Red Bull Rampage 2016







Straight out of the canyon, here are some of our favourite photos from Red Bull Rampage Finals. The photo epic will but up soon, but in the meantime, check out what these wicked athletes managed to pull off.

Congratulations to the top three; Brandon Semenuk, Antoine Bizet, and Carson Storch, as well as Conor Macfarlane who took home the Kelly McGarry Spirit award. We are sending love and healing vibes to Aggy who is in the hospital tonight following an ugly crash today.

Berrecloth and family hiking up for practice.
  Berrecloth and family hiking up for practice.

Carson Storch had a smile on his face this morning and a possitive motivation for the day. His good energy turned into a smashing run and third place for Carson s best result here yet.
Carson Storch had a smile on his face this morning and a possitive motivation for the day. His good energy turned into a smashing run and third place for Carson's best result here yet.
James Doerferling warming the legs up before going up for some practice.
James Doerferling warming the legs up before going up for some practice.

Aggy
  Aggy

Aggy blasting down the chute and charging for a what could have been winning run.
Aggy blasting down the chute and charging for a what could have been winning run.
Aggy spinning his drop that took him out moments later.
Aggy spinning his drop that took him out moments later.

The most gut-wrenching moment of the day no question was Aggy s horrendous spill after getting blown off-line attempting to spin his cliff-drop. Healing vibes from all at PB
  The most gut-wrenching moment of the day, no question, was Aggy's horrendous spill after getting blown off-line attempting to spin his cliff-drop. Healing vibes from all at PB!

Tyler McCaul stretching out after a long descent in the saddle down to his big hip jump.
  Tyler McCaul stretching out after a long descent in the saddle down to his big hip jump.

Antoine Bizet had one hell of an afternoon rip-roaring into 2nd place and icing the cake of his run with one of his signature double backflips.
  Antoine Bizet had one hell of an afternoon, rip-roaring into 2nd place and icing the cake of his run with one of his signature double backflips.

Never give up. Connor McFarlane gave it 1000 out on the hill today and bagged himself the Kelly McGarry Spirit award.
  Never give up. Connor McFarlane gave it 1000% out on the hill today and bagged himself the Kelly McGarry Spirit award.

As if we didn t already know it Zink is a beast... today walking away from a hugley over-rotated spin on his behemoth of a drop.
  As if we didn't already know it, Zink is a beast... today walking away from a hugley over-rotated spin on his behemoth of a drop.

Brandon Semenuk on a run to win on his first and only run.
Brandon Semenuk on a run to win on his first and only run.
Flat flip drop from Semenuk leading into the lower jumps to glory.
Flat flip drop from Semenuk leading into the lower jumps to glory.

Carson stomped this big 360 on his third place run and couldn t be happier. His riding has been on point all week and progressing by the day. His good friend and mentor Kelly McGarry would have been real proud of this kid.
  Carson stomped this big 360 on his third place run and couldn't be happier. His riding has been on point all week and progressing by the day. His good friend and mentor Kelly McGarry would have been real proud of this kid.

Carson Storch giving the great wall some style.
  Carson Storch giving the great wall some style.

Man of the match - Carson Storch in fully flat flight. What a day for the young American bagging best trick and 3rd place.
  Man of the match - Carson Storch in fully flat flight. What a day for the young American bagging best trick and 3rd place.

Brett Rheeder popping a cork 720 in practice. His day didn t turn out as planned and would have loved to see a full run from Brett.
  Brett Rheeder popping a cork 720 in practice. His day didn't turn out as planned and would have loved to see a full run from Brett.

Flat drop flips for the win... Brandon Semenuk continues to show the world the true potential of mountainbiking.
  Flat drop flips for the win... Brandon Semenuk continues to show the world the true potential of mountain biking.

One footed Can back flip for a finale.
  One footed Can back flip for a finale.

