Semenuk, Sorge and Strait Positioned for Hat Trick; Pre-Qualified Athletes Announced
Press Release – Virgin, Utah (July 26, 2017) – The date is set for one of the biggest tests of skill and toughness in mountain biking. On October 27, Red Bull Rampage returns marking the 12th edition of the storied event. Set in one of the most demanding locations on the planet, the event has become the most coveted title in Freeride Mountain Biking. This fall, 21 of the world’s greatest riders will once again descend upon Virgin, Utah’s distinctive landscape as they fight to claim their place atop the Rampage podium. More information about exclusive spectator tickets and event experiences will be announced in the coming weeks.
This year’s event features familiar faces along with some new terrain. Brandon Semenuk, Kurt Sorge and Kyle Strait have been invited back as part of the Pre-Qualified roster, having all taken home the gold twice in years past, setting them up for the potential hat trick this year. To make things even more interesting, a new additional ridge will be opened up at the venue, which should allow the possibility for new lines.
Building upon the success of last year’s format changes, the elite group of 21 riders will create their own manmade lines down the mountain without the use of power tools. As a result, no two rider’s path down the near-vertical sandstone ridges will be the same. In advance of the competition, the riders, along with their two-person build crews, are welcomed to the event site for four days of building and then four additional days to practice with their bikes in order to build their line in what is touted as one of the most intense contests in the world.
PRE-QUALIFIED ATHLETES FOR RED BULL RAMPAGE 2017
1. Brandon Semenuk (CAN)
2. Antoine Bizet (FRA)
3. Carson Storch (USA)
4. Kurt Sorge (CAN)
5. Kyle Strait (USA)
6. Thomas Genon (BEL)
7. Tyler McCaul (USA)
8. Andreu Lacondeguy (SPA)
9. Pierre Edouard Ferry (FRA)
10. Tom Van Steenbergen (CAN)
Invited Wild Card and Alternate athletes to be announced.
Rampage airs as part of the Red Bull Signature Series, a collection of the most progressive and innovative events in action sports. Fans can watch the event live on Red Bull TV or as a highlight program on NBC Sunday, December 24. The event is supported by BFGoodrich Tires, Utah Sports Commission and Lifeproof.
More info on Red Bull Rampage can be found here: redbull.com/rampage
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