Claymore Challenge - Semenuk Wins Again

Jul 21, 2012
by Karl Burkat  
Claymore Challenge Results

1 - Semenuk
2 - Rheeder
3 - Soderstrom
4 - Pilgrim
5 - Genon
6 - Granieri
7 - Godziek
8 - Watts
9 - Tyler McCaul



Author Info:
karl-burkat avatar

Member since Jan 1, 2000
600 articles

143 Comments
  • 78 28
 Pilgrims 2nd run was immense! Deffinately worth a podium finish, starting to think Semenuk is being unfairly judged...
  • 27 8
 Rheeder should of taken it in my books, his run was off the hook! and Sam's flip drop was insane aswell!
  • 44 27
 If your trying to say that pilgrim should have won over semenuk you got serious issues
  • 47 7
 You're*
  • 30 9
 I have been saying that all along. Seems like once you win once the judges just give it to you. That's why I like racing, the clock never lies.
  • 21 23
 Very questionable judging on a few of the runs, Sam's especially. Need some sort of judging criteria release. There doesn't seem to be any reward for innovation if they are giving such a huge margin of points to semenuk for just being consistent with his landings.
  • 41 6
 So I guess cork 720s aren't innovation? I haven't seen anyone else throw those down yet this year.

Opp. Tricks aren't easy either man.
  • 27 1
 yeh i felt sams 2nd run deserved more, but semunuk had that win, he just stomps every trick, an that 720 corked dumped whatever was so good and he nailed the landing
  • 8 8
 Are you suggesting that something that hasn't been done yet this year is somehow worth more points than a world first?

The flip drop and the 720 were equally awesome. The 5 point difference is a little strange given the rest of the runs.
  • 45 8
 Are people retarded? Semenuk's whole run was full of opposite tricks. That's where your 5 point difference comes from. Pilgrim had a mega standard run (flip tuck, flip table, flip superman, ad nauseum), while Brandon & Rheeder killed it with creative, subtle shit all over the place.

Seriously, an opposite 3 drop terrifies the shit out of me.
  • 10 5
 nailed it^ but i still think pilgrim shouldve gotten 3rd
  • 13 3
 Exactly man... one banger does not make a winner, that's why there's a best trick comp!
  • 10 2
 I think Pilgrim's run should have earned more points, but I'm not sure if it was better than Söderstrom's run...

