Video: Brandon Semenuk Tells The Story Behind the Most Viewed Mountain Bike Shot of All-time

Feb 12, 2019
by Sarah Moore  


This historic moment was produced for unReal, the feature mountain bike film inspired by TGR and Anthill Films, and the limitless imaginations of a group of the best mountain bikers in the world. This segment 'Pressure Drop' is from Season 5, Episode 4 of Red Bull's Ultimate Rush series.


bigquotesComparing the one-shot segment to an event... You know I'd say it's similar pressure - long track, lots of stuff to do in a row, but it was a little bit different because obviously there's no crowd. We had a little bit more time to try and accomplish it, but we were trying to accomplish something a little more difficult, less manicured, a lot more logistics involved. It's not all relying on me, the whole team's involved.

For unReal, I helped build, I helped pick the crew, we designed this course together. I was running the machine more days than I rode my bike. Getting the opportunity to go and build for your concept is really cool. It takes getting creative on your bike to another level. It's like a big kid's sandbox.—Brandon Semenuk


Watch the full segment from unReal here.

See Sterling Lorence's photo epic from the day here.


MENTIONS: @redbullbike / @anthill


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74 Comments
  • 100 1
 I've watched the one-shot countless times since it came out, and it never gets old. Incredible stuff.
  • 31 1
 I think the story behind it makes it even better.
  • 5 0
 @rcrocha: Agree, definitely appreciate it more with all the effort and time put into it
  • 4 1
 @bman33: I have watched it countless times. I've even been sent links to it from friends who don't ride bikes. Even people who are not into riding can sense it is something special. And it is. Amazing piece of video. Plus Brendog!
  • 2 0
 I'd buy him more than one shot, for that one shot!!!!
  • 2 0
 Cook's for the rampage podium!!! So much cringe.
  • 1 0
 @burnadette: 90% of champagne on the podium will get sprayed into nothing. Why waste a good thing like Dom or Veuve ? Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @bman33: haha. Dom at brunch, Cook's at rampage.

Multi-figure prize purse, International media/exposure, Risking life and limb, respect for the riders, and the huge event budget. ....."get the cook's."......
  • 2 0
 @burnadette: I think Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill was out...they had to improvise. Big Grin
  • 41 1
 Every time I even see a still pic from this shoot I immediately start to hear the music in my head. Iconic.
  • 22 0
 There's something happening here
  • 7 0
 @davidpr2: what it is, ain't exactly clear, there's a man with a gun over there tell'in me I got to beware!
  • 3 0
 @lehott: you better stop
  • 3 0
 @pjo39: , children, what's that sound. Everybody look what's going down
  • 1 0
 Hippy music goin down
  • 29 2
 The music almost made me cry towards the end... so dramatic Red Bull! The segment is a legendary piece of art.
  • 23 5
 except for the red bull narrator guy. that was sorta cringe
  • 28 2
 Keep the good stuff coming Semenuk! There’s going to be a huge hole in mtb the day you don’t show up.

P.S. we miss you competing - everyone everywhere
  • 1 0
 here here
  • 24 0
 Seeing the "SMITH" jersey even for a second had me in goosebumps all over

