Red Bull Rampage Announces 2021 Athlete List & Confirms New Venue

Aug 10, 2021 at 9:26
by James Smurthwaite  
Victory lap for Semenuk.

Red Bull has announced the 15 rider invite list for Red Bull Rampage 2021. This year marks the 20th anniversary of freeride's biggest competition and the event will be moving to a brand new venue with some of the world's best freeriders and racers ready to throw down

The list includes the top 10 from last year's event, plus 5 wildcard invites and a further 5 alternates should any of the riders pull out between now and the event in October. The wildcards and alternates were selected by a committee of former Rampage competitors, pro athletes, judges, and industry experts based on competition results and video submissions. Six former winners and two event rookies are amongst the list of athletes invited to compete, highlighting a true cross section of the sport today. All invited athletes must confirm their attendance by September 27th, at which point anyone who drops out or is unable to attend would be replaced by an event alternate and the competition roster will be set.

Pre-Qualified Athletes:

Brendan Fairclough GBR

Szymon Godziek POL

Tyler McCaul USA

Ethan Nell USA

Brett Rheeder CAN
Brandon Semenuk CAN

Carson Storch USA

Kyle Strait USA

Vincent Tupin FRA

Tom Van Steenbergen CAN

Wildcard Invites:

Andreu Lacondeguy ES-CT

Jaxson Riddle USA

Kurt Sorge CAN
Brage Vestavik NOR

Cam Zink USA

Alternates:

Thomas Genon BEL

Emil Johansson SWE

Reed Boggs USA
DJ Brandt USA

Antoine Bizet FRA

photo

bigquotesAfter a short hiatus, it's exciting to see Red Bull Rampage return this year, especially since it’s the 20-year anniversary. While we missed the 2020 event, I know myself and the rest of the riders are looking forward to getting back out to Utah. A new venue means open doors for creativity, but also a big build to have our lines ready for finals. Looking forward to getting the shovels in the dirt.​​—Brandon Semenuk, Defending Champion

The event is scheduled for October 15th and tickets will go on-sale to public on Friday, August 20th at 9am Pt/12pm ET at www.redbull.com/rampage.

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180 Comments
  • 388 5
 No Mathieu Van Der Poel? I think he's got it in the bag.
  • 314 1
 only if they leave rampage's famous safety ramps in place
  • 9 1
 @steezysam: dang, you beat me to it.
  • 37 0
 Yeah, no flying Dutchman Frown

