An elite level athlete, Paul Basagoitia is a member of our community who has reached all of our homes and hearts through his riding and charisma. Paul had a terrifying crash during his Finals run at Red Bull Rampage on Friday. When something of this magnitude happens to one of our own, our immediate reaction is to want information. At this time neither Paul or his family have released a statement with regard to his situation or prognosis.
We ask that you continue to send positive thoughts and energy Paul’s way. We are a global family and in times of crisis we need the support of our entire community.
camzink: Everyone send Paul Basagoitia positive vibes! This champion has started a long road to recovery after shattering his T12 vertebrae yesterday and undergoing 9 hours of surgery. He had a winning run going and may have set the record for biggest step down just before going down. Lots of tears have been shed. Keep Paul in your prayers to regain feeling in his legs. There were some horrible people spreading false news that he was OK, but he needs your support more than ever to walk again. Paul, you are the most tenacious human and competitor ever. Love you bud! You'll be back! #f*ckrampage
We can can lend real, meaningful help by:
1) reaching out to Red Bull & encouraging them to use all resources at their disposal to help Paul,
2) contributing on a grass roots level. Right now the request is moral support.
If the call for financial help comes, we can put our Paypal dollars where our mouths are then.
Bas wasn't just laying it on the line for RedBull, it was for every one of us who watched him ride. Let's keep it positive & constructive 'till we hear from the man himself. Negative hashtag campaigns are of zero benefit to anyone right now, but flooding Red Bull with positive "calls to action" might just provide Bas with help he critically needs.
#irideforpaul
I really hope Paul heals up. At the end of the day, no one gives a shit what we think. If there's a big problem, the riders will demand a change. We're all at best, partially informed.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=SFUcTuyDOlM
All my thoughts go to him, wish he can walk again!!
#irideforpaul
Pavel is a Red Bull athlete. Of course he will get care. Red Bull does not sponsor Paul.
10k is only a scan in USA. He already underwent surgery.
The reason I'm pushing for RB directed insurance is that I know of at least one person still paying off medical bills because their 'travel insurance' sure wasn't going to cover something like Rampage. In terms of the insurance provided, each insurer has to be knowledgeable or informed of what is actually going on if they are going to insure a rider competing in a PROFESSIONAL competition. When you read fine print that changes everything. Personally I don't have a clue how riders actually afford to pay for insurance that covers them for something like Rampage.
There is 100K in prize money, maybe if some were directed to insurance the riders would be OK with it. Its a big gamble, if PB has a permanent spinal injury the expenses will almost certainly eclipse 500K, and multiple other injuries add to the bill. It's a big gamble for an insurance company to take.
@scott-townes Insurance is pretty much mandatory for anything mountain bike. What I do appreciate is the swift response to the crash. Possibly a focus on more medical staff and faster response time would do more good than arguing about insurance... At the point of Paul, an American thing is to treat a seriously injured victim the second they roll in regardless of citizenship or insurance or consent "presuming" all are good to go. Insurance doesn't matter here at the point of even a mild concussion...
Cheever, really good point. Just noticed Red Bull is selling Rampage shirts for $60 a pop. Fantastic.
Stay strong buddy! You where where well on your way to a winning run and you should stay positive! You have the entire Mountain bike community backing you! #irideforpaul
If it is a spinal injury that Paul has then I hope to god it's an incomplete injury and he does regain movement again. You can guarantee that RedBull will do everything possible to help him and with their ties to Wings For Life then he couldn't be in better hands.
I know all this as I suffered a fall separating my spine at T12/L1 last year but sadly my injury was complete so has left me paralysed from the waist down.
@scottsecco Too late for me, but I'm sure the donation can will get added to the family's fundraiser right @tmanb3?
As far as I know Red Bull contracts come with a full insurance package, no clue about any others.
From what I saw the medical care on site was superb for PB given the situation and a LifeFlight is about as much as anybody could ask for. Now Rogatkin on the otherhand was maybe not so cool or safe, but thats and event thing and it isn't the medics who control that.