For me Semenuk was the best, his run was the most technical, doing opposite tricks and this crazy super dumped 720. I think he also did more tricks than anyone else!
I don't think that he is being overrated, he's just super clean and technical, for me his second run was even better than some peoples best run, even though he was just cruising and playing, but it looked unbelievably easy and just made me wanna go ride!
That's why he's winning everything right now, because he just rides flawless and does his tricks with ease and his very unique style!
  • 4 3
 I don't understand why everybody is so stoked about the flip drop... yeah, it was a world first, but for me, rheeder's front flip drop looked way harder to do, and not many people have done that yet (I can only think of messere)
  • 8 1
 Would be cool if they do the judging like at district ride last year, that every feature has a maximum of points plus flow and that's the score. Nobody would complain anymore about unfair judging.
  • 3 4
 Rheeder should have been first , he destroyed it.
  • 4 2
 It's natural for people to struggle with the fact that Semenuk wins everything. But he is that good - he rode the course fast and smooth... he makes it look easy. I love watching him, he always rides fast and lands high in the landings. He is smooth and has a vast bag of technical tricks...and I like his taste when it comes to what tricks he decides to do.
  • 4 3
 hahaha, this was the first time I got to watch any of this and after watching the replay and reading these comments all I've gotta say is... Welcome to the world of "switch" or "opposite" spins. They are very tech and if you cannot recognize that then you should not say anything. All these scores were well deserved and I never would have thought Rheeder would have gotten a podium finish this season based on how good everyone else was. He killed it today and that aggressive style was way too sick. I can't wait to see him at Crankworxs and to see how well he does.
  • 4 0
 Semenuk deserved the win, Rheeder was DAMN close, his run was facking amazing and I'd also consider it a winner. But damn, all the oppo tricks in Semenuk's run, general smoothness and TWO banger tricks, of course he should take home the win. But still, lol at all the Brits on any FMBA article complaining about Pilgrim.
  • 1 0
 thank god they got better announcers.
  • 1 0
 @scott-townes he got podium at jump ship.
  • 2 3
 being there and watching it, Brett definitely should of won, Brandon killed it, but i feel like it want fairly judged.
  • 4 0
 my .02, i thought semenuk had by far the best run, he won it for sure. maybe i see it differently than others, but i thought the judging was pretty good.
  • 2 10
flag simonsilver (Jul 22, 2012 at 0:24) (Below Threshold)
 1st-rheeder, 2nd- semenuk, 3rd-pilgrim.........nuffff said
  • 5 0
 I think the judging was bang on. Semenuk is so good, that people expect more from him. Line up his run trick to trick for degree of difficulty, and style against anyone, and I think you'll see why he deserved the win. The scary thing is, I honestly think he could have done more (e.g. a bigger trick off the last jump), whereas I think everyone else was riding at their limit.
  • 2 1
 Why make them take an unnecessary risk?
  • 18 0
 Sam pilgrim did almost all flip combos.. Just like every other run he does at contests he's good but semenuk is a deserving 1st place.. A flat flip drop is no where near as sick as cork 7 it's just new , Sam does flips And flips and flips and flips.. Brandon put totally different tricks in a run unlike sam.. Reason 1 why Brandon won , rheeder an Martin killed it Sam didn't get on the podium for a reason.. Don't blame the judges ..
  • 9 0
 Brandon also did opposite tricks which I think no one understands.
  • 1 0
 Anyone who thinks pilgrim should have been in the top three should rethink that. his run was amazing, but not every feature was tricked where as the top three riders tricked everything with different variations and more technicality. Judging was spot on in my opinion
