Vraiphil

And guess who's going to be back in the commentary booth ?

This guy is fuck*** ethernal, hope he continues to compete at Rampage, send it deep and write the modern history of Freeride. Cam Zink (and all the others OGs), you rock !

@betsie: It was an option for many rider but they didn't built it, so they couldn't use it. Also it is clear that some riders have more mental margins than others and so some of them probably tought "get lost with that death wish of a feature". But technically, it doesn't makes it harder to ride it. Right ? I think the Claw was pretty clear about that in his explanation (only riders would could totally unplung their brain regarding the exposure were riding it).

@squarewheel: Brendog as 3 main hits in his run : Battleship, Canyon gap, Step down, they're not linked with very steep or exposed terrain, as opposed to Zink that basically dive in the center of the face. His entrance, double drop and Oakley sender are all linked with very steep terrain and big gaps. Please do not make me say what I don't : Brendog's line stays one of the most extreme lines at rampage. Regarding your questions, I think here is a few thoughts to reflect on : 1- Cam Zink step down is very well shaped because otherwise it would be impossible to jump succesfully. That being said, the run in is extremely technical (big step down to big step up, blind take off), and he has to turn slightly right before jumping the Oakley sender, which makes it a very technical move. Let alone the landing, which as to be snipped (if you don't, consequences are very severe, let alone the fact that he flips it). Therefore the run in to Cam's oakley sender is way more difficult to approach than Bienve's canyon gap. Without tricks, Bienve's line rank probably in the least diffcult, while Cam's line rank in the most diffcult. 2-3-4- As said many time, the points don't matter that much, but the ranking position is more important. If the judges believe that the overall run doesn't match the riders run ranking above it, it will not progress that much if the scorings are tight to keep the ranking position right. Bienve second run is the same as the first one, but cleaner, and he doesn't throw the bike away on the last jump, so not much points are gained. Carson as more technical tricks in his line, I believe the judges here were waiting for Brendog to spice his line a bit more to go for 2 or 3rd place (which he would probably have, flipping the canyon gap for exemple). Looking at the tight scoring between TVS, Storch and Brendog, all three could have and up 2nd, 3rd or 4th depending on their commitment to their lines. Emil got probably a "mellowish" line, while Kyle had a more engaging line. The freeride nature of Kyle's line put him in front, but the technicality of Emil doing his tricks was almost enough to match Strait's run. He woul've probably bested him if he didn't throw it away on the last hip.

@MT36: Thank you, what a piece of art you’ve made out of this comment ! Holy words right here.

@thisisrusty: 3rd place is Carson Storch : really steep exposed drop in top section, big flip step down up high (miss the next turn, you’re dead…), 3.6 drop on a sizable drop, 3.6 drop on one of the biggest drop at the venue and flip step down at the bottom. You need to watch the replay again I believe.

@onawalk: Come one mate, have a bit of respect for the legends… you are talking of a « dude » that dropped in in multiple rampage finals since the early 2000´s and made 3rd place twice, while you were probably having a beer and watching him on TV. Disclaimer : it’s maybe not the case for you, but IMO, the case of many poeple disrespecting the pilots and the judges on the rampage thread.

@nickfranko: Please god no ! We would end up with messed up results given by poeple who don’t understand sh** about the scale of the event. Please breathe and take 5 minutes again to really listen what the Claw’s saying in his video.

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Darren is the man. It takes courage to come out and face the whole internet to justify something you shouldn't have to. Thank you anyway for you insight, its always interesting to get perspective from the inside. Thank you for stepping in and judging an event that is truly appart from the rest. Keep rippin'.