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THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Red Bull claims its drinks "give you wings" but, apparently, they cannot give you good bike riding skills.
The energy drink company recently hosted its first-ever Red Bull Stalen Ros, a tandem bike obstacle course race.
The wild event took place in the Netherlands on Sept. 30, where more than 10,000 spectators got the show of a lifetime watching 33 teams ride crazily decorated tandem bikes across a 260-foot-long obstacle course suspended over water. Many of the teams did not finish the course and tumbled into the water.
This bike race reminds me of when I would watch the show "Wipeout," and I'd always think to myself, "I could easily do that," while the people on the course were slipping and crashing. I am sure, however, it is much harder in real life than it is in my head.
But man, is there anything more human than laughing at people falling off obstacles?
According to biking news site Singletrack World, the name Stalen Ros translates to Steel Steed. The racers were judged on speed, bike design and "the inventive way they completed the course."
The fastest team, "De Zouthappers," won an award for completing the course in less than 14 seconds. A "most inventive" award was given to "the Bitterboys" for their frying pan bike design. A third team, named "Döner macht Schöner," won an all-rounder award for their fast time and creativity in their efforts.
More highlights from the event can be seen on Red Bull's YouTube.