Pinkbike Poll: Who is the Red Bull Rampage Pinkbike's Choice Winner?

Oct 15, 2021 at 13:12
by Alicia Leggett  
Reed has a gnarly start to his run. He also has a gnarly middle. And a gnarly end.

After an incredible event, the final results are in for Red Bull Rampage 2021. But we all know the judges' choices aren't always the people's choices and the most technical run isn't always the run that's the most fun to watch, so let's hear from you all. Who won in your hearts this year?

Who should have won 1st place?



Who should have won 2nd place?



Who should have won 3rd?



Who had the best trick?



Who was over-scored?



Who was under-scored?



Whose run did you enjoy the most, regardless of scoring?



Must Read This Week
Review: 1,000 Miles on SRAM's New Eagle Transmission
224161 views
Final Results from the Maydena Enduro World Cup 2023
119847 views
First Ride: TRP's New 12-Speed Mechanical Drivetrain
110261 views
Commencal Reveals 2023 Enduro Project Team Bikes
94383 views
SRAM Releases Stealth Brake Lineup
94112 views
Development Story: SRAM's New Eagle Transmission
92118 views
Specialized's New Epic Uncovered
74690 views
First Ride: 2023 Canyon Neuron
71558 views

245 Comments

  • 284 25
 I'll start it
#JaxsonGotRobbed
  • 148 36
 And Sorge was stealin
  • 161 21
 Tommy G also. And not because I'm belgian. It's just always the same guys on top regardless of the performance. Seems you have to be north-american to get on the podium... Never the less, a nice edition!
  • 11 6
 @sewer-rat: again.
  • 9 19
flag kcy4130 (Oct 15, 2021 at 14:05) (Below Threshold)
 @sewer-rat: stealing again! Sorry Redburn, I downvoted you reflexively, then I rechecked the scores... yeah, he was very underscored, sorry. Hopefully the over scoring of old riders/buddies and under scoring of younger ones doesn't result in young talent moving away from mtb to other sports where there is less bias.
  • 8 4
 Nah it‘s fine. Sure he did unusual tricks but some of them were pretty bad executed. For example the nine o‘clock in his second run.
  • 57 3
 @sewer-rat: three straight backflips in one run. No idea why he got so many points…
  • 34 0
 Jaxson actually won the second most important medal: He's now auto-qualified for next year.
  • 90 39
 No robbing, Semenuk had the best run, stop the BS. Jaxson and some others were amazing as well but you have to score the most points to win and semenuk did just that with his run. Judges know their stuff lot more than any of us. This ever going complaining is ridiculous
  • 10 0
 @RidleyRijder: I really liked his run too! I thought he should have scored way higher with those opposite spins! Its not my place to say, but it is possible he took a more easy rout down compared to other riders.
  • 43 3
 @sewer-rat: @sewer-rat: No- can't fault Sorge. The man turned up, rode a clean line down terrain .00001% of riders could survive, and represented. Zero fault of his how the scoring went... but I agree I was shocked at Jaxson's score as I thought his tricks and flow were unique and super well executed. Big fan of Riddles now and zero disrespect to any rider who is willing to throw down out there. Watching TSV stomp that front flip and then the silence after he hit the deck was so harsh. It was a really somber reminder of what these athletes risk going out there- almost to the point where joking about how some should have scored higher or lower feels petty and stupid. Respect to all the athletes and really hopeful TSV is okay.
  • 5 0
 @RidleyRijder: He's my favourite stylish rider but he didn't have the aggression or big drops the others did.
  • 23 4
 @prevail: yes... but Sorge had a superior big mountain line, speed and amplitude... I thought it was well judged with the two top riders in Rampage history finishing 1/2
  • 25 4
 @t1000: Semenuk had indeed the best run. No complaints there. But the rest between 2 and 7 were all very similar to me with big points difference. To see Sorge and Zink score so high while there were others that were in my opinion better getting 10 points less is just a bit fishy. You could see it on the faces of Jaxson an Tommy G that they were robbed of a possible podium. A bit like Rémy Métallier a few years back. The best run and he was scored in the 70's if I remember correctley.
  • 20 0
 @RidleyRijder: yeah Tommy’s run was flawless and so smooth with the oppo spins and the alley-oop spin, definitely got underscored
  • 28 23
 @snl1200: Sorge, backflip backflip backflip yawn.
Riddle, Tommy G and Boggs all had great stylish runs.
The Kyle and Zink train needs to be derailed, same old shit they have been doing for years.
  • 19 2
 @chefjoel68: Was Sorge’s run my favourite? Nope. Lots of other riders I’d place above it including all you listed. However, I think the “yawn” comment when these guys are hacking backflips off 40 foot cliffs with death consequences should they botch it isn’t really fair. I think respect is due to all of them. I mean, I may be totally wrong here and you may be a rider that could step into their spot and do something far more impressive down that terrain.