But Brage will hopefully rock the venue Smile
  • 73 0
 Ramp-page.
  • 30 0
 @steezysam: Announcer..." It appears he tried to roll the 70ft canyon gap, this won't be good for his chances of winning."
  • 3 0
 @jeffrocx: that's the best comment I've seen in a while lol
  • 2 0
 i'd say landings of drops at rampage are steep enough so he can nose them in with the same technique :-D
  • 2 10
flag Endurip (Aug 11, 2021 at 4:48) (Below Threshold)
 Theres a big gap between a xc rider that doesn't suck at gravity riding and having the skills for dh/enduro, and def Rampage.
  • 4 0
 @Endurip: Nino would beg to differ
  • 5 0
 I think he was interested until finding out the goal was to get to the bottom, not the top.
  • 4 0
 @steezysam: Oakley Safety Sender
  • 191 2
 I have a feeling Virgin, UT will no longer be worthy of its name after Brage gets done with that course.
  • 6 1
 hahahahahaha
  • 15 0
 "The Mountain... It's Gone!"
  • 123 0
 Hell yeah… Barge is in!!! Go lad!!!
  • 37 0
 Brage is a Barge lol. Definitely awesome he's a wildcard
  • 30 3
 #MVDPGOTROBBED
  • 7 0
 Can't wait to see if he rides in corduroy pants
  • 118 1
 calling it already, brage got robbed
  • 16 2
 and Brendan Fairclough
  • 2 1
 @squarewheel: Not again!
  • 21 17
 Semenuk does 5 robot moves, wins
  • 3 1
 @dmackyaheard: Any movement on a bike is a robot move, if you think about it.
  • 43 2
 Glad to see Brage in but bumming for Johny Salido not getting the chance to redeem himself
  • 41 5
 Not sure Johny is into bumming.
  • 49 7
 Kerr for Rampage!
  • 1 0
 Bernard or Sam??? (One's a soccer player)
  • 10 0
 @ididntknowhatomakemyusername: Wayne
  • 1 1
 @pedfesh: This should have more upvotes
  • 1 0
 @ididntknowhatomakemyusername: Steve
  • 33 0
 I think they should still save a spot for Jordy.
  • 14 0
 Pushups for all that go. And those watching from home.
  • 32 6
 Wait... what? Lacondeguy as a Wildcard?! you're kidding. I predict that the podium will be... Semenuk, Lacondeguy and Vestavik!
  • 13 36
flag adrennan (Aug 10, 2021 at 10:10) (Below Threshold)
 you don't get the automatic in when you aren't red bull sponsored
  • 5 0
 @adrennan: He crashed both his runs last year. Saw it with my own eyes. He was on a good one crashed on last jump.
  • 24 0
 @adrennan: cool story but it looks like only 4 out of the 15 invited riders are Redbull sponsored.
  • 21 0
 read it again. "top ten from last year are automatic invites."
  • 2 3
 @savage47: yeah that run was bonkers. Dudes been riding A LOT at his new compound so I think if he makes it in as an alternate he'll definitely fight for the top 5.
  • 2 0
 There's a lot of insane freeriders out there, gotta give others a chance sometimes.
  • 4 0
 @onemanarmy: He is already in. He isn't on the alternate list, he got a wild card invite.
  • 1 0
 @leon-forfar: yeah saw that after I posted.
  • 28 2
 Pulling for Brage after the XGames fluke ... lets go bud!
  • 25 1
 How is Bienvenido Aguado not in there?!
  • 49 0
 Can't be that he's not welcome.
  • 1 0
 I was pretty disappointed to not see his name on the list.
  • 6 0
 @BenPea: outstanding comment. Most will miss it
  • 1 1
 @BenPea: saw what you did there
  • 2 2
 @BenPea: we should have known we wouldn’t see anyone from Darkfest invited to Rampage after the pathetic, “we we don’t want to play with you anymore” Fest split.
  • 32 9
 no dylan stark? the dissrecpect!
  • 9 2
 Facts!
  • 13 2
 He has an invite to Proving Grounds trials, so maybe......I'm a DS fan but you don't get on the first list of Rampage riders just because you're a rad Wook.
  • 3 0
 He's been putting out some banger edits. Pretty stoked to see him shredding hard on the big bike. Fun guy to watch on anything with two wheels!
  • 1 2
 he obviously needs to sort out that ironman thing out first.
  • 19 0
 And the People's Choice Award goes to Brage Vestavik, it's a lock.
  • 14 0
 Tom Van Steenbergen, great guy and rider, but that name is a graphic designers worst nightmare.
  • 12 0
 Silva was the most exciting rider I've seen in a few years (other than AL). Wonder what happened to him? He was injured last Rampage.
  • 4 0
 Yes and yes! Where is Silva??
  • 12 0
 Norbs got robbed! I wish he was on the injury reserve list
  • 11 0
 No Adolf Silva? is he still injured or something?
  • 7 0
 Is this worth going to in person? I'd be able to drive from where I'm living now so wondering if it's worth it for those that have been.
  • 3 8
flag Tortatortatorta (Aug 10, 2021 at 16:22) (Below Threshold)
 No...it is huge and you can't see shit. Not to mention you have to take a shuttle to get to the site which is pretty far from the entrance. It is rad if you are a super fan, but the webcast is waaaay better.
  • 8 0
 It's definitely worth it. Free camping up the road. Ride your bikes in. Ride some fun trails in the area. Bump shoulders with the riders having beers, go to Zion ........it was super fun.
  • 6 0
 I think it's 100% worth it if you can bring a friend. The experience is more about the camping, riding local trails, and getting excited to see the event. For the event itself, bring beer and binoculars, you'll want them both. You won't be able to see everything perfectly, but you'll get an appreciation for the scale of what the riders are doing that is always lost on TV. Plus, the webcast has a replay, if you want to see the closeups just watch it later.
  • 2 0
 You have the luck to watch it in person. Please do it for me and go!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 It's fun to go to the original Rampage site and watch people trying to send the old jumps and other stuff in the area. The camping is the best part, take some friends there.
  • 2 0
 I haven't missed a rampage since I started going in 2010. Yes, it is worth it and WAY better than watching on a screen. The screens don't give justice to the majestic landscape that is rampage.
  • 1 0
 I went from Chile in 2019, and it was one of my best decisions of my life! An advice: go with bike and travel in the local trails, I need to come back (maybe next year) and do this!
  • 7 0
 It's T-Mac's time. Pulling for dude to win but definitely get the top 3 he usually deserves.
  • 7 3
 I think there are a good number of riders that would deliver a better show that are not invited and some riders invited that I already know how their runs will look like. Strait for example will do a suicidal no hander for the 7th time and a backflip at the bottom of the course and Carson a huge 360 and that’s it. Rampage needs a renovation when it comes to riders.
  • 5 1
 salivating about dirtbags sending it to the max. Massive respect to everyone involved in shaping and precipitating in my favourite event to view from my couch. FanFrigginTastic!
  • 2 2
 Only the reigning champion can precipitate. ;-p
  • 7 0
 Brage is already fully kitted and ready to rip
  • 6 0
 I would like a podium with Barge, Andreu and Brendan
  • 5 0
 I hope Brendan can ride something more plush than his Spark RC, which he was condemned to ride... Go Brendog! \m/
  • 7 5
 Hyped to see the legends along side some exciting up and comers this year!
Tricks I hope to see/ expect to see:
Van Steenbergen: Biggest Caveman Drop in history
Zink: HUGE spins, maybe with some variations thrown in?
Straight: Big, gnarly ass, nose droppin Sui.... obviously
Riddle: Sweet ass heel clicker off a giant drop
Semenuk and Rheeder: Flippy- Spinny things.. hopefully some slower stylistic hits
Godziek: Huge Tsunami flip
Fairclough: Gnarly lines and big scary backflips
McCaul: Back flips and spins
Nell: redemption
Lacondeguy: wild and loose runs with a touch of insanity
Vestavik: gnarly viking shit
Storch:
Tupin: I don't know what to expect out of these last three, any guesses?
Sorge:
  • 7 4
 Congrats to all 6 of our TLD boys, Semenuk, Fairclough, VanSteenbergen, Zink, Strait, and newly rampaged-Jaxson Riddle! Can't wait, congrats to all.
  • 4 3
 All the commentary about the relocation of the venue, or how this former winner didn't get an invite, or got only a wildcard invite, etc, etc.... Seems to me that apparently a lot of people don't really actually understand how this event works. Don't be afraid to do a little research and reading for your own benefit guys! Jus sayin!!
  • 4 1
 Great rider list Redbull, now work how to film it and record it properly, so you can leave the bike sound effects out of it.
  • 5 3
 Yeah, but the news we need is missing. I guess the biased judges are still going to score it as a slopestyle comp, not proper freeride. Brendog was robbed by the idiots who just build smooth takeoffs.
  • 3 1
 Interesting to see cam still going at it and guys like Agassiz backing out. Would have loved to see kade edwards on this list but should be a good show regardless!
  • 3 2
 True. And no Adolf Silva too … some should let the young guns access the rampage !
  • 5 0
 Aggressive back out because he's just coming off an injury... wouldn't be anywhere near 100% and not wanting to take that talk from somebody else
  • 5 0
 Ethan Nells Year!
  • 4 0
 B-rage on the roll this year
  • 6 3
 Hopefully no biased judges this year, Brendan Fairclough was robbed last year!
  • 3 0
 Brendog and Brage! what a rampage this year! rooting for Andreu also! Let's go!
  • 5 2
 Woopwoop DJ Brandt back in it! Hope they allow spectators this year.
  • 4 0
 "tickets will go on-sale to public on Friday, August 20th at 9am"

