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?
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!
@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.
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
@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.
@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.
@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
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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
@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.
@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.
@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
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.
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.
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..
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.
@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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
@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.
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.
@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
@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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
@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.
@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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
@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.
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!
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.
#JaxsonGotRobbed
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.
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.
h
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.
Be safe be well,
Robin
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.
But that whipped out Superman on the hip just oozed style and personality. So fun to watch.
We’re lucky to have those bros representing all these years
Best style = Riddle
Got robbed award = Jaxson Riddle
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.
That regular 360 drop straight into an opposite 360 drop was very impressive.
Definitely deserves to be higher up the "technically difficult" score card.
Change my mind
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
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.
Be safe be well,
Robin
These days any dangerous sport shows respect to the rider and their friends/family… except rampage.
Bonus points or something! Semenuk once riding a single crown and pulling off new to Rampage tricks is hard to score lower than first
Probably the opposite of most viewers scored.
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.
Almost feel they should hold two events at the same time, one focused on technical freeride and one on big tricks and slopestyle.
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.
Jaxson run was more fun to watch
#JaxsonGotRobbed