  • 31 15
 FIX. Soderstrom/Rheeder should have won. losing faith in mtb comps lately
  • 26 11
 yea, semenuks run was great, but not 1st. it seems like he gets bonus points for being semenuk. Rheeders run was insane!
  • 17 6
 Rheeder, pilgrim and Soderstrom were all robbed from Semenuks first run... Im sure he could've pulled together a better for his second run, but all three of should've beat Semenuks first run
  • 25 6
 I'm disappointed with Pilgrim's evaluation
  • 5 7
 @Da-Moose: You are maybe right.. but in my opinion: on this level of the slopestyle everything is so-so important! I mean for example the landings.. was it dusty? if yes it's -0.5 ponit...etc.. You haveto be excellent! very-very excellent.
  • 21 3
 Yeah and pilgrim could not believe it, when he saw the score you could hear him "really!?" Did they not se his perfect that no one have ever done before in a competition flat drop flip or what!!!
  • 11 10
 There is no way Semenuk should of won there. Big mistake by the judges!
  • 19 11
 semenuk´s run was best, he did truck driver , oppo 3,dumped 720, oppo whip, flip transfer, flip whip, everething smoth, run was dialed , he deserve win no doubt
  • 14 10
 All of the riders were awesome... very tight comp, but Semenuk totally deserves his 1st in my book. He tricked almost everything, oppo whip, a huge oppo 360, cork 720, monster flip whip and maintained enough speed for a sick shoulder buzz off that hip ramp where most riders couldn't throw anything. The guy is unreal.
  • 4 4
 yes but what did semenuk not do, and insane flat flip of a drop. should of been on the podium
  • 15 8
 Man I totally agree. The judges just favorite semenuk. Obviousley he's really good. But he shouldn't have won
  • 9 2
 Yes Pilgrim's ride was insane,that flat flip of a drop,no hand backflip,flipwhip and superflip etc.. He deserved to be on a podium
  • 5 2
 and thats coming from a the 'semenuk fan' ^ aha Smile
  • 6 3
 maybe not the best run but the hardest. doing oppo whips/360's and 720s which nobody else was doing let alone in the same run. and the backflip over the transfer.
  • 6 4
 it was close but semenuk disserverd the win. ya there was a front and back flip of the drop, but the corked 720 equaled that or even better that plus he did a truck driver out of the berm thing
  • 2 10
flag flipside (Jul 21, 2012 at 13:57) (Below Threshold)
 i dont believe its a corked 720, its a flip 360
  • 4 13
flag dennis9 (Jul 21, 2012 at 13:58) (Below Threshold)
 and another thing brett and brandon were on a full suspension bike so they probley get more points then they would on a hardtail
  • 2 0
 Hahaha. Yup
  • 4 1
 corked 720 flip 360 who cars its nuts
  • 5 2
 That corked 720 was the nicest 720 what I've ever seen !
  • 8 10
 Soderstrom and Rheeder were robbed the most. Pilgrims run was sick and you could see he was shocked, Semenuk did not deserve this win
  • 10 3
 I think it should of gone, 1st Semenuk, 2nd Soderstrom, 3rd Rheeder. There wasn't anything more special in Sam's run than other than his backflip drop. Sam didn't even trick everything.
  • 5 5
 ^ I agree 100%
Semenuk's and Soderstrom's runs were crazy. Nothing too special about Pilgrim's and Rheeder's...
  • 2 1
 semenuk only flipped second, pilgs flipped 1 foot x'd it and soderstrom i believe 3 whiped it
  • 7 1
 Soderstrom d*cked all over him, 3 whipped that first stepdown, the 3 double whip.was better than a 720 and a double whip.is just about as good as a flip whip, and not to.mention all the tricks inbetween. He should if won.
  • 2 0
 What impressed me the most was Soderstrom´s 3 whip in the first step down
  • 7 2
 I think it was completely accurate how it was semenuk rheeder and then soderstrom!!! semenuk and rheeder were both throwing opposite tricks... semenuk did 360's both ways and tail whips both ways how many people can do that in a run and cork 7 and a perfect flip whip and trick all the little stuff to... pilgrims run wasnt that sick the flip drop was gnarly but other then that it was classic pilgrim and he didnt even trick everything and soderstroms run was gnarly but not a technical... Semenuk is the man!!!!!