Looks like they are planning on it.
  • 10 0
 Looks like he's an alternate, so may not be competing.
  • 1 0
 where did you read that? edited, just read it, im dumb
  • 1 1
 @sino428: Yup - just might try to battle for a ticket although you generally can't see sh*t
  • 4 0
 @suspended-flesh: I went last time, as much as yes you can't see some of it, the flipside TV doesn't come close to the scale and magnitude you get in person.
  • 1 0
 @draggingbrake: I think it is worth it for the experience and the 4-wheeling and other riding options in Utah In general. Make a week out of it. October 15th week is a tough one though - already going to US Open and Sea Otter in the prior weeks...
  • 1 0
 Can't argue with this list. Pretty crazy when the field is so stacked that the guys on the alternate list are all as insanely talented and capable as everyone else.
  • 4 2
 Jaxson on the podium 2021!! He’s worked harder than anybody out there, stoked for him.
  • 4 0
 It honestly would not surprise me. He's been ready for a few years now. Wouldn't say he works harder than anyone out there... but that's me.
  • 2 0
 Wait, winning rampage doesn't get you a direct invite? Can't wait to see what the new venu brings!
  • 4 0
 Top 10 placing from previous year get auto-invites. Everyone else is up for a wild card invite, even previous winners if it was several years ago.
  • 3 0
 Cant wait for the commentators, SPEED WHEELIES LETS GOOOOO!!!
  • 5 1
 FAIRCLAW!
  • 5 2
 Lacondeguy ES-CT?? What country is that??
  • 4 0
 HAHA - does that bug the rest of ES?
  • 7 0
 @suspended-flesh: we're due a 1500-post Catalan separatist shit parade.
  • 2 0
 @BenPea: God I hope so.
  • 2 1
 Whats the purse for this type of event. I really hope 1st place is $50,000 plus. If not they would all do better and survive the fall on bachelor or dancing with morons.
  • 4 0
 A $20 Jenson USA gift card and a fresh baguette.
  • 2 0
 Al is by far the most agressiv rider there is. So I hope he can land his run
  • 1 0
 rampage is so rad. seems like a great rider list given how few invites there are, and I can't wait to see the new venue
  • 1 0
 How big of a deal is the new venue? How many times had the previous location been used?
  • 7 0
 They usually repeat a riding area 3 times before moving to a new section. Keeps things fresh and fair for everyone since newcomers can’t use existing lines that other riders built. “No dig, no ride”
  • 3 0
 they seem to change after 2 to 3 years at each venue. it puts the "freshman class" in a better position where half the mountain isn't already claimed.
  • 3 0
 "new venue" is a deal because the red bull dudes will have walked around it already, they'll know right where they want to go...the others probably know about it because, well, it's probably one ridge over from where they've been.

