Rampage 2013 seems to have people asking a few more questions than years past. Once again the event blew minds and solidified itself as our sport's true amphitheater of “Ah”. But this year, amidst the hype and athletic achievements there was an undeniable notion of consequence. Keep in mind this is an opinion, just my opinion. Before we get rolling, the aim here is constructive. You can take these points however you like, but from my seat, I’m just putting a few thoughts on a page.
Rampage has a long standing history as the pinnacle of our sport, and it has served that position admirably. Over the years the event has played host to moments that define mountain biking, and this year was no different. It’s also our gateway to the mass market. On occasion throughout the year we are given the key that unlocks television screens across the globe. But even in this realm of production Rampage stands alone. For two hours viewers take a raw, unfiltered step into the framework of freeride mountain biking.
I thought about throwing in some wordy paragraph defending our livelihoods as professionals, not the handful of lunatics… but threw that in the bin so we can get to the point. Rampage needs to see some changes.
From my perspective, this past event had a different feel to it. It lacked fun. This year I actually looked around and questioned why we were all there. Risk was outweighing reward ten-fold. The seed of the issue was a shortened event window. In previous years you could show up to the venue and start building a week in advance. Timelines weren’t an issue. But in 2013 build time and practice were packed into a four day period. Four days to transform an exposed face into a line, and with limited time and energy, try to piece together a practice session before putting a run together for the judges and public. Athletes are putting themselves in uncomfortable and compromising situations because they haven’t had enough time to work through what they’ve built. In the start gate for finals guys were dropping into sections they hadn’t even had a chance to ride. Given that careers, livelihoods, and in all honesty, lives are on the line, this is unacceptable. The word “unacceptable” probably sounds a little ridiculous, but it’s fitting.
| Athletes are putting themselves in uncomfortable and compromising situations because they haven't had enough time to work through what they've built. In the start gate for finals guys were dropping into sections they hadn't even had a chance to ride. Given that careers, livelihoods, and in all honesty, lives are on the line, this is unacceptable. |
We all want to see the best show. Event organizers and viewers tune in to see the best, and athletes want to give their best. But without ample prep time our “Best” is shadowed by the “I’ll see how it goes” factor. There needs to be more time allocated to build and practice. Not just the addition of a day, but days. Allow athletes the opportunity to get comfortable and confident with their lines. Will we be pushing it? Of course. But with much fewer question marks. A confident and (somewhat) comfortable field will result in a higher quality and safer event. Rampage has reached the point of motocross in terms of physical exposure. The size of the features and aggressive nature of the lines carry heavy repercussions. Any way we can make the event safer I’ll support it. Without a doubt there needs to be a change to the pre-showtime schedule. In an ideal world I would even say the event should adopt a 3 day weather window for finals like a surf competition, to ensure the best window for a complete contest. Bottom-line… fewer question marks, more fun.
While we’re on the topic of having a good-time. Every athlete approaches Rampage in their own way. Some are out there with only the top step of the podium in mind, others are looking to risk everything to solidify their place in two wheeled history, regardless we’re all there on our own agendas looking to break personal barriers for no one other than ourselves. My attitude towards Rampage is simple. I want to show people my perspective of mountain biking. Big, Fast, and Flowing… Fluidity. If it makes a viewer think, “That looks fun,” than I’m a happy guy. Am I going out there to push myself? Absolutely. But I am also out there for personal entertainment. I love mountain biking and I love Rampage. It is my outlet to show people what riding is, fun. If my run scores well than great, if not, I’m not too worried about it, as long as I do justice to riding the line as I see it in my head. Is this the wrong competitive approach? Maybe. Do I care? Not really. Riding looks its best when an athlete is excited about what their riding and that’s my aim at each Rampage.
A few blunt and to-the-point thoughts: We’re not in it for the money, but there needs to be more of it. While everyone is profiting off the exploits of the contest, the athletes are taking home the smallest piece of the monetary pie. If this was a small contest there would be no question of rewards, but Rampage is not a small event. It is one of a few contests that actually has the ability to generate proper compensation for the athletes. For a little perspective, if an athlete were to attend Rampage without the support of personal sponsors, everyone placing out of the top 5 would be out of pocket. The number of riders falling into the red climbs even higher up the podium once you factor in the expenses of your much needed build crew. Personally I think the event organizers and sponsors should team up to book out the entire Zion River Resort which lies a few hundred yards from the venue's entrance, have all the athletes, diggers, media staying at the same location. Bring a tent, bring an RV, whatever, but have everyone at the same spot, have BBQ’s, take care of the athletes and their teams.
I am not a competition athlete, in fact Rampage is the only contest I do all year, but when it comes to prize money something is off. The payouts should be higher and extend down the results sheet. Bump up the incentive. The fact that there was a $17,500 difference between first and second place doesn’t exactly sit well. The average cameraman takes home more than the athlete coming in 5th. I understand that there are huge amounts of energy and budget involved to make Rampage happen and distribute it to households worldwide, and I respect and appreciate those behind the scenes. But I also understand that in the grand Rampage picture the athletes are at the bottom of the barrel. Granted, this won’t change until us athletes actually make an effort to shift things.
Rampage is essential. It’s the truest definition of our sport. I love the concept of the competition, but in my mind it could use a few tweaks… and no wood.
www.mike-hopkins.com
The athletes already step up, but they need to start stepping up in a different way: they need to stand together and demand better conditions and consideration. Without that, nothing will happen.
Redbull is the event sponsor, I can't think of any sport in the world where the event sponsor covers any medical cost of the athletes involved. that would be like akin to Petronas covering Medical expenses for F1 drivers that get hurt at the Grand Prix of Malaysia or UNICEF paying medical bills for one of Barcelona FC football players.