@scott-townes Cheers for the details. I guess given that Red Bull is the leader in the entire side of non-mainstream sport (and some mainstream to boot) they are in a unique position. I'm certainly not trying to blame RB for any of this in the slightest, as you said it is just working within the constraints of the system. Since RB is such a massive company perhaps they could arrange an actuarial service to set up insurance for all of their events. The list includes tens of thousands of athletes at at least hundreds of events in tons of sports. Just speaking out loud.
We have hearts of revolutionists but hands of wankers
instagram.com/p/9AQyt5pDAK
spoiler alert;
and it's the good news we all want to hear
I'm speculating here and while it might be an unpopular opinion, I can't see Red Bull paying the riders much more or paying everyone just for showing up. I'm not saying those things shouldn't change, I just don't think mountain biking is a big enough sport at the moment to make Red Bull feel it's worth it to spend the money.
I don't think Red Bull is making some monumental profit from the event, and if the riders decide it's not worth doing the event for the current prize money and amount of risk involved, then I think Red Bull is just going to stop putting on the event and focus their interests elsewhere. To be completely honest, I wouldn't be all that surprised if there isn't going to be Rampage next year.
Aside from all that, It's terrible to hear about riders getting badly injured. Hoping Paul has a full recovery.
#Redbull help this man out he put his life on the line for your brand. If I find out that his family needs money and cant pay the hospital bills thats the last redbull i will buy for the rest of my days.
you have Formula 1 team come on.
1: Paul probably didn't expect a wipe out
2: Who gives a shit about sponsors at this time.
3: People go to rampage to get the bills paid, too...
4: Fest is a jam, Rampage isn't. Danger on its own is fairy dust
5: You should't just get paid if you get f*cked up or podium...
6: The american healthcare system got him as far as a surgery, so far.
Either way,
Stay strong, Paul, Herb, Tyler, Antoine...
1: Make sure to help Paul and everyone else is healthy and stoked.
2: Make reform at rampage. Everyone should have some reward for busting their balls in Utah for a week.
3: Consider options in better, cheaper healthcare if time is still present, 2nd to better treatment techniques.
That being said, injuries suck. And this kind of injury is the worst.
Healing vibes sent
Oh, yes man! You are kinda reading my thoughts.
Controll free zones are what really attracts people: dead or alive you never know for sure.
It's like casino roulette or so - a passion.
But let's imagine it almost totaly safe. No injuries possible, just may be very small scratches. What's then?
And for some reason I beleive it would be not less fun, the same and more. And would give much more progress for the tricks, etc.
(i.e barel was "lucky" in chile last year, taylor Vernon in val di sole etc).
But i'm not sure blaming rampage, or redbull or anything is going to help Paul to recover
oh and please race on wet root and rocks at WC speed. Tell me how more controllable it is compared to a rampage run
Looking to the terrible crashes that happens to TOP PRO riders, it is obviously you don't need any higher level: you will crash undependently of the level.
Sooner or later.
No need to blaming someone. We need constructive proposals to them to make all the event better and eliminate crashes.
@waki i've had the same thought a few times, and it's true of other extreme sports as well. When the only way to win is to go bigger, it becomes a question of what are we asking the top 5 riders in the world to do? It looked like the podium runs were hucking in the 80 foot range off that one big drop, pretty amazing to watch them stomp that. But then how big does Semenuk need to go to top that? 90 feet? 100 feet? At what point does someone have to try something thats actually impossible to do more than the last guy? We're not that far off from a point where guys are going to have to try some pretty suicidal lines to top the current leader.
Rampage is like a bad joke which is repeated year after year. I don't know who is actually to blame for that: the company making tons of money by selling a really dangerous game, the riders accepting the rules of redbull in return for patting them on the back, the hypocritical spectators (most of them pinkbike users) seeking blood and then, when something bad happens (and always happens) writing about national health systems, money donations, good wishes....