  • 3 5
 @suspended-flesh: Could crash both runs and still have an auto invite... Godziek auto invite with falls in both runs..
  • 13 0
 @RidleyRijder: Tommy G was awesome, had great moves and lots of them. Very disappointed in his scoring.
  • 9 2
 @RidleyRijder: completely agree with you more and more European rider are under scored at rampage. Tommy g should be 2 for me this year. Was the same with bizet few years ago.
  • 8 3
 Hey guys, #RiddleGotRobbed rolls off the tongue easier.
  • 33 1
 @chefjoel68: agree that Riddle should have scored higher but I guess you didn't notice how insanely gnarly that chute was that Zink and Strait rode. Straight down the mountain basically vertical with multiple drops and that's more impressive to me than the stuff the other guys rode on the ridge.
  • 1 3
 @RidleyRijder: agreed his run was flawless and smooth yet scored lower than riders that put down same run as last year with small cases.....
  • 7 1
 @chefjoel68: i think the point is everyone was scared to ride that chute, that's why they scored high
  • 4 15
flag holdandhope (Oct 16, 2021 at 0:39) (Below Threshold)
 @sewer-rat: Sorge was the winning run you absolute clown. There's a lot of people commenting her that obviosly have never even hit a 15ft drop.
  • 7 0
 @Jpatfrancisco: Hell yeah : This chute is totally big mountain freeriding.
Overall, I m a bit confused how unique freeride lines and creativity are regularly under scored at rampage compare to big - massive? - strait jumps used by too many riders. I don't want to undervalue the level of riding/digging/commitment on those big jumps lines, but Rampage is the only "freeride event", and regarding that, the scoring should put more emphasis on creativity, rawness/uniqueness of the line and tricks.
Nevertheless, "big up" to all riders for their full commitment on this event and to redbull for making that event real.
  • 2 1
 @holdandhope: take it you’ve hit 15’ drops?
  • 7 1
 @holdandhope: Meh, I watched it again, nah not a first by a long chalk. To even score it within 0.7 of Semenuk is insane, ultimately euro and new riders were robbed for the local bromance. I’d love to see it at the quarry Gee did slate line at
  • 1 1
 Norbs got robbed
  • 1 0
 @prevail: as impressive as that is, his runs are almost predictable from year to year now.
  • 1 0
 @MTBthoroughbred: There was no one else left to take the spot. What do you propose then?
  • 2 0
 @t1000: Agreed, it seems popular to hate on Semenuk... but man, the guy does it all in the gnarliest of places. I mean they are all winners for even riding that stuff at all, but he is next level. Jaxson probably deserved a higher score, and he'll be one to watch for sure.
  • 1 0
 @t1000: Your right, but I just love how the kid rides, great flow like Semenuk. Watch out next year.
h
  • 3 0
 @RidleyRijder: Tommy G had tricks no one has done in Rampage... he should've been top three
  • 1 0
 @prevail: backflip on repeat
  • 2 0
 @RidleyRijder: he had the most variety of tricks in his line for sure.
  • 1 0
 @t1000: I agree with this 100%, I have been critical of Semenuk in past, mainly for the overgroomed trails in his edits, but jeez its impossible to argue against the quality of the run he threw down at Rampage. It was gnarly, technical and smooth as butter.

I think the top 3 runs were all scored correctly and is not much question as to what were the best 3 runs and the order.
  • 1 0
 @t1000: if you love watching backflips forever...
  • 193 14
 Brandon didn’t even care he won. Classic
  • 34 203
flag waldo-jpg (Oct 15, 2021 at 13:48) (Below Threshold)
 makes him look really douchy tbh.
  • 128 7
 @waldo-jpg: humble*
  • 28 117
flag waldo-jpg (Oct 15, 2021 at 13:53) (Below Threshold)
 @whitebullit: humble would've been if he at least showed some sort of relief, celebration or anything. Douchy is when you act like you saw it coming anyways
  • 23 2
 what an amazing celebration from Semenuk, he almost couldnt believe he won.
  • 104 0
 With so many of his colleagues injured, I'm not surprised.
  • 41 1
 @razzle: agreed, probably was a bit harsh my comment.
  • 54 1
 The guy is humble and doesn't like to put on a show. What's wrong with that?
  • 11 8
 Your username I guess reflects your posts. You will never know what kind a steel trap of a mind you need to have to perform at his level. The only thing I can come close to is in certain martial arts, you are trained to not get excited or outwardly SHOW emotion. It only makes you lose your "one point". Look it up from there if you want to know more. Its a life choice and you shouldn't judge or criticize him for how he chooses to express himself.
  • 33 18
 When you're in that zone you're in the zone. Dude is literally in the top .1% in the world...he's too focused to care. I'm sure he'll be celebrating. It reminds me of my road riding days, the best guys were nothing like me, mental game off the charts while I was scheming subscription model ideas.

