Must Watch: Brandon Semenuk & Kade Edwards In Sync In 'Parallel II'
Brandon Semenuk is constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be done on a mountain bike by combining top talent filmmaking and progressive riding. After joining forces with long-time friend and fellow Trek teammate, Ryan “R-DOG” Howard, in 2019, Brandon released the first edition of ‘Parallel’. Two riders, two parallel courses, with intersecting riding and action.
Now, Semenuk has teamed up with UCI World Cup rider, Kade Edwards, for a second take. The powerhouse duo set out to push the series, as well as their capabilities to align timing and riding, in this stunning visual project. Filmed on a custom course in Kamloops, British Columbia, the riders leave little room for error while riding in close quarters. The video edit offers fast cuts, consistent action, and top-notch riding for an instant classic.
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Seeing him at a world cup would be amazing, but it seems less likely to me than Hardline. Since he's not technically on a factory race team roster and doesn't have any UCI points I believe it would be less than straightforward for him to enter. Also, while he's still way faster than any mere mortal, I bet he would be at the very best a top 30 rider compared to the dudes who spend all their time training to go fast on WC-style tracks. It really is mind-boggling nuts how fast the top racers are.. so I wonder if the prospect of having a lackluster result and tarnishing his image is something that would keep him away.
Hardline would be interesting though. For one, I think people overall are a lot less fixated on placing, so no one is going to think any less of Brandon if he doesn't place well. Second, with all the huge features on that course it seems to even the playing field a bit between freeriders and pure racers. Brage had an amazing run at Hardline last year and I think was even fastest on the upper section (before losing time at the bottom where it was more like a WC course). And since it's a Red Bull event, I imagine he could probably roll up the week of and they would be absolutely stoked to have him ride it.
I do miss the days though where this would be a segment that is part of a larger mtb film. I always thought that the contrast between different riders styles/ segments was super cool.
I wish I knew how to jump properly using flat pedals, been clipless for 25years and rely way to much on them, which is sad..
He posted 2 top 20's in the first 3 races. Had he kept his pace and stayed healthy for the year he likely would have finished in the top 15-20 overall. Not easy to do.