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VIRGIN, Washington County — The 11th edition of the Red Bull Rampage took place in Virgin Friday with new rules, a new format and a brand new venue. Touted by Red Bull as the "most-watched mountain bike event of the year," the Rampage went back to its roots this year: fewer riders and more natural obstacles.
This year's Rampage featured 21 riders from around the world. Those competing were a mix of the top 12 riders from the 2015 contest and nine "wild cards." St. George resident and veteran competitor Logan Bingelli was picked as one of the wild card entries, but an injury during practice kept him from competing in the finals.
Canadian Brandon Semenuk needed only one run to cement his first place spot, putting an exclamation point on his run with a backflip one-footed can can. This was Semenuk's second Rampage victory, his first coming in 2008.
Frenchman Antonine Bizet took second, finishing his run off with the double backflip — a Rampage first. In third place was American Carson Storch. Storch also took home the Best Trick Award for his near flawless 30-foot plus 360 step down.
This year the competition took place bit east of previous locations, affording riders the opportunity to start their lines from scratch. Several days in advance of the finals, individual riders worked with their two-person build crew, scoping out and building their lines in the sandstone ridges just outside the town of Virgin.
The biggest difference this year? No power tools or construction materials were used outside of dirt, shovels and an allotment of sandbags. This gave the venue a much more "natural" feel and really challenged the creativity of the build crews. Teams were each given four build days, followed by four practice days.
Also new this year: The riders weren't allowed any qualifying runs and all judges were picked from former Rampage competitors.
You can watch a replay of the Rampage on RedBull's website. NBC will air it on Saturday Nov. 12 as well.
