It’s two months until the world’s gnarliest freeride comp, the Red Bull Rampage, and there are some surprise names on the rider list – World Cup stars Brendan Fairclough and Mick Hannah. Chosen because of their “proven freeride skills and ability to ride this type of terrain”, they join fellow DH star and Rampage veteran Gee Atherton (who came second in 2004 and 2010), and a host of big names from the world of freeride.
Check out the teaser video here:
In total, 36 riders will take part. Previous winners Brandon Semenuk and Cameron Zink gain automatic entry, along with the top finalists from 2010. The other 24 must take part in a qualifier battle on October 5. They’ll include top ranked FMB World Tour riders, World Cup stars and wildcard entrants, chosen later this month based on results and video appearances.
Automatic finalists
Brandon Semenuk
Cameron Zink
Gee Atherton
Darren Berrecloth
Andreu Lacondeguy
Geoff Gulevich
Thomas Vanderham
Robbie Bourdon
Kyle Strait
Logan Binggeli
Kurt Sorge
Alex Prochazka
Confirmed qualifier riders (lots more to come)
Brendan Fairclough
Mick Hannah
Sam Pilgrim
Paul Basagoitia
Anthony Messere
The comp takes place on 5-7 October and it’ll be streamed live on the Red Bull Rampage site.
Race Bike: Brendan Fairclough's Scott Gambler
Control the camera: 360 degree view of downhill racing with Brendan Fairclough
Video: Brendan Fairclough tears up the trails at Gethin in South Wales