Be safe be well,
Robin
  • 23 0
 @waldo-jpg: would a rogatkin style celebration make him more or less douchy on your eyes, think hard about it?
  • 28 1
 @waldo-jpg: watching your good buddies get broken off probably brings the celebration mood down a bit.
  • 33 0
 He talked about others how amazing their runs were... I think he sees freeride more like art and not competition and appreciates all different approaches just for the good sake of the sport..
  • 3 0
 @waldo-jpg: everyone and their mom saw it coming if he stomped the run dude. So ya he knew
  • 5 5
 @whoozh: you kinda suck dude.
  • 5 1
 @waldo-jpg: you should send him a DM and tell him how he should act and feel next time he wins
  • 16 0
 It’s Unreal to me that he could sit on the start platform for that long, during the medical stoppage for his buddy, as pressure builds, and still jump into a solid couple of runs. His mental game is on a different level.
  • 10 0
 @DCF: I don’t know the guy but just based on roughly 3million interviews and video segments I’ve seen of the guy, he seems like a rather quiet/private person that doesn’t like to show a lot of emotion. Not surprising at all the way he handled winning. Good on him.
  • 2 12
flag mirasol (Oct 15, 2021 at 18:46) (Below Threshold)
 @waldo-jpg: That's not what I got out of his reaction. Initially, he didn't know he won when Tina was talking to him. I think he thought Kyle Strait rode the gnarliest line. Who he was speaking with when the interview began. IMO semenuk is the steeziest rider of all time. And was my bet to take home the gold in 2021. But today's competition should have gone to strait. That drop in shoot is about the gnarliest thing I've ever seen ridden on a mountain bike. And the rest of Streets run was so freaking solid. It didn't win last time so it couldn't win today.
  • 6 0
 Also I don't really know but he seems quite close to Tom? Working on the same line together etc. Probably worried AF about Tom and things like that make a win seem inconsequential. Whole vibe among the riders seemed a bit muted.
  • 4 0
 It is also a mental thing. A coach once told me: "If you did well but lost, you still did well. And if you messed up but luckily still won, you messed up". It is confusing if what you judge your performance by is outside your control. If you rode the fastest race you could but someone else was just a bit faster, doesn't mean your race suddenly was worse. Similarly if you put in a sub-par performance but still win doesn't mean you can rest on your laurels. It gives some peace of mind in a way. You know what you need to do to be happy about your performance. It is within your control.

