Silva stomped two of the biggest drops on the mountain only to miss a pedal after this extended superman seatgrab. He'd swap this trick for a backflip in the second run which probably docked him a few points and saw him land outside the top-10. He did take home the coveted People's Choice award.
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Remy Metailler went fast and hit some impressive gaps at speed towards the bottom of his run, but it was not enough to land him in the top-10.
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Aggy was fresh off an injured hand which clearly left him limited to choosing to ride a less gnarly line.
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The McGazza Spirit Award went to Brendan Fairclough and his merry men, a well-deserved but bittersweet compensation for his underscored run.
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Best Trick Winner Tom van Steenbergen
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Will Bren be back? Time will tell, but at least he finished tenth and thus owns an automatic invite for 2019 should he chose to accept it.
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As the Chinese proverb goes: "be careful what you wish for, it may come true."
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People's Choice award winner Adolf Silva.
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Reed Boggs
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Thomas Genon, upside down. The mountains, indifferent.
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Kyle Strait has the best sui's in the game (this shot may not be from the second run where he got ridiculous extension and perfect form).
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Aggy blasting.
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Thankfully the wind that had caused some issues during the last day of practice died down in time for finals, and the riders could enjoy the fruit of their labor in good conditions.
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T-Mac had a gnarly crash in run one, but came back strong to stomp his second attempt including his "Triple Dipper" drop which he said was the biggest he's ever hit.
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What could have been - Brandon Semenuk's line would surely have allowed him to challenge for the podium, and he looked determined to get there. #raincheck
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Brett Rheeder
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Thomas Genon
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Brandon Semenuk
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Thomas Genon showed perfect poise and trademark skill on his way to 5th place.
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Carson Storch came into the event with high expectations, and he showed us why with a huge stomped 360 drop and other impressive moves, only to have his challenge come up short on a tricky connector feature in both runs. Lesson learned for 2019, expect Storch to challenge for the top spots in years to come.
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Carson Storch after his crash.
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Tom van Steenbergen won the Best Trick award for this huge flat drop backflip. Zink's heir is here (not that Zink is planning on giving up his throne any time soon).
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Kyle Strait
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Jordie Lunn had a unique line that started out well with a massive cork 7 in the middle of his boulder field top section. Jordie went on to go off line and seemed lost, ultimately pulling the plug and opting out of a second run. We learned that Jordie had been battling illness all week, we'll try to bring you more information on this as we get it.
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Adolf Silva - man of steel.
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Adolf Silva and his mom (she's a base jumper, this stuff doesn't really phase her...)
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Remy Metailler
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Reed Boggs
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Vincent Tupin aka Vinny T took a hard slam in his first run, but was able to put it all together in run #2. It would not be enough for a top-10 finish, but the young Frenchie was stoked to complete his line.
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Brendog
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Szymon Godziek went down hard, but bounced back to stomp his second run.
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Brendog
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Reed Boggs
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Reed Boggs
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Warmup Session Brett Rheeder
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TMac
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Goodbye Utah! See you next year. Was a pleasure to work with Ale di Lullo and Margus Riga.
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Another year of Rampage in the books! A huge thanks to Boris for the photo reports.
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More features:
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Description
Rampage 2018 Top 3
- Brett Rheeder
- Andreu Lacondeguy
- Ethan Nell
Viewer's Choice - Adolf Silva
McGazza Spirit Award - Brendan Fairclough
Watch the Top Runs from Rampage
Related:
View replies to: DONE. DUSTED. Red Bull Rampage Contest Day Action
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