Podium
  Podium


MENTIONS: @meagerdude / @natedh9 / @parisgore / @dbaker / #RedBullRampage


Author Info:
daniellebaker avatar

Member since May 10, 2007
235 articles

122 Comments
  • 120 0
 Connor is a true monster, so sick!
  • 77 7
 I have to say this
An people can down vote all they want
But,
With all we've heard aboot CET lately.... Should Conner have been up for that second run?
I was Amped with all the hype waiting for him to drop but still, worry an concern was there. When he went down straight away it was obvious his physicall condition was doubtfull.
  • 10 1
 @nojzilla:

yes, an obvious concern to anyone with a medical eye
  • 15 1
 Even though he didn't make the top 10 he sure as hell BETTER get an invite for the next Rampage...
  • 5 3
 @nojzilla: I totally agree! With the hard crashes he had in practice (and how busted up his face looked), I was thinking it seemed questionable for him to be allowed to have his first run. Speaking as a dad, I also think it's a bit irresponsible of the media to celebrate his die hard attitude about going for his second run, I don't think it sends a good a message to younger riders. Broken bones will heal, but your brain is your CPU that you need for life!
  • 1 0
 apple juice is so sick
  • 2 0
 @nojzilla: I agree. The first run was questionable but the second one...? I hate to say it but somebody should have stepped in and advised him against it. He's lucky to still be alive after that second run.
  • 99 3
 Aggy you were on fire bud. It would have been the winning run..It still was in my eyes , you are a beast!
  • 5 0
 What's the damage?
  • 16 0
 @scotttherider: broken pelvis
  • 8 0
 @lawnweenies1: damn, for real? I feel bad man. I agree with farmageddon, would have been the winning run. We all know aggy did at least his best.
  • 10 0
 @FrozenTreads56: ya 8-10 weeks recovery. No surgery.
  • 2 0
 agreed, what a run!!
  • 12 2
 I feel so bad for Aggy. He deserved the win, no offence for other riders of course, but he just... have to have the top podium some time. Heal up, buddy. Real FR Hero. There's no other rider like him. Always riding on the edge, wild style, so sick.
  • 4 1
 Damn. Sending healing vibes. No surgery would be great. Heal up quick, man!
  • 3 2
 @MrEtnie: sounds like nondisplaced fractrure based on @lawnweenies1 account. he's all good. just needs to heal a bit. hes a beast. woulda broken someone else
  • 11 2
 Aggy throwing the horns from the stretcher was my Rampage highlight - total badass
  • 7 1
 Aggy´s still able to throw a rock hand after that crash! thats the f*cking spirit! Love this environment! love you Pinkbike, love this sport !
  • 12 1
 @Bennnnnnnybike: agreed. I was at a Dr's office waiting for my appt and watching Rampage on my tablet with headphones. When Aggy went down I gasped/shrieked so loud that the entire room starred at me. Then everyone joined to watch with me... when Aggy threw the horns everyone watching with me sighed a relief. Even the old guy... So happy to hear it's not a terrible recovery. Hopefully Rampage 2017 is the year of Aggy.
  • 88 16
 I wanted Rheeder to finish his run, but I'd be upset if he busted a cork 7. I have beef with the bottom section, several riders did lackluster runs and pretty much wanted to get down to the lowers where the trick jumps were waiting.

I'm not against tricks at all, I'm typically a huge proponent of having them be equally as important as the whole go big and fast thing and have defended tricks in these contests for the last couple years. But I can't exactly articulate why I'd be pissed to see a cork 7 go off in Rampage, it'd be like the whole triple cork thing that took over just about every x games competition for snowboarding. If we set the bar there, then we'll see Rogatkin, Rheeder, Genon, and tons of other slope riders find their way into future rampages to basically turn it into the nine knights of utah. I knew going into this competition that Rheeder was probably going to try a cork 7, it just seems like a predictable thing he'd want to do to win Rampage. No beef with him though, he's an excellent rider... I guess that I just kind of expected that when i saw @c3project post it on one of the dig days.

This is where people need to give Semenuk some serious props, because he doesn't go for these kinds of tricks in Rampage. You didnt see a cork 7 attempted by him this week even though he was like the 2nd or 3rd person to pull one off on the big bike and he certainly has it in his bag of tricks, but I think he wants people to see that he likes the big mountain riding aspect of this whole thing too. Notably from his interview where he stated that he wanted a little bit of everything in his run and see the variety of skills he has on the saddle. He was about the digging, the creativity of line choice, and getting the down the mountain in his own way. I don't think he's impervious to the fact that mountain bikers don't want to see Rampage turn into a slope comp, and it shows that he knows that in his Rampage runs (so for those of you who think semenuks out there trying to make this a slope comp, please stfu).