So I can imagine Brendon has a similar mindset. He envisions a run and if he can stomp that, he's happy. He doesn't care so much about how the judges judge it because he judges his run by his own standard. In a way it is cool if they rate you well but if you're already set to not let that (positive or negative) get to you then it just doesn't. I could also see that in Gee Atherton the last couple of years. He could place well but not rarely did he finish below the top 20 (often carrying injuries). But he could still just be happy if his run went according to plan.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: so good. Thank you for posting.
  • 143 1
 Jaxson run was the most underscored. Definitely didn't do enough for first, but man he has got style. That whipped out superman on his first run was insane.
  • 12 0
 Absolutely mind blowing superman whip !!!
  • 14 0
 Front flip was gnarly, Bogg’s 3 was sick…
But that whipped out Superman on the hip just oozed style and personality. So fun to watch.
  • 8 4
 Agreed. Jaxson's run should have been a podium spot!
  • 5 0
 While I agree his run was banger, Jaxson did slip a pedal. I haven't seen a single comment mentioning that. Would be interesting to see what he would have scored otherwise. Regardless, the future of big mountain freeride looks to be in safe hands with the next generation.
  • 1 1
 It’s like he was penalised for not flipping. I think if he’d done a backflip off any obstacle he’d be on the podium.
  • 99 0
 Tommy g though
  • 29 0
 I thought he would have scored higher that was a solid run
  • 90 0
 I just listened to a recent podcast with Tyler McCaul and to hear what he went through and how bad his injuries and associated problems have been since Jan 2020 and that he was off the big bike for 16 months, it was just incredible to see him finish that first run and then raise it second run. Absolutely outstanding mental spirit and physical ability. And to hear Cam in the booth just commentate like a pro when he is probably so nervous and so proud simultaneously... What a sport
  • 23 0
 I agree. To me TMac is such an underdog. Not that I think he should have been scored differently, but there's absolutely no hype around him and he always puts up solid runs every year. He sends big at Rampage (The Prize is Right wtf), then goes back home and do super chill edits riding with his dad.
  • 9 0
 @Loche: Didn't he have the biggest drop... again...
  • 10 0
 @Loche: that Tmac run in like 2012 or 2013 where he jumped over a blind crest into a huge step down was bonkers. Such an underrated gnarly part of a line.
  • 2 0
 @Sweatypants: shoulda podiumed that year
  • 6 0
 Well said! Most under-appreciated rider today.
We’re lucky to have those bros representing all these years
  • 86 1
 I thought that 2nd Genon run was really damn good. Super underscored same with Riddle.
  • 68 10
 I wanna see the judges score cards, because I swear Vink just gives Sorge 10's for everything just for being a fest guy. #recallvink #riddlewasrobbed
  • 2 30
flag EllsworthBart (Oct 15, 2021 at 16:02) (Below Threshold)
 Dude you are the only one, quit it
  • 9 1
 @EllsworthBart: having a hard time understanding the results of the poll?
  • 68 12
 I called it, Semenuk won, big surprise to nobody. The judges were on some mad shit during this rampage, what is with them. Jackson Riddle getting only in the low 70's after nailing a ton of unique tricks but cam zinc does pretty much the same run he does every year gets in the mid 80's?!? What is with that? Even Semenuk pulled off 3 NEVER BEFORE SEEN tricks in rampage IN A SINGLE RUN and didn't even break the 90's. That's some inconsistent judging at best, and rigged at worst.
  • 73 4
 #recallvink dude who hates competition shouldn't be judging competitions
  • 19 2
 @johncee: YES...I'm thinking the same thing the whole time. Why is he on the panel?
  • 8 1
 @justinc5716: Cause he is BIG MTN BRO
  • 54 0
 Tom Van Steenberger would have won with his run. Gutted he didn't make it down.
  • 10 26
flag sewer-rat (Oct 15, 2021 at 13:52) (Below Threshold)
 Nah , just by slapping a single crown on Semenuk pushed / changed what is possible at Rampage again. A very worthy winner
  • 19 1
 @sewer-rat: Don't agree. Also he's not the first to have one at rampage.
  • 6 0
 @sewer-rat: but is a tailwhip or flipwhip more difficult than a dipped one foot opposite 3?
  • 9 73
flag justinc5716 (Oct 15, 2021 at 14:17) (Below Threshold)
 @sewer-rat: I was praying for that thing to snap in half the whole time. Unfortunately, this sets a precedent. Now you have to bring slopestyle tricks to win Rampage, because that scores way higher than continuity and technicality. BS
  • 20 1
 @justinc5716: my first DH bike was a 2011 Giant Faith which was ridden by Kurt Sorge and considered a “freeride bike.” Not sure why so many people are in awe at the fact that a bike with a single crown is being used at a freeride event.
  • 7 0
 The Giant Faith had a single crown rockshox Totem*
  • 6 0
 @nateisgrate: my Demo 7 from the same timeframe was a Freeride bike with the single crown totem as well.
  • 5 0
 Remember when Sam Pilgrim was at Rampage? I don't recall the year, maybe 2012 or something like that. There were a lot of dudes on single crown bikes. That was probably the "slopestyliest" year of all. Since then we have consistently huge drops steep rocks and big terrain. It just looks easy on camera...
  • 51 0
 Cam Zink is a badass
  • 2 0
 may not have one but was my fan favorite for sure
  • 6 3
 Agreed. Zink is a class act. Always has been. He is inspiring in so many ways that go beyond riding bikes. I do think he should have been on the podium this time...
  • 53 7
 Riddle got robbed
  • 10 5
 Riddle Got Robbed
  • 36 0
 Shouldnt have done dark magic
  • 3 0
 @KondziuNS: ha this is such a nerdy and awesome comment at the same time
  • 13 1
 Robble got ribbed
  • 3 0
 Я ждал чего-то подобного! и да, в этот раз я согласен.
  • 1 2
 @KondziuNS: wrong Riddle..
  • 2 0
 @stiingya: I hope I'll get the Reeces right at least
  • 1 0
 The Badman is Robin the Riddler.
  • 48 7
 People’s choice = Riddle
Best style = Riddle
Got robbed award = Jaxson Riddle
  • 1 0
 agreed
  • 42 1
 Jaxson deserved to be in the eighties I thought.
  • 47 0
 Agreed, that chain and glasses were straight outta the 80s Wink
  • 18 2
 @bananowy: Kid has style. Not my style, but he has my respect.
  • 6 0
 @suspended-flesh: for sure, he's a character and was amazing today
  • 35 2
 Eh, Jaxson did some cool tricks with great style & put on a show but def didn't have the technicality/risk/exposure that the top guys did. Zink was underscored imo, that chute was insane. Overall such a sick event & unreal to see Semenuk take things up a notch again somehow. Rampage rules.
  • 11 0
 Yeah Zink off-line in that shoot was terrifying. His skill and strength to hold that together was amazing. Also- did it with an injury… though I suppose that sadly describes most of his Rampage appearances for the past few years. Guy has nothing to prove but continues to show why he is a legend.
  • 2 0
 Yep I loved his run, awesome style. But the level of difficulty of the route or the tricks doesn’t feel as high as some of the others. Getting inverted off flat take offs takes insane bike handling skills.
  • 32 0
 Tom Van Steenbergen's front flip....how is anyone not voting for this as the best trick? It was absolutely insane.
  • 27 0
 It's always fun when the pinkbike comments go from "it's too slopestyle" to "the guy who looked the best on the trick jumps should have won" overnight
  • 34 6
 Zink got robbed!
  • 12 3
 deserved a top 3 for sure
  • 30 5
 I mean, at least this time when sorge was scored way higher than he deserved he didn't win.
  • 2 1
 Fair point
  • 23 0
 Jaxson was def my favorite run to watch, that whipped out superman (or whatever you want to call it) was my highlight trick of the day. He's got a win in his future.
  • 22 0
 I wish Tyler would have scored higher, his second run was fantastic. Kinda stupid that it just scored a bit higher than the first. But nonetheless amazing to see him riding again
  • 23 1
 Glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks Sorge got “bonus points” for something other than his run. No dis to him but I think that bumped Zink and Reed Boggs from their rightful spots on podium
  • 21 0
 I think the last question kinda sums things up. Jaxson and Tommy G seem to be the ones people are saying got robbed the most. They probably had the two least technical lines. They were also two of my fav runs. That doesn’t necessarily means they deserves to win (neither did) but do think that should Factor into their scores in some way.

