As Cam Zink successfully landed his second attempt at a 360 off the Oakley Icon Sender, MTB history was made at the 2010 Red Bull Rampage. So began the next chapter in perhaps one of the greatest comeback stories in freeride history.
After a daunting string of injuries throughout past seasons, Zink's 2010 comeback run started with a third place at Châtel Mountain Style back in July, followed by a very convincing win at Kokanee Crankworx. With his recent victory at the Red Bull Rampage, he has successfully inked himself into the history books - not only is Zink the first rider ever to win Kokanee Crankworx and the Red Bull Rampage in the same season, he has locked down the FMB World Championship title as well.
Cam's season was simply beyond belief. Our man Brett Tippie caught up to him for an in depth interview Pinkbike style, and the good folks at Contour have kindly provided exclusive footage from Zink's helmet cam.
Your Red Bull Rampage finals, season, and career have been characterized by overcoming setbacks? Tell us what roadblocks you've overcome.The Oakley Icon Sender was made public long before Red Bull Rampage. When did you first think "I can totally three that"? What were you thinking after you crashed on the first attempt?There were thousands of people at home watching the live feed as you attempted the first 360 off the Oakley Icon sender, and each and every one of them had their minds blown. Having an audience is part of the game, but does knowing that sometimes play tricks with your head, especially when you call out something of this size? Do you prefer to socialize before a run or do you prefer to be alone and focused?The bar gets raised with every season that passes. Do you think that 10 years from now riders will look back at moves of this size the same way we now watch old mountain bike movies on VHS and shake our heads? What was it like spinning off of something so big? Can you describe everything from rolling onto the wood to hitting the next gap?That weather delay must have been hard to deal with. What was going through your head as you sat on Ridge 2 and waited for the clouds to part and the wind to die down?Did you have a concussion?Cam Zink Victory Lap Video from his Contour GPS
How much confidence did winning Crankworx give you? Most people don't know your extensive racing background, tell us a bit about your racing history, and do you have any plans to race in the future?What riders did you respect when you started freeriding? Whose style do you dig the most now? Who should we watch for as an up and comer?Are you hungry for more competition next season?How long do you see yourself riding pro for? If you weren't a pro mountain biker what would you be doing? How cool is your girlfriend Amanda?Tell us about the differences between your bike setups for Crankworx and for Rampage.This is your first season on Corsair. How did you end up riding for them? What other sponsors do you have backing you these days?Zink talks us through his Red Bull Rampage line video from his Contour GPS
I heard that you have a new Cadillac...is this true? Any last words or shout outs?Micayla Gatto adds a little shine to a mint '59. Photo: Ian Hylands
Congrats Cam!
Interview photos by:
-Ian Hylands
-Margus Riga
-Justin Brantley
-Keith at M5Photography
-Mike Lord
Title photo by
Ian Hylands:
But props for Zink doing the shit
as everybody does )))))
what would zink think?
Pin it and WIN it!!!