it's not a big deal because it's just riding bikes around.
  • 8 0
 It's a huge deal. It levels the playing field. When you have repeat years these guys usually at least use parts of their previous lines. That means they can spend their bags and time building a couple new things instead of an entire line. So new guys come in and they either have to negotiate to use someone else's lines or build an entire line themselves with way less bags than the repeat guys. This really levels it and puts a lot of pressure on the builders. And I think gives people like Brage that have crazy imagination a chance to shine because the entire zone isn't already full of hits.
  • 2 4
 @adrennan: They change it after a few times because all of the riders demanded it so they can create new lines on untouched areas. It has nothing to do with new riders having a level playing field. New riders who haven't built legit lines on these ridges or ever ridden them before are already at a huge disadvantage.
  • 6 4
 Where is Dylan Stark!!! But gotta say nice rider field.
  • 6 3
 No wibmer yesss
  • 4 1
 He only rides manicured stuff
  • 3 0
 ES-CT xDDDDDDD
  • 2 1
 Adolfo silva? Kade? Kaos? Too name but a few of the riders who I’d like to see out there
  • 2 0
 And the new venue is...where?
  • 3 1
 3 time winner is a wildcard?? Ok
  • 1 0
 has no-one commented on Kyle strait and his Mexico 86 world cup mascot application?
  • 2 0
 How does Kaos get an invite?
  • 4 1
 ......put in more work digging and freeriding.
  • 1 0
 He'll get one one day. He rips!
  • 4 1
 Adolf and Bienve?
  • 1 0
 Bienve posted that he will not be participating this year. Also, Messi is in psg now. what a shame Frown
  • 1 0
 If emil was in it we would see something crazy like a tailwhip on the slash.
  • 2 0
 Zink, Andreu, Nell. Podium line up.
  • 1 0
 Can we just acknowledge how perfect it is the Brett Rheeder is wearing a Clif hat in his photo?
  • 1 0
 Rooting for Brendog! And I really would like to see Antoine Bizet back in Rampage!
  • 1 0
 Is there some kind of religious rule at rampage that riders may not be pictured with a bare head?
  • 1 0
 There's no space between Rheeder and Semenuk's names because they are doing it on a tandem. Gonna be lit.
  • 1 0
 Brage and Jaxson!!!! YESSSS this is going to be WILD
  • 1 0
 Big hat guys on this line up.
  • 3 1
 Brage for the win
  • 1 0
 why emil and dj alternates?
  • 1 0
 Very, very excited for this!
  • 1 0
 Brage Vestavik People's Favorite
  • 1 0
 Would of been sick to have Kade Edwards their too
  • 1 0
 Wish a few of these people would wear hats in press photos
  • 1 0
 Tupin & Brage