Some people had way too many backflips in their runs, and i thinj they should prob get some points deducted for that. A huge backflip drop is sick, but if you do 3 more back flips in your run, it kinda takes away from the awesome one.

I don’t think the judging was awful, but i do think style and “enjoyment of watching” should be factored in a bit more.
  • 3 0
 While I understand the point you are making, I think it is unfair to say Tommy G's line wasn't as technical.

That regular 360 drop straight into an opposite 360 drop was very impressive.

Definitely deserves to be higher up the "technically difficult" score card.
  • 24 1
 Disappointed Riddle scored so low, he looked like he was just effortless riding
  • 20 0
 Hey Pinkbike, you should start the "got robbed" award ha ha ha. this year, Jaxson for the win
  • 18 0
 Then people could get robbed in the Get Robbed award. Robbedception.
  • 1 2
 Best comment in here
  • 22 5
 Hopefully next year Brage doesn't ruin himself in practice. If he lays down 1 clean run it will blow minds! Can t wait for 2022. Semenuk is great and all....but we need to see someone else win.
  • 27 4
 I swear I've seen 10 minutes straight of Brage crashing and about 30 seconds of him actually landing things. Dude is going to destroy himself.
  • 5 0
 @johncee: can’t wait for Brage to get robbed next year if he stays healthy
  • 3 0
 @johncee: he's like Bender but with mad skillz
  • 2 0
 In some of the practice footage he was looking really good, he was riding some really technical and huge features smoothly. Seemed like he was going to be able to put down an incredible run before the "biggest drop on the mountain" thing happened
  • 17 0
 I wish we could see the scorecards from the judges to see how the point distribution works per rider. That level of openness would bring a lot of clarification.
  • 19 0
 Missing Andreu & Brendog - Rampage got robbed.
  • 12 0
 I definitely think Semenuk deserved the win, loved seeing those whips but riddle's run was so good and I was suprised at Sorge getting second. Oppo 3's are more technical than back flip after backflip imo. Biggest let down was not seeing Brage's run tho.
  • 14 4
 Kurt Sorge Shin scars have more mtb skill than I do but he shouldn’t have 3 wins and he shouldn’t have a 2nd place finish. One trick wonder, only back flips

Change my mind
  • 14 1
 Norris.
  • 4 0
 Covfefe
  • 8 0
 Even if I think tommy and riddle was robbed and deserved at leat 80, they didnt have big, big hits in their runs like zink(flip drop), semenuk (huge flat spin, tailwhip in quite a big drop), boggs etc .. tommy g have the 3.6 combo but on smaller features.
Thats the difference and having just style like vinny t or riddle never paid in rampage history, brendog understood that at the last rampage after few years of bad scores and start to landing huge ones (canyon flip etc ..)
No hate but trying to explain whats the point
  • 9 1
 I agree that Sorge was overscored. I wouldn’t place him in the podium.