  • 2 1
 I don't think you should get more points for riding a bigger bike. It should be riders discretion and they should ride whatever they feel most comfortable on, they're pros after all and bike choice is just as much a part of a run decision as trick choice is I think. You don't get 10 seconds knocked off your run in DH if you ride a hardtail! Definitely think Pilgrim should have been on the podium, I had the same reaction as him when his second run score was posted.
  • 5 0
 someone just said nothing special in rheeders run, i refuse to comment after this.
  • 2 0
 So many haters. Why nobody says Gwin has grease on his rotors?
  • 1 1
 @fast-steve, are you f*cking blind?? Rheeder killed it!
  • 2 0
 The only good things in Pilgrim's and Rheeder's runs were the drop.
  • 1 0
 i guess you dont understand the concept of switch tricks and the fact he tricked every jump. okay then.
  • 1 0
 I think youl find that soderstrom did an oppo 3 out of the switchbacks...
  • 23 12
 Rheeder's, Soderstrom's, and Pilgrim's run was absolute off the hook. Although Semenuk's run was clean and dialed, he didnt have the creativity and was kinda plain. Pilgrim's backflip drop, Rheeder's frontflip drop, Soderstrom's 3 double whip deffs shouldve snagged first place. No doubt Semenuk's dumped 720 was outstanding, but i dont think he deserved first. PS. Anthony Messere should pick up his game and start banging his runs and dont make mistakes. He definitely couldve been a monster here
  • 16 0
 Messere is too young not to make mistakes. He is riding at a pro level but he is not a pro yet because it takes time and effort to become a consistent rider. Respect of course.
  • 5 6
 ...opposite.
  • 27 12
 After watching pilgrims and rheeders runs I am surprised semenuk won...
  • 1 5
flag Karpiel073 (Jul 21, 2012 at 19:17) (Below Threshold)
 Agreed. Rheeder should've taken it.
  • 3 0
 Pilgrim didn't trick everything. Semenuk tricked everything but the set up jump for the kicker at the end.
  • 7 0
 Opposite tailwhip, opposite 360, backflip transfer before the wallride, 720 and perfect flip whip. Definitely #1.
  • 16 2
 Pilgrim's backflip and Rheeder's frontflip drop was a total Banger!
  • 15 3
 it was such a close competition today! my favourite contest so far this year! stoked to watch these guys through out the rest of the season!
  • 14 1
 Pilgrim was not stoked.
  • 14 3
 Pilgrims backflip drop was insane
  • 15 4
 Poor Pilgrim, he deserves more
  • 7 1
 Semenuk is just ridiculous winning every contest he rides this year! (Jumpship, Chatel, Crankworx Les 2 Alpes, Claymore Challenge) He's the embodiment of consistency..
Anyway, massive respect to all the guys Wink And cheers for the live stream Red Bull
  • 13 2
 Rheeeeder!
  • 11 0
 Rheeder fronflip sick
  • 14 4
 I think Pilgrim would have deserved a better result...
  • 5 1
 Interesting comments...Semenuk was 'judged' fairly in my opinion, a textbook run, with opposing tricks, clean flawless landings, stylish execution, leaving the viewer never scared...while rheeder and soderstrom rode fantastic, had to UP their game because of Semenuks first run, their runs still had a bit of slop in the execution and landing, even if the tricks were technically harder or more inventive, I also watched their runs being scared from their mistakes. You want to see the best, doing things you could never do and doing them with confidence and grace. I think the judges were spot on for the top 3, I dont even think pilgrim should have been 4th though....and I have been a life long hater of 'judged' sports, but I have to say, they did get it right.
  • 15 8
 pilgrim was robbed of a podium finish
  • 9 2
 That was so much better than Crankworx Europe!
  • 4 0
 i think it should have been