I'm going to get neg propped for this but...
I think RB is more than just a sponsor, I understand it's the organizer of the event. Anyway if it is just the sponsor I agree with you.
I'm still wondering when one of the ladies are gonna get into this event? Any bets on who's first? With Dan and Gee as brothers, I'm surprised Rachael hasn't given this a go yet....
The camera man gets paid. Its the principal reason for his being there to work. He is alos probably union. COntractually, the odds are good that the commercial entity producing the show MUST hire union cameras to film... So he gets union scale. Which is solid.
Riders are there for love, ambition, whatever... but are motivated by things other than $ to show up and play. So they show up. But can't demand anything cuz they are not organized to leverage their value(riding skills.) They are individuals. If they no show...16 other dudes are showing one way or another... No show 1, no problem.
No Show the best 200 Freeriders and DH in the sport... ownership has a problem.
It'll never happen but this is why major professional sports are union... they athletes are taking risks, have short careers and potentially high exit costs (injury) . So they try to unionize to provide some minimal guarantees for the efforts of all, even the lower journeymen.
Redbull/producers might have a heart... its pretty likely. Mostly though they are just doing what makes sense in a capitalist system. Pay the minimum for maximum return... Riders are pretty cheap...
Really awesome article, I like that it is considered and constructive. Going big isn't the only thing I watch Rampage for, I much prefer to watch riders having a good time because that's why I ride my bike and it inspires me to go and do the same. I didn't realize prep was so short. It's the battle of commercializing an event like this, it looses the grass roots and as we've just learned, doesn't always improve the financial opportunity for the participants. Great read, thanks for the insight.
I'd hate for MTB to become like other professional sports where there's a players, or in this case, riders association negotiating fees and salaries, so maybe the fat cats should just be GC's and give the riders an appearance fee plus winnings or something...?
The finances of this event are definitely tricky, and its difficult for us to weigh in when we don't know the complete picture. I would love to see the riders get paid more (they absolutely deserve it), but we just don't know how much money there is to go around. We assume because it's Redbull that there are piles of cash laying around from this event, but we just don't know.
One thing that Mike brings up that I think is crucial in any "sponsor driven" sport, is cost reduction for the athletes and their teams. As he mentions, a lot can be done when everyone teams up for housing/food/tools/and other resources so that more athletes are in the black at the end of the day. If Redbull really cares about the quality of the event, I think this along with giving riders more time to practice and prepare will help move this event and the sport in the right direction for athletes.
Mike is one of my favorite riders to watch because of the lines and style of riding he does. Even though I cannot ride like that, he is one of the few riders that make me believe that maybe one day I could.
I for one would not be sorry if the wood went. It's not that I don't enjoy the ridiculous moves being done from them, but I don't think this event needs it and has been a contentious issue since it started.
The worst part of 2013 Rampage was no second runs for a lot of people and they even had a spare day for just that - for some reason they decided not to use it??? And the poor dudes that did and it meant very little (Lacondeguy... robbed).
Mike, it looks to me like the mountain bike community stands fully behind you on this.
Gravity mtb has been made a victim due to its own principles, guys and girls who are in it for the love of it.
Much like my profession, CGI for movies the artist (just like the athletes) get screwed all over despite being the ones which in many cases do the bit people turn on the TV for. Is it right, No. Is it how it is, yes!
If the riders strike all that will happen is the events will be non existent. They all know that. Thats why they turn up despite the travel fees costing more than the 1stvplace prize.
None of the companies are gonna drop another couple millions because 5 riders said they deserved more (unfortunately which they do).
Reality is people are ways gonna try and sap more than they should out of you IF you are doing something you wanted to do paid or unpaid.
No one does this sport for the money and it doesn't always pay the bills but we must remember... no one deccides turns the cranks because someone one day someone is gonna pay them.
I hate the state of afairs its unfair across the board with altheles and artists but that how it is.
If you want money get a boring job. I applauded you mike for fighting for what's right. Its gonna be a tough battle
@Billjohn6, I totally agree with you about the sponsorship side of the payouts. One can only hope that our glorious sport can get even a quarter of sponsorships that the major ball sports get.
It's something the riders should be working together to figure out I would think ?
But to compare it to the NFL is a little overboard. Those guys are regularly hit by the baddest most physical men alive.
And it's one of the most popular sports on the planet. Therefore the money is there for them and for good reason.
I've seen fundraising articles on here before which I really dislike to say the least ..... That being said , I would definitely donate to say a " Redbull Rampage riders fund " to be split between riders participating in one of MTB's coolest events as I'm sure many other people would also.
Maybe give the donating online public a vote afterwards and distribute the monies accordingly.
Good article.
Thanks for riding that crazy sh!t !
If so you should be an NFL running back bro. Maybe a receiver. Lol.
I don't expect you to believe the things a stranger says on the internet. So there isn't any reason for you to believe me.
Tennis players have even less risk, yet they can command millions. Why? Because tennis can be shot with three cameras and beamed into peoples' homes, and so now you may not care about tennis but you'll still know who Roger Federer is.
MTBers won't get big incomes until Joe Average can sit on his ass and care about the result and tune in to watch it. Which means... never. Sad, but true. And you know it.
But yes, sadly true.
:'(
Don't you ?
Agree on your comment also.
More Viewers = More Money. Easy math.
Some people can't comprehend how big , strong , and fast those NFL players are , and won't unless they see them close up in person which most never will.
The 35 linebackers last year (2013) at the NFL combine ran times between 4.5 and 5.1.
The majority where around 4.7 sec.
That's crazy fast for large men.
Thats the combine to make it into the NFL !
The players in the NFL already are just as fast , or faster.