And while jaxson had some sick tricks and amazing style, his runs were lacking a few things
1) A very difficult trick ON a very difficult/large feature
2) Really rough terrain like the zink/strait chute
3) A variety of tricks that included flips and spins. He didn’t do any 360,450, flat spin, front flip, backflip.
4) Flawless execution without coming up short or going long, no pedal slips, etc.

I think this is where the judges are coming from. But overall he did have a sick run! I think if he rounds out his run a bit with a couple big tricks and a slightly more technical line he will score really well. Open to feedback, this is just my initial opinion.
  • 9 0
 Everyone complaining about Riddle being underscored, yes his style was great and tricks were original. That being said I believe Thomas G got ripped off way harder!
  • 6 0
 This in no way is a knock on the riders, just judges. How does riders left in 2017 not produce a single good score, which resulted in Carson and Tyler switching to riders right to try to score better, yet Reed Boggs gets 3rd? Again I loved Boggs run. And last, Sorge puts down the exact same run at 2017 when he won and gets 2nd this year yet Ethan Nell throws down the exact same run as his 3rd place in 2016 or 2017 and doesn't even hit podium? Bias. Just saying.
  • 1 0
 I liked Nell’s run. He had the best flat 3 of the day
  • 4 0
 Tom Van Steenbergen posted on Facebook that he is going to make a full recovery. He got beat up pretty good. But just broken bones. Surgeries tomorrow and he begins healing. Broken hip sockets, femur, 1 vertebrae, and a separated shoulder.
  • 8 0
 Riddle robbed a bit.
  • 20 14
 Zink got robbed! WE'll give him a free Outside + subscription.

Be safe be well,
Robin
  • 7 0
 Best Conceptual Username winner has been located.
  • 6 1
 Has this opened the door to more people riding single crowns at next year’s rampage, and how will us pinkers feel about it…
  • 4 1
 I like that question... that's a good topic right there.
  • 4 0
 Single crowns at rampage definitely isn't new, but this could be the start of a resurgence.
  • 1 0
 It at least feels like tailwhips/back whips are going to be more ubiquitous, could see TVS and Tommy throwing them.
  • 2 0
 Bring back the Rampage hardtail.
  • 3 0
 I think it was someone from Vital who said they can't watch Rampage because they know a lot of the riders and don't want to see them get hurt. I don't know any of these guys but I have a new understanding of that logic between watching today and personally seeing a couple of gnarly crashes at the races at Snowshoe. Unlike other sports where you hate certain teams, I have so much respect for anyone who does this stuff. I was just hoping everyone made it rubber side down to the finish. All the competitors were amazing.
  • 3 0
 I don’t like the replays of the stack before we know the rider is okay. It’s not a blood sport. We don’t need to see replays from several different angles so we can see when their bones broke.
These days any dangerous sport shows respect to the rider and their friends/family… except rampage.
  • 6 0
 Jaxson Riddle amazing run. Good to see new guys news tricks.....
  • 2 0
 not so much new tricks as old moto tricks transfered to DH bikes. Agree though, really fun to watch and unique at rampage
  • 6 0
 and we all got robbed of seeing Brage put together his run
  • 2 0
 I can't believe people are disappointed with this year's Rampage. It was amazing. Only thing I'm disappointed about is the number and severity of injuries. Can't remember who started tricking the drops way back when (Bearclaw with a 3?) But once that door was opened it was not going to be closed. I suppose the riders need to sit down with the organizers and figure out what direction they want to go. I'm guessing that already happens. If they want the event to be less tricks and more big mountain then the judging criteria will have to reflect that more. I love it just the way it is and I think from a career and sponsor perspective every rider that gets to Rampage has already won so it really is not that important what the judges decide. I don't see how it can get more extreme than it is now. But I'm sure it will...
  • 2 0
 I thought it was very fairly judged contest. The judges have much more information and perspective by being on site. We as viewers can only judge what looks good on camera. What a great contest! The runs are getting better every year.
  • 7 2
 Shame they didn’t call Dylan stark up.
  • 3 0
 I'm a big fan, but I bet even he'd agree ya gotta build up to this level. If he spent a couple months out there sessioning Kong daily and getting intel from Reed and/or Nell I bet he could hang. He is def a maniac with a lot of skill and a dangerous lack of fear.
  • 1 0
 @suspended-flesh: he’s been out there, he’s out there now ridding the same spot. You should watch his ig he’s been hitting bigger and bigger shit. Watch soon they’ll call him once his name gets too big.
  • 1 0
 @Bangbrosbike: I've been following his IG for a couple years - well, since the school roof drop went viral. Not saying he can't handle it ,but dues need to be paid and you can't just bump riders who have been knocking on the door as Alts already.
  • 6 1
 Strait got robbed, bringing Sui no hander innovation.
  • 2 0
 Sorge's run was pretty good, but I just can't get past his bar humped flips. Even when it's not really related to controlling rotation speed, they still just look kind of awkward.
  • 1 0
 Gonna keep it positive...all the riders put themselves there, want to be there and understand the risks of being there. Judging is hard, I do think 1 2 3 were accurate. Especially Sorge who is receiving some bad vibes. When the dude is smooth it looks easy...it's not. I think Redbull deserves a way to go! This event wouldn't be there without them and I think all of us enjoy and look forward to it. Risks and consequences are definitely a part of it and I think that's understood amongst the riders. I never want to see anyone hurt and send love and healing vibes to those that were. Get over the negative comments about judging, Redbull, and whatever else. I too thought Riddles run was awesome, stylish AF but regardless of the score he's a winner...it's a pretty big stage
  • 1 0
 I think Riddle coming off his crash off the building (missed the ramp) amazingly escaping injury there, then riding this venue balls out, has got to be worth something, mind control
Bonus points or something! Semenuk once riding a single crown and pulling off new to Rampage tricks is hard to score lower than first
  • 1 0
 Regardless of scores, seeing Semenuk keep trying to push the progress of the sport in both his edits and rampage is awesome. Super interested to see who else shows up with single crowns next year and what more creative artwork these pros can whip out
  • 7 2
 Riddle got robbed
  • 7 6
 RIDDLE's run was fucking awesome. It was the most enjoyable run to watch, IMO. He also showed so much stoke afterwards, vs. Brandon, who comes off as not really giving a shit one way or another.
  • 34 1
 Brandon cares about his riding and skips all the nonsense. Nobody is constantly doing world firsts cause they don’t give a shit.
  • 5 1
 Brage. And don’t tell me he didn’t compete. I don’t wanna hear that.
  • 5 1
 Kinda weak year without Brendog1
  • 2 0
 Jackson heir apparent to Semenuk is tricks but he knows sass and got steesh with lines to win us over. Hope he can show us some Cam Z my winner inmo for the 'judges'.
  • 1 1
 All I know is this... these riders and judges are all studs. As are the families that have to watch their loved once huck into the abyss.

