Canadian rider secures landmark victory at Utah’s premier mountain bike event.
VIRGIN, Utah (October 12, 2024) — Brandon Semenuk of Canada has made history, becoming the first-ever five-time champion of the Red Bull Rampage, the world’s most prestigious freeride mountain biking event. Held in the rugged red rock terrain of southwest Utah, the 2024 edition of the event saw 17 elite riders tackle some of the most daring and innovative lines ever witnessed.
Coming just days after New Zealander Robin Goomes claimed victory in the inaugural women’s Red Bull Rampage, the men’s event unfolded with edge-of-your-seat excitement. Semenuk’s performance, however, stood out as he claimed the top spot in dramatic fashion.
In his first run, Semenuk impressed with a technically complex Tailwhip into his signature double drop. However, a crash while attempting a Flip Whip interrupted what had looked like a podium-worthy run. After a lengthy two-and-a-half-hour wind delay, Semenuk was one of only two riders to attempt a second run.
Seizing the opportunity, the Canadian landed both the Tailwhip and Flip Whip cleanly, earning an impressive 92.73 score and securing his record-breaking fifth Rampage win.
Reflecting on his historic victory, the 33-year-old Semenuk said, “I’m just stoked to build a cool line, hang out with my friends and get down to the bottom. It was an exciting event to watch. Some of the riding is on such a crazy level.”
Polish rider Szymon Godziek had led the event until Semenuk’s final run. Godziek’s spectacular performance featured a stunning Backflip on the venue’s largest drop, measuring 95 feet. His daring, precision-heavy run earned him a 91.66 score and a second-place finish—his second silver medal in three years.
American Tyler McCaul claimed third place with a score of 90.66. Known for his bold approach, McCaul chose to revamp his line from previous years, thrilling the crowd with a 74-foot step-down canyon gap jump and a series of daring tricks including a Backflip, Sui No-Hander, and Flip Nac.
Beyond the top three, the event celebrated a number of standout performances. British rider Brendan Fairclough won the Samsung Galaxy Trailblazer Award for his creative line and daring features, while Spain’s Bienvenido Aguado Alba received the BFGoodrich Tires Toughness Award for his resilience after a heavy crash in practice. Ethan Nell took home the McGazza Spirit Award, voted on by his fellow riders, for his solid return to the Rampage.
Canadian Tom Van Steenbergen earned the Utah Sports Commission Best Trick Award for an enormous Front Flip on the biggest drop in his line, capping off a thrilling day of action. “It feels pretty damn awesome to win Best Trick, I’m super stoked on the Front Flip,” said Van Steenbergen.
The 2024 Red Bull Rampage once again set new benchmarks in the world of freeride mountain biking, with Semenuk’s victory cementing his place as the event’s most successful rider in history.