Kade Edwards for '22
  • 1 0
 just let all those riders shred, we dont care about limitations
  • 1 0
 site went down and then they are sold out. Stride events, eat a dck
  • 1 0
 Who's scalping? Ill pay good for two.
  • 1 1
 No Aggy ... am I missing something here?
  • 12 0
 if I recall he opted to nurse an injury, no?
  • 2 0
 @pourquois-pas: Judging by the number of +'s this got, I'm going to say you are probably right. Thanks for the info!
  • 2 0
 @buckwheat23: www.pinkbike.com/news/graham-agassiz-announces-he-wont-compete-at-rampage-this-year.html

ha, I guess my memory isn't complete shite. yet.
  • 2 0
 @pourquois-pas: Poet snaps from me. Well done
  • 2 4
 Hmmm. They skipped ‘05,’06’ ‘07, ‘09, ‘11, &’20. So this is really the 14th edition, not a 20th anniversary? Or am I mistaken?
  • 6 0
 Yes, they said "20th Anniversary" not the "20th annual". An "anniversary" just means its been 20 years since the first one. It doesn't mean its happened every year.
  • 1 1
 @sino428: Beat me to it!! I was about to say, "well... someone doesn't know the difference between "anniversary" and "annual". Smile
  • 1 1
 Really want to see Reed Boggs get a shot
  • 1 1
 Where’s Will White? The only rider I look forward to seeing compete!
  • 2 1
 Kade? William robert?
  • 1 0
 yeah, wr is a monster
  • 1 1
 Brage and Cam Zink, lets gooooo!
  • 1 0
 Why on a Friday smh
  • 3 0
 They need the following days due to weather/wind/ rain. Saturday and Sunday. Way back qualifications were on Saturday finals on Sunday. Bad weather pushed the finals to that Monday. Production crew on stand by is not cheap.
  • 1 1
 Gerrup there Fairclaw
  • 2 2
 No Rogatkin?
  • 2 1
 i'm really surprised he's not on the list and emil is a backup, they'd both be interesting to watch
  • 5 0
 @crysvb: Rogatkin was extremely "interesting" last time, you'll recall.
  • 3 0
 @BenPea: Yeah I think he's been blacklisted due to safety reasons....
  • 1 0
 @steezer: what's the story?
  • 1 0
 @Inertiatic: He fell off a cliff.
  • 1 1
 No tickets?
  • 2 0
 i waited, the site went down for a few mins, now sold out. for a fkin event in a giant open desert. unreal. its never been like this. FU stride events
  • 1 1
 @Edwardsjr1: I had two computers at hand on two connections. I was only able to score two tickets.
  • 3 3
 No Casey Brown?
  • 1 1
 Fuck yeah Brage
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