Red Bull Rampage 2014: A Blank Canvas
A BLANK CANVAS
A blank canvas, a blank page, a new Rampage site, all are things that can be overwhelming in their vastness. This year athletes have the opportunity to create their own unique lines from top to bottom without influence of years gone by. There are no ghosts of crashes, wins or big tricks here, just brand new, untouched terrain in a more dynamic new landscape. As exciting as the opportunity is, it is also a daunting task to build so much in so little time, perhaps this is why a lot of the riders are teaming up to build lines together. There is strength in numbers and also less politics and chances of line stealing. As outside media was officially allowed on course yesterday, Margus and Sterling were finally able to dig in and get the goods from the new site.
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 Meet the locals, they were here first. |
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| The dust takes to the air as builders work furiously to finish up. |
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| Tools of the trade. |
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| Randy Spangler, Head Builder, brings the goods. |
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| Water, a necessity, being continuously hauled to the site. |
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| Semenuk surveys the site. |
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| Chipping away at the terrain. |
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| Dirt moving. |
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| Shovel. |
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| Shape. |
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| Pack. |
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| The shape of things near the bottom section of the venue. |
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| Dig, chip, shape, pack, and water. Move on to the next one and repeat. |
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| Tracks are starting to show as the build stage is nearing its end. |
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| Gang signs of Rampage. Riders were very protective of their lines. This means: we're done with this, don't mess with it. |
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| The new site is appearing to be a lot more dynamic than previous years. |
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| Doing a little course clearing, this year there is more vegetation to contend with. |
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| Intern helping dial in Brandon Semenuk's line. |
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| Dusty waterfalls. |
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| Howey taking a much need siesta during the work day. |
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| Aggy and his crew take a break in the athlete's tent. |
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| Norbs sussing out some line options. |
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| Dirt showers for everyone. |
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| Brendog demonstrating on course safety. |
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| Stuntman-of-the-day award goes to German photog, Jens Staudt. While climbing a steep pitch, trying to get set up for a shot, the boulder that he was holding on to, let go. Both he and the boulder dropped over 25ft. Lucky for him, there just happened to be be a massive mound of sand at his landing. The only injury he got was a sand-blast to his face and camera gear. |
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| Gnar step downs at the top at course. |
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| Team work. |
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| This isn't a fashion contest, but if it was, this guy. |
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| With more riders and a smaller area to work in, build teams are everywhere. |
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| Bourdo looking over the course. |
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| Aggy and Semenuk discuss where direction is east. |
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| Branden Howey was one of the first riders to get on his bike today. Howey, always one to just step up and send. |
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| Mike Hopkins was one to start work early today. Here he is lining up one of his landings. |
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| Aggy checks the course from another angle. |
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| Mads "Makken" Haugen is no stranger to going big. Here he is off the Go-Pro step-down. It's good to see him back from his injuries, burly as ever. |
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| Andreu Lacondeguy testing out his line. |
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| R-Dogg. |
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| Brendan Howey, Jesus Christ pose. |
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| Andreu feeling the heat after a long day digging. |
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| The dust settles at the end of the day. |
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| The sun sets on the last full day of digging, tomorrow seasoning will be a big priority. |
Check out all of our images from the Red Bull Rampage 2014 here.
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probably, his kidney is healing, so I think he helps builders
Thx.
It's gonna be fekkkkin sickkkk
Photogs? Pink Bike? Hook us up?