What'd we see from him, a few backs and a flat 3? That's pretty mild for this kid but he tried to take at least two of those and execute them on difficult and unique features, and challenge himself a little more on big terrain then we see. A very diverse run from Brandon, and hearing how he was the first one up most mornings getting digging and practicing in, I'd say he earned this Rampage. Congrats to him. And thank you Brandon for not giving in and making it a show only for the bottom booters, many might not have noticed but I noticed that you wanted to be seen for the bigger stuff today.

Also I had no idea those woops were the ones from Revel in the Chaos.
  • 21 1
 I agree with that a winning should have a component of everything, tech, style and tricks. Which Brandon's run did. But I think if athletes want to do some really difficult tricks that are more associated with slopestyle, like 720s they should go for it.
  • 8 0
 @mprosper: I do agree, and I don't want my post to suggest that I'm some sort of authority that could ever define what a rider can/can't do at Rampage, I'd just be a little spooked that the judges would then restrict the podium to only those who can execute that caliber of trick. That would really do the sport injustice and would suck ass, quite honestly... but at the end of the day your point is probably the more valid one. I think a lot of people who felt similarly to me that tried to resists snowboarding turning into a gymnastics show ended up having to accept that it went that route anyways and it's just the evolution of the sport.
  • 3 8
flag jimmyrecard (Oct 14, 2016 at 22:04) (Below Threshold)
 @anchoricex: lmfao! Nine KNighs of Utah lol.
  • 11 0
 @anchoricex: Ya but look at Travis Rice and his kind of free riding, he throws in some bangers while riding tech stuff snowboarding.

The caliber of riding is there now, you have to do both. Look at Kyle Strait today, he's more of a tech guy but threw some new tricks in there. I was so stoked when I saw him do that step down backflip in his first run.
  • 1 1
 @anchoricex: youre totally on point with the snowboard comparison. But even if rampage would become a spinfest like most of todays sno comps are, I am sure there will be a strong following for some alternative competitions to take the spot. Just like for example supernatural does in snowboarding. I dont watch big air competitions anymore, since years just because they are ridiculous gymnastics. But I am all stoked for supernatural...
maybe, in your scenario of rampage becoming a trickster comp, maybe there could evolve a fest-series like event on a rampage style area...
  • 7 15
flag morkis (Oct 14, 2016 at 23:20) (Below Threshold)
 This is a comments section, not write a novel... Conner for president!!
  • 20 1
 Rampage is the "great equalizer" of mountain biking. Slopestyle riders, big-mountain freeride guys, World Cup racers, and straight-up legends of the sport all throwing down their interpretation of a top-to-bottom run. I love seeing guys like Rheeder and Genon contrasting with Remy and Brendog. And the fact is, this thing is an exhibition, and everyone is going to build runs that play to their strengths. That's the fun of watching Rampage, wondering what everyone has in store. If Rheeder wants to bust out a corked 7, that's awesome, it's what he does best, and there's very few other riders who could pull this off, especially on a big bike. But, at the same time, I can't imagine him attempting to "race" the course like Remy, go for Fest-size booters like Aggy, or "ski" down the mountain like Doerfling. Again, everyone is going to play to their strengths, which is incredibly entertaining.

Now that the judging has seemingly been fixed (I took zero issue with any of the scores today, and from the way it sounds, the vast majority of people who saw the event agree there), a smaller field of riders, removal from the FMB series, new rules, and the removal of the big "slopetyle" features, Rampage has really come full circle. Last year had a really weird, tense vibe. Between the fighting over lines, Paul Bas getting seriously hurt, and the fact that riders were obviously really unhappy, Rampage needed an update, and this year it got one. Huge props to everyone involved with making the changes, and running this awesome event.

Hope Aggy heals up fast, I jumped off the couch when I saw that one. Glad to hear it's not as serious as it could have been.