rip chainsaw!
you are missed
  • 9 0
 It’s a beautifully elegant video, regardless how you may feel about the guy (personally think he’s awesome). It’s like watching Roger Federer on Wimbledon centre court.
  • 11 0
 G.O.A.T.
  • 4 30
flag thesharkman (Feb 12, 2019 at 17:23) (Below Threshold)
 Oh Rogatkin was in the video?? I'll have to go watch it again.
  • 1 0
 @maybe if he could do ONE opposite trick haha
  • 8 0
 Love this! I wanted to see some outtakes of the bear scene, maybe a snapped chain. Ha ha
  • 8 0
 Oh crap, it was recording when I thought it was paused and paused when I thought it was recording...
  • 8 0
 Oh holy shit... I used to do some amateur snowboard and skateboard filming back in the day... you just brought back some harsh PSTD symptoms. I'll just be over here curled up in ball rhythmically repeating "Sorry Jeremy, sorry Jeremy, sorry Jeremy".
  • 1 0
 @islandforlife: hahahaaa
  • 8 0
 Even though we all know he nailed it, with the dramatic music and suspense, I was thinking ''Go Brandon, you can do this!!''
  • 7 0
 What a machine he is, looked absolutely beat on the second run on the final day then finishes the day with the take for the film, class act and a true champion
  • 6 0
 Something sounds weird about his voice, like they shifted the pitch on it a little higher or something. He usually sounds a lot deeper, but it doesn't seem like the footage is sped up or anything. Weirding me out lol.
  • 2 15
flag thesharkman (Feb 12, 2019 at 17:21) (Below Threshold)
 Well he has become a bit of a diva sooooo
  • 5 0
 Never thought about how tired he must have been by the time he put in his final run. He did that flawless top to bottom while completely exhausted, making it look like butter.
  • 7 0
 Anyone notice that he’s watering the track with smart water
  • 1 0
 Gotta up the soil IQ for solid mojo... everyone knows that!
  • 4 0
 Plants crave brawndo
  • 6 0
 besides his aerial skills....incredibly well done scrubs! so feckin low and precise!
  • 6 0
 WOW! ,who knew he completed it with hours to spare and a bust wrist. Masterpiece !
  • 4 0
 When talented and motivated people get together (that happens rarely) these things might occur. This is almost a miracle!
  • 5 0
 For me, the moto whip to late tailwhip was the best....crazy committment.
  • 2 0
 Amazing piece of cinematography.. and to think that the Oscars don't care about it anymore!
  • 3 0
 Camera man accidentally forgets to hit record. "Uhhhhh guys...."
  • 2 0
 Amazing insight into all the behind the scenes work it takes to put together a truly amazing shoot like this, well done!
  • 2 0
 *Does run top to bottom.

Cameraman, "Oh shoot, the camera was not recording."
  • 2 0
 That kid is truly spectacular, Super Human Species...
  • 1 0
 Awesome!! Rad!!! I loved the behind the scenes maybe more than the actual video.
  • 1 0
 it would be interesting to know how much $ this took to pull off, honestly incredible
  • 2 0
 Buffalo Springfield is greatest Springfield.
  • 2 0
 Horses and glaciers and bears, oh my!
  • 2 0
 That was amazing. Loved hearing the story behind it. Huge respect.
  • 1 1
 According to the video, he is the best "pound for pound slope-style rider in the world", 'cause ya know. nothing makes you better on a dirt jumper than an extra 100 lbs.
  • 1 0
 The greatest ever. I'm in awe that he rode with so much composure on his wrist
  • 1 0
 to the crew of this Vid , what scope !! and Vision !! , and the rider of course NEXT LEVEL!!
  • 2 0
 Love those good 'ol Central California coastal hills. My homeland.
  • 2 0
 greatest bike handler ever, greatest clip ever. end of debate.
  • 1 0
 The most fluent and graceful piece of riding ever filmed. I never get tired of watching it.
  • 2 0
 Unreal
  • 1 0
 Is the track still there?
  • 1 0
 Don't need horses and bears when you've got the GOAT...
  • 2 0
 whats the location?
  • 3 0
 Central Coast, California
  • 2 0
 Cambria, California I believe.
  • 1 1
 @COnovicerider: yeah you can just barely see Cambria in the distance
  • 1 3
 @thomasake: okay, bro, whatever. I’m just going by what I read somewhere in the past.
  • 1 0
 @COnovicerider: just agreeing with you bud. I live near where it was filmed.
  • 2 0
 @thomasake: no problem. I went to University in SLO and miss the Central Coast all the time. Enjoy!
  • 1 1
 Did @mikelevy do the voiceover for Semenuk? Cos they both sound exactly the same. Wink
  • 1 0
 Pretty surreal , works hard for it.
  • 1 0
 Amazing work from crew and rider all around!
  • 1 0
 This segment doesnt get old-makes me happy and eager to ride a bicycle.
  • 1 0
 Skills, commitment, passion. Love it.
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