It's awesome that we get to talk crap and agree or disagree with the judging and what not. That's part of the draw to judged events I think (as fans). You get to pretend you're the expert and you know best. We get to have opinions. They don't mean shit but we get to have them. Ha!

Bottom line. Another one is in the books. Progression was had. People minds were blown.

All I care about at this point is that the riders can all walk, ride and think straight in the near future. Lots of heavy crashes coming into this, during practice and during the event.... and still these dudes had the mental strength to throw first ever tricks and drop bonkers shoots and cliffs. That to me is something we don't recognize enough. Imagine nearly getting smoked or watching some of your best friends get injured and then 5 minutes later you're dropping into the same stuff. Crazy.


All in all. Thanks. Once again I'm shown just how ordinary I am.

Props.
  • 1 0
 I loved every minute of this Rampage, as I have all the others, and could give two $hits about the scoring. Huge congrats to everyone who was able to complete their run the way they wanted to....you're all gladiators.
  • 1 0
 My assessment of how they scored: make it down the mountain. No mistakes. Ride a gnarly line. At least 5 major tricks (no hands, rotation, flip). Unique tricks. Steeeeeze.

Probably the opposite of most viewers scored.
  • 3 0
 So next year, will riders focus on going big if it really doesn't matter since lower line technical tricks win?
  • 1 0
 I feel the single crown was an unfair advantage. I know nothing is stopping anybody from running one but I'm sure most were caught off guard and unable to compete with the slopey tricks.
  • 1 0
 Does this poll help you define how much the judging sucks at this event? I didn't think they could up it from past years but they definitely did raise the incompetence level a notch! I'll give them a 65.33
  • 3 0
 Awesome, congrats to all the riders - healing vibes TVS
  • 2 0
 Plot twist: nobody wins the fork cuz almost nobody picked Reed or Sorge to podium Big Grin
  • 3 0
 Who are the judges and how is a score calculated?
  • 3 1
 How's Sorge getting scored so high? Is he supplying the judges with meth? Are they his cousins?
  • 3 0
 Sorge is awesome, but I don't feel he deserved that score.
  • 1 2
 Massively disappointing in my opinion. Pretty much knew Brandon would win if he nailed everything trick wise, as no one else can hang with that. This honestly could be the death of Rampage unless the format/judging changes.
Almost feel they should hold two events at the same time, one focused on technical freeride and one on big tricks and slopestyle.
  • 1 0
 So you want to see two runs on the same lines? One with straight airs and one with tricks?
  • 1 0
 @HurricaneCycles: No. Two events. Seperate lines. One technical freeride event and one slopestyle event.
  • 1 0
 Jaxson and Genon totally underrated, but there is always a bit of favouritism for the OGs at Rampage. Sorge's run was cool as always, but not as good as Genon's IMO.
  • 3 0
 The real question is .. Is Steezebergen ok?
  • 1 0
 Wondering this too, seems pretty scary that there’s been no real updates on him
  • 1 0
 @InstantBreakfast: that was a HEAVY hit to the neck. He didn’t get his eject front flip fully rotated unfortunately. This may take a bit to get out if he chooses to be public about it.
  • 4 0
 @henary