What does it have to happen to change things? Maybe a death (God forbid)?
Huge positive vibes being sent Paul's way from here, that's for sure.
but here is the problem.... Progression.....I remember a really good rider telling me he is quiting. He said he was quiting because if you hit a 4 foot drop then you hit a 6 foot drop then a 10 foot drop, then you have to hit a 16 foot drop...but that isn't good enough you need to go bigger.....so that was one part of it, but then he said...kids are going to do 360's and flips soon....I don't want to be any part of that....because If you do a back flip on 4 feet....you will have to go bigger....think about a back flip over a 60 foot double??? let that sit in for a moment....
How about this ?? Cam you have always been nice to me, but here me out.
Cam Zink calling out Rampage and f*ck rampage...well then don't be a hypercrite because you sponsored the YT jump. Should we have #f*ckYTbikes ??? Are you calling for boycott....because then YT bikes should be boycotted too.. Can't have it both ways.
The Red Bull event is awesome. I love camping out there. Riding with people and watching the event. Like many, sometimes the judging doesn't seem right. . 2008 ??? When they started putting in ramps ...I started saying "I hope no one kills themselves" because the risk is there.....
Bottom line....Red Bull is not alone. Crankworks or any other event guys can get hurt bad or killed. The riders themselves have to decide what risks to take. It is not Red Bulls fault for putting on the event...The fault can just be blamed on progression....
Healing Vibes to P Bass
but here is the problem.... Progression.....I remember a really good rider telling me he is quiting. He said he was quiting because if you hit a 4 foot drop then you hit a 6 foot drop then a 10 foot drop, then you have to hit a 16 foot drop...but that isn't good enough you need to go bigger.....so that was one part of it, but then he said...kids are going to do 360's and flips soon. (he quit the sport in 2002 when nobody was doing flips and whatnot)...I don't want to be any part of that....because If you do a back flip on 4 feet....you will have to go bigger....think about a back flip over a 60 foot double??? let that sit in for a moment....
How about this ?? Cam you have always been nice to me, but here me out.
Cam Zink calling out Rampage and f*ck rampage...well then don't be a hypercrite because you sponsored the YT jump. Should we have #f*ckYTbikes ??? Are you calling for boycott....because then YT bikes should be boycotted too.. Can't have it both ways.
The Red Bull event is awesome. I love camping out there. Riding with people and watching the event. Like many, sometimes the judging doesn't seem right. . 2008 ??? When they started putting in ramps ...I started saying "I hope no one kills themselves" because the risk is there.....
Bottom line....Red Bull is not alone. Crankworks or any other event guys can get hurt bad or killed. The riders themselves have to decide what risks to take. It is not Red Bulls fault for putting on the event...The fault can just be blamed on progression....
Healing Vibes to P Bass
Rampage needs the riders a LOT more than the riders need Rampage.
They will never unite to boycott.
I often write a message on social media or Pinikbike when a mountain bikers is injured as I imagine that you are sitting in your hospital bed recovering and not in the best mood, and I hope that these kind of messages help, to know that even random people on the other side of the world are behind you and wishing you the best. You can do it man! Good luck!
If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell. ~Lance Armstrong
There is the chance to pay back for this and help on www.gofundme.com/supportforPaulB
Take the chance.
P.S.: For all those Blame Red Bull and give advices of whet they should do… I am confident, that Red Bull helps with whatever they can behind the scenes and if they are not doing right now I am sure they will.
What are the odds, that Your segment in a niche action sports movie will influence some teenagers' decisions somewhere in a tiny mountainless land across the ocean? Well, You beat those odds, Paul. You can beat these odds too. Estoninan MTB community 100% with You.
We see similar problems in road cycling when for example the Tour of Quartar is 45 degrees C and the riders wish to stop for health and safety and organizers try to force them to ride on. I am not sure about all the legal aspects but definitely something to be considered.
You were riding on the edge and you did inspire millions of people. Not many can say such things about themself.