Also, anyone who refers to Semenuk as "a slopestyle guy" deserves to be slapped. His line played to his strengths today: everything. He's undeniably the best rider on the planet at this point.
  • 6 0
 Totally! I was joking that Doerfling got robbed but, his an Aggy's chute lines were for me. What Rampage is aboot. Aggy, without a doubt would've taken the win with that line. Not to take anything away from Semenuck. He attacked that hill like a WC racer AND stomped his tricks. No other rider other than PEF had that steeze. He truely deserved the win
  • 5 0
 Totally agree here. I was a little angry when CMac said that Remy couldn't possibly win with his run because he just doesn't have what it takes to beat Brandon. That was proof right there that riders are expected to pull off some huge slopestyle-type moves to get the points. Look at Pierre's run; fast as hell, fluid, stylish and sick, but no big tricks got him a totally lousy score and sorry to say it, but he got robbed. Saying that all the points categories are equal is a fat lie, the tricks seem to be highs scoring than anything. I think some scoring was little off to be fair. Genon's second run had 2 more tricks in it but because he didn't pull the double flip he got way lower, seriously? Bad call in my eyes. Should he have won? No, but I think his second run should have been as good if not better. Several riders got wrong scores I think. But Brandon was probably the right winner.
  • 3 2
 ^^^^^^^^ this!
  • 2 0
 @clarky78: why is it so wrong that remy can't win without tricks? I agree with cmac - like it or not, mountain biking, and in particular freeriding, includes tricks nowadays. It's one of the main ways the sport has progressed since the days of bender and bourdon's hucks. I enjoyed remy's line, but without tricks he's missing out on almost 25% of the possible points. Beyond that, it simply makes any line more technical and difficult.
  • 1 0
 Yep, Remember when Gee got third without a single flip or spin. Pure racer style.
  • 3 0
 @nojzilla: Memberberries.. Wink
  • 1 0
 @ldhbaker: Because the point of Rampage is that anyone can take the win. If this is the case why even invite no slopstyle/big mountain riders? If you can't win you risk everything for nothing. At least they get the 5k appearance fee this year ( which still wouldn't cover the cost of the trip for one let alone 3 people, and doesn't cover the risk factor). They also make a poin of saying the points don't come from any particular category so they should be able to win by not doing every category of riding style.
  • 1 0
 @clarky78: See I completely disagree here - why should anyone be able to take the win? I would think, like any other sport, whoever puts together the most complete and impressive run should be able to take the win which should incorporate all aspects of the sport (including tricks). I'll agree with you that there's a point where, if a big mountain rider rides a line that's head and shoulders above everyone else, that may outweigh some of the trick scoring. The reality nowadays, though, is that the "trick" riders like semenuk, rheeder, genon, and others are riding lines almost as gnarly as anyone else, and throwing tricks in on top of that.

I really enjoy big mountain riders' lines, but honestly I get the impression that even those riders (PEF, Remy, etc...) understand that they simply aren't going to win without throwing in some tricks. Their motivation could be different, such as making sure they get a top 10 to get next years invite, more exposure for them, and pushing their part of the sport.
  • 1 0
 @nojzilla: Gee had 2nd in 2004, and 2nd in 2010. Insane. Some of the most creative lines too.
  • 35 1
 The one run I really wanted to see above all others was Connors. They'd best be inviting him next year!
  • 32 0
 Heal up, Aggy.
  • 27 1
 So stoked for Storch!!
  • 5 1
 His run was the best for my taste, his run got me the most excited of all.
  • 3 0
 The 360 turn down tabletop all corked out!!! Style!
  • 13 1
 Kyle's second run was a podium run for sure, good thing he's in one piece. I really thought it was his year, best dude ever. Vibes to Aggy, what a beast.
  • 7 0
 Yea his second run was looking so sweet. I gutted when he lost it.
  • 1 0
 @StackingItSince1991: So was he. Only guy there stomping when he binned it,
  • 13 1
 It was great to see Paul Basagoitia doing so well. I admire his bravery to return to last year's site and also to admit how hard things have been mentally too.
  • 12 0
 Gutted for kyle strait, was on such an awesome run. Great comp all around
  • 13 3
 Sorge and Strait impressed me the most. Most of the others did too many trackstands before they went into a chute etc. Those two flowed.
  • 12 4
 #norbsgotrobbed... Wait, what year is this again? Did my Delorian work?
  • 3 1
 Sorry to hear you didn't make the cut BigTim... start training for next year!!
  • 8 0
 Good job judges!
  • 6 1
 Really enjoyed this one, judging was good, riding was amazing, thanks for all involved in putting this on, props to all the riders!