Yes, he just posted an update on Facebook. He will be able to make a full recovery. Lots of broken bones and surgery tomorrow.

To me, this is more important than who won the event.

Given the danger factor, everyone who rides on this is a winner.
  • 2 3
 You guys are all out to lunch. Careful what you wish for. Reeder and Emil are just laughing at home right now. A regular flip whip, tailwhip and barspin is all you need? No oppo tricks? She's a slopestyle from here on out. It's been a blast while it lasted. Jackson's run was not clean and not the gnarliest. There is no way Sorge out maybe Boggs or zink shouldn't have won that.
  • 1 0
 More fresh style and moves please! Big respect for the old dogs but is getting annoying overvoting them every time! Oh... and too many backflips is getting boring!
  • 2 0
 Vinny T on a heater before he crashed out…was one of my favourite runs up to that point.
  • 5 2
 Riddlle Got Robbed
  • 5 2
 #riddlegotrobbed
  • 2 0
 2nd most robbed was Brandon.
  • 1 0
 GeI doubt rampage judges give a shit about oppo-anything, just fyi, its harder but they might not care too much
  • 1 0
 In case you have not cast your vote yet, the good answer to the poll was Jaxson ;-)
  • 2 0
 What a travesty the judging has been.
  • 1 0
 Honestly, everyone killed it. Semenuk deserved the W, everyone deserved the W. Just bummed I didn’t get to see Brage.
  • 2 0
 Brage won..that drop is what rampage is ..tricks are for kids..
  • 2 1
 The hype around Semenuk and the single crown fork gave him the W before he started.
  • 1 2
 I'll say it. Semenuk's run is so overrated. I love the guy, but this doesn't belong to Rampage, it wasn't right. And no, I can't do any of that. Still very impressive , but his 2019 run is way better.
  • 3 0
 #ZinkGotRobbed
  • 1 0
 exactly!
  • 1 0
 all good and great guy but Jaxon killed it, I stop watching after his 2 run...
  • 2 0
 Who got robbed?
  • 6 0
 Riddle
  • 2 1
 Isn’t Zink Monster sponsored..?
  • 5 0
 and?
  • 1 0
 Red Bull MTB events aren't like MX. Non Red Bull sponsored riders are able to ride.
  • 2 0
 Jackson Riddle FTW!!!
  • 1 0
 .. but it would have been B-rage if you would have been in the list!
  • 1 0
 Voted TVS on each question.
  • 1 0
 Underscored and overscored?
  • 1 0
 Keyboard warriors are thick on this one
  • 1 0
 Where is the Brage button????
  • 3 3
 I feel like semenuk dont have to ride his run at all to win.
Jaxson run was more fun to watch
#JaxsonGotRobbed
  • 1 0
 TVS anyone??!! If he connected that whole run together that would be the W
  • 2 1
 I answered Semenuk for all of them. He should get first second and third.
  • 1 0
 Who won? The one who not broken.
  • 1 0
 The fizzy drinks company. That’s why they keep doing it
  • 1 0
 The riddler definitely deserved a better score
  • 1 0
 Rampage 2021 Disappointed
  • 1 0
 #AndreuisthemotostylegodnotJaxson
  • 1 0
 #JaxsonGotRobbed
  • 4 3
 Let's Go Brandon!
  • 1 1
 Right on !
  • 2 1
 Darn! Beat me to it.
  • 1 0
 Siege
  • 1 0
 Semenuk nuf said....
  • 1 0
 #JaxsonGotRobbed
  • 1 0
 #Jaxsonwasrobbed
  • 1 1
 #riddlegotrobbed
Below threshold threads are hidden





You must login to Pinkbike.
Don't have an account? Sign up

Join Pinkbike  Login
Copyright © 2000 - 2023. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.060496
Mobile Version of Website