1.) Semenuk
2.)Pilgrim
3.)Soderstorm

yes Pilgrims backflip drop was sick but semenuk has crazy innovative trick and he tricks almost everything
  • 2 0
 I agree with your statement but not your rankings. Rheeder's run was insane and well deserving of 2nd.
  • 13 7
 Sam was robbed! Any ideas why?
  • 11 16
flag AidenCrocker (Jul 21, 2012 at 14:15) (Below Threshold)
 hes from Uk, americans are biased against the euros
  • 5 2
 semenuks made 6fake accounts to neg prop me
  • 3 0
 Why would "semenuk's" vote you down? He's Canadian
  • 7 0
 cam's hair...hahah
  • 6 2
 PINKBIKE. Can you refrain from telling us who wins contests in the title on the homepage?!! I'd like to watch these without knowing the outcome sometimes.
  • 3 0
 What an awesome day it was, the weather was perfect and of course the riding was insane! It was the funnest contest I've ever witnessed, great work Mark Hayes and Highlands crew!
  • 19 14
 I mean, Semenuk is amazing but definatley didnt deserve 1st today
  • 14 9
 watch his run again... no one matched it.
  • 17 6
 agreed it was close but semenuk disserved it
  • 11 12
 soderstroms run pissed all over it
  • 15 10
 Soderstrom and Rheeder didn't match it.. They surpassed it
  • 1 0
 ^ im sorry but your retarded
  • 7 2
 pilgram should of had podium ........
  • 2 1
 i honestly believe that mtn bike contests are not judged right.... they should be judged like most bmx contests where they take 3 runs and the overall score is a combination of the 2 best runs the ride did.. that way a rider cant just pump out one good run and call it a day,
  • 2 1
 I think they should have given 1st to Rheeder or Pilgrim. Just to put the pressure on Semenuk to throw down a banger 2nd run. You know he would have pulled through and still won but to put the pressure on him is what will make it happen. He throws down a smooth awesome first run every time. Lets see the pressure on Semenuk so we can see his A list tricks!
  • 1 0
 Whats the deal with all the euros riding hardtails and skatehelmets while all the american and canadians ride fullys and fullface (of course there are some exceptions)? Podium is pretty fair. Dont think anybody got robbed. Would have loved to see martin throw one of those truckdrivers to nac on the freebird instead of a double whip. pilgrim would have needed some double whip, downside whip (quarter) and barspins on the top of the course to get to podium. still a sick run.
  • 6 4
 Semenuk and pilgrim are both beasts. Semenuk is just unnatural tho, everything he does is so tight and clean and he tricks everything with pristine skill. Definately think he deserved the win Smile just my opinion tho
  • 2 1
 Where are Pilgrims 720's and double whips from last years dirt jump comps? I think the judging was right for the top five. Front flips beat back flips off of any obstacle esp. when you manual into them. The judges are biased towards style and fluidity which sux for guys like Pilgrim and Watts and increases the scores for guys like Rdog who throw less bangers but, tweak more style out of lesser tricks. Rheeder's run was the most entertaining cause he was obviously trying so hard but Seminuk has a lazy technicality about him and has increased his style every year. Well done PB great coverage and the level is so up from last year esp. all the European riders. There maybe ten guys now who can fluke a win off of Brandon but, he is definitely the bench mark. Can't wait for JoyRide and Rampage!
  • 6 2
 TREK is getting everything this year...........Gwinner and Sickmenuk.:-)
  • 18 14
 Did they test the judges for drugs? Cuz I think they were high!
  • 1 0
 semenuk deserved to win, cleanest rider with big tricks, and a dumped 720 and flipping the transfer are winning moves...he just is a monster accept it
  • 1 0
 did anyone else see cam mccaul touch semenuks grips and then pull his brake lever at the end of his first run?
  • 4 3
 TREK is getting everything this year...both DH and FR....Gwinner & Sickmenuk.
  • 1 0
 When will the public get a Trek slopestyle bike?
  • 1 0
 Rheeder's front flip definintely caught me off guard. Was pulling for him with the run he was putting together.
  • 2 0
 in my opinion the front flip off the drop is more impressive than back
  • 1 0
 On a different note: Did that dude that counted the riders down get on anyone else s nerves?! Is he for real!?
  • 1 0
 Nice run Semenuk definately won that with that 720. I wonder what planet he is from.
  • 2 1
 That guy at the start would get me so pumped.
  • 1 2
 Soderstrom (i dont like his race style) is only tailwhip machine, he does only this trick alltime and Pilgrim had better run then he. And Semenuk is beast.
  • 5 4
 Yeesss ! Brandon is not a human for sure..soo crazy !
  • 9 9
 Pilgrim deserved podium and we all know it! How did the judges not see that?
  • 1 1
 will there be a re-broadcast thing of this cuz i missed the last bit of it cuz i went out biking Razz
  • 1 0
 Is it just me, or is the first tire in that GEAX commercial a high roller?
  • 3 3
 1. Rheeder 2. Pilgrim 3. Soderstrom 4. Semenuk is what should have been the podium
  • 1 2
 I keep seeing people arguing that 'semenuk nailed the landings', but unless I'm mistaken he cased the shit out of his 720. Still deserving of the win though.
  • 1 0
 so anthony didnt qualify? im guessing?
  • 1 0
 What time was semenuks run on the video?
  • 1 0
 Rheeder should have won...
  • 8 7
 Brandon Skillmenuk
  • 3 1
 haha stole that
  • 5 6
 soderstrom should of won! semenuk is good but everything was better on soderstroms run... judges be mad.
  • 1 0
 THANKYOU!
  • 4 3
 Pilgrim got robbed!!!
  • 4 4
 I think Rheeder's 2nd run was WAY more impressive then semenuks
  • 1 0
 BRETT RHEEDER!!!
  • 1 0
 That was sooo nuts omg !
  • 10 11
 Semenuk is just way too beast
  • 1 4
 Why is the dude with the mic wearing a rock star hat at a Red Bull company.? Lol
  • 7 9
 YEAH CANADA! EH
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