#getwellsoonAggy
  • 7 1
 Anyone else think Bizet would have won if he could have linked the suicide no handed into the double flip?
  • 2 1
 If he did the backflip off the second jump as well, probably.
  • 3 0
 Awesome as usual, better than the past few years. All the riders deserve massive respect. Fair judging! The normal wind delays made for second run disappointment and frustrating viewing for many. Anyone know what happened to Reynolds and Binggeli? I'm guessing it was practice crashes (like Brendogs) but no info. Also the riders choice award voting should not have started before the runs had happened, as it did, making that award kinda pointless. Hoping all those who got injured heal soon and can be back on their bikes wowing us all again.
  • 4 1
 Came to pinkbike expecting to see some cancer "semenuk is slopestyle", "some hucker should have won", "carson's 3 was too clean to be freeride" comments. Im pleasently suprised with what i see Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I dont know if anyone remembers Aggys reunion this year but aggy pulled a flip tuck I haven't seen him do before so I think he had a wild run planned and would have stomped his way to the top spot, especially since like straits flip drop he's showing progression in the off season
  • 1 0
 yea that's right Brandon Semenuk! he won this year and should have taken the win last yr! hes the best all around rider out there I don't know wtf the judges were thinking last yr ! I just watched 2015 redbull rampage and he had the most tricks,the best tricks,best style ,flow and hardest lines so its about time you judges wtf up!
  • 6 3
 This year seemed off... i know the wind was a factor but even just the weeks building up to it, it seemed to lacking something
  • 16 2
 Mcgazza bro
  • 3 0
 @parisgore: Mcgazza would have probably found a canion somewhere on that course to flip it.
  • 4 1
 Connor is a beast!! Healing vibes Aggy. Props to Bizet for going for the last run. And what needs to be said about Semenuk. Attacktician!
  • 3 0
 Why did both of Andreu's runs score the same? The second was a little slower maybe but that two footed super knack (?) was dope.
  • 1 0
 it was better than his first run cleaner but not better than Thomas Genon's first run
  • 3 0
 T-mac's first run was realy good nice tricks and on the rider's left side
  • 1 0
 Such an awesome event to see live!!!Gotta give props to the NW fans that came down to Rampage with all the NWCup energy!! There were a couple other groups having a good time being loud and cheering.......but dam if it wasn't like a golf match with everybody's little golf claps.......crowds for Rampage need to be more energetic IMO.
  • 7 3
 the wind really blew it this year
  • 3 0
 This picture with Berrecloth family (incl. the little Isabella Stevie) puts smile on my face! Smile
  • 2 0
 That banner photo could be on the cover of a magazine if that tweaker with his cell phone wasn't in it.
  • 2 0
 well i guess 26 inch wheels are not dead hey 123 podium on 26 nice to see
  • 4 2
 Smenuk Didnt get Robbed this year
  • 2 0
 that is not the best spot for buddy trying to take a selfie under brandon
  • 4 2
 WTF happened to Reynolds???!??
  • 2 0
 Says in the photo epic, he just wasnt up for how big and gnarly it was and didn't want to get hurt basically
  • 2 0
 Anyone know what happen to Sam Reynolds??
  • 5 2
 @deadpool2e Reynolds opted out
  • 6 9
 @Garpur44: wow, youre really well informed, ay? Sure he opted out otherwise we would have seen him on the live stream - but why did he opt out?
  • 12 1
 Nathan Hughes says "Sam Reynolds opted out this year. In his view, things have gone too far and he said he simply wasn't prepared to risk his life. A tough but admirable call considering the pressure the riders are surely under to perform."
  • 5 0
 @skintightleather: cheers man, Just goes to show how extreme it is if a rider like him pulls out Frown
  • 2 1
 You know it's a tough venue when the winning run is an 84.33. Props to all that dropped-in on that hill!!
  • 1 0
 I just want to take a moment to show my appreciation for how big Cardon's and Aggy's 3s were. Those are absolutely huge.
  • 2 1
 sucks and blows that the wind was a messing up runs
  • 2 1
 Still like the old track...
  • 1 0
 Some great photos there, thanks PB.
  • 1 0
 Trying to pick a desktop background... Struggling a bit
  • 1 0
 its like where's waldo. Can you see me?
  • 1 1
 The photograph at the head of this article is stunning.
  • 1 1
 Hell Yeah!!! This is a good trio.
  • 2 1
 Gutted for Aggy!
  • 2 1
 Atta boy Carson!!!
  • 1 0
 One awesome podium.
  • 5 7
 So it's like the old days, but on plastic bikes with bigger wheels.... Coooooooooooool
  • 4 2
 Don't be jelly, bra.
  • 1 0
 Truth hurts sometimez
  • 2 4
 Those lines were sucks! No speed, no rythm, olny two places for real jumps. Boredom.
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