I ride for you!
stay strong and positive!
We all support you when the time comes there will be fund raisings for sure.
You showed us your passion for our loved sport and now it is our time to give you something back!
#weridetogetherforpaul #staystrong #wesupportyou
It is so inspiring seeing how everyone sticks together here at pinkbike.
Whatever happens, you got the support
I´m really sorry for Paul.....I hope u recover fast man.....ride on Paul
RedBull u need to get the freakin best doctors in the world to fix the problems u cause on the most different kind of extrem sports, this is my opinion...
I mean to be honest, you're the one with Bizet and Zink that have blown my mind during this , let's say it, weird rampage. Man I stand up when he throw his run and sent that horrendous drop... That was truly mind blowing.
Get well soon Buddy, you're run was the definition of Gnar!
And guys, don't blame RB for it. Everyone decides on his own what to do and what not to do.
95% of the riders did make it to the bottom. It's a risky sport, that's all to it...
Send him some positive thoughts, but thoughts won't pay bills. Maybe it is time to send him some $. I mean 5 $ won't hurt anybody who is riding a 2000$+ Bike. Waiting for Red Bull to help him won't help him. We all wanted to see a grat rampage an he rode a massive line, maybe the community should take care of their heros. So somebody give me his bank account please.
... #Irideforpaul
Get well soon.
With that said, I decided to look up "red bull rampage rewards", just to find out a competitor blog put up a well written opinion on the matter. The rewards vs risk is extremely ridiculous. Any sane person would see that immediately. Just an example (quote): "In 2014 Kyle Strait was awarded $4,000 for his 4th place result, leaving just $1,000 take home after his expenses for two weeks in the desert. At an hourly rate that's probably worse than minimum wage."
In conclusion, most riders probably have a day job regardless of sponsorship and Rampage is just an odd job, especially for expert bikers like Zink, Strait etc'. From another perspective, this event is prestigious and a great addition to a professional biker's resume, some riders like Strait basically make it their trade mark. That one event they are extremely known for, and therefore participating ever again to preserve their spotlight, regardless of reward size.
To sum it up, I think RB should stop messing around and increase rewards to make it worthy of these rider's lives. 1st place should walk away with $250K MINIMUM. It's negligible to the many millions RB makes from marketing the event.
Heal up man, stay strong. Everywhere in the world someone pray (god or whatever) for you. Stay strong and we'll all have a ride together soon....
Que Deus ilumine sua vida e que seja feita a vontade dele, estamos juntos!!!!!!!!
You are in our thoughts, hoping for a full recovery.
All the best man. Get the mechanics on the line to fix you up!
I'm gonna have a thought for you in my next ride Paul, to send you the best healing vibes !
Stay strong !
Everyone send Paul Basagoitia positive vibes! This champion has started a long road to recovery after shattering his T12 vertebrae yesterday and undergoing 9 hours of surgery. He had a winning run going and may have set the record for biggest step down just before going down. Lots of tears have been shed. Keep Paul in your prayers to regain feeling in his legs. There were some horrible people spreading false news that he was OK, but he needs your support more than ever to walk again. Paul, you are the most tenacious human and competitor ever. Love you bud! You'll be back! ‪#‎f*ckrampage‬
Heal up soon buddy !!!
Stay strong, man!
Red bull.... Caccia i soldi!
Forza Paul.
hop he's ok, it would be bad to see him injured.
#f*ckrampage #Irideforpaul
www.gofundme.com/supportforPaulB
Please support a fellow rider and his journey back to health and to the bike. If you can share this, or have any suggestions how to make it more effective, please get in contact with me. Paul has been a source of inspiration for almost a decade and we can step up and help him through this.
www.gofundme.com/supportforPaulB
#rideforpaul
Amazing run, until it wasn't. Heal well Paul, we're all rooting for ya.
www.gofundme.com/supportforPaulB
If Red Bull is not paying for his treatment and lifetime pension, I'll never buy Red Bull again. #redbullforbas