Red Bull Rampage is an event unlike any other. Videos and images of riders doing the impossible on the day of the event shape Rampage in the mind of the general public. But behind the scenes, the time and dedication these riders and their dig crews put into shaping the legendary Virgin, Utah dirt to create their lines is a key part of what makes Rampage the event it is. Landings and takeoffs are built with hardwork, sweat, and sandbags, and this year weather made for an interesting dig week, but the end result was a thing of beauty. From the riding to the course itself, at its heart, Rampage is all about creativity and pushing the boundaries of what it means to ride a bicycle.
After the event was cancelled in 2020, the rider list for this year was reduced to only 12, and Stan's wheels were under an amazing five of the top ten riders and claimed two of three podium spots. We wanted to take a moment to congratulate those riders, not only for their finishes, but also for the vision they have to see the possible where the rest of us see only the impossible. Through the cameras of Stan's own Kenny Wehn (who happens to also have built most of the riders' wheels) and Fraser Britton, here's our celebration of the art of Red Bull Rampage.
1st. Brandon Semenuk: 89
2nd. Kurt Sorge: 88.33
3rd. Reed Boggs: 87
4th. Cam Zink: 86.33
5th. Tyler McCaul: 78.33
6th. Kyle Strait: 77.66
7th. Thomas Genon: 77
8th. Ethan Nell: 73.33
9th. Jaxson Riddle: 72.66
10th. Szymon Godziek: 54.33
11th. Vincent Tupin: 0
12th. Tom Van Steenbergen: 0
The view from the sky makes it difficult to show the size of the venue. Most participants bring shuttle rigs and dirt bikes to make getting around easier. Photo by Kenny Wehn.This is how it all begins at Rampage. Photo by Kenny Wehn.Spectators and riders alike can get caught up in awe of the size and scale of many of the features. Photo by Kenny Wehn.The sheer scale of things at Rampage is difficult to comprehend. Cam Zink freefalling. Photo by Fraser Britton.Against a superhuman backdrop, it's easy for forget these are real people. Kyle and Rachel Strait walking the course with their baby girl. Photo by Kenny Wehn.Even with some unforeseen rain, rider's dig crews watered down the track to help construct the landings necessary for the massive drops. Photo by Kenny Wehn.The pitch of the landings is incredibly difficult to capture in a photo. We feel this one begins to show how steep they really are. Photo by Kenny Wehn.Pretty sure this trail is directional. Photo by Fraser Britton.Any guesses as to how many sandbags were used to create that landing? (We don't know either, but it sure looks like a lot.) Photo by Kenny Wehn.A day may include intense sun, blinding heat, violent wind, and bitter cold. Team Zink demonstrates proper clothing choices. Photo by Kenny Wehn.Any higher and Bezos would be jealous. Jaxson Riddle achieving escape velocity. Photo by Kenny Wehn.After getting a late invite, Reed Boggs dialed in his line to put in a tremendous ride this year. Photo by Fraser Britton.Kurt Sorge's combination of style and sheer amplitude took him to the second step this year. Photo by Fraser Britton.The smile says it all. Kurt Sorge seemed to have known he was in for a special day. Stay tuned for more featured coverage from Rampage 2021. Photo by Kenny Wehn.
