The air’s electric. The bikes are fine-tuned, the desert’s wild and rugged, and once again, the world’s top freeriders are gearing up for the ultimate mountain biking event—Red Bull Rampage 2024.
If you’re even remotely into mountain biking, you’ve heard of this legendary event. Every year, we see some of the bravest, most skilled athletes take on the treacherous cliffs and jagged rock formations of Virgin, Utah.
But 2024 is something different. This time around, the event isn’t just about the guys. For the first time ever, Red Bull Rampage is bringing the world’s top female riders into the mix, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s history.
The buzz is real, and I can’t wait to see what goes down on October 10th and 12th. Let’s talk about why this year’s Rampage is going to be one for the books.
Key Highlights
- Historic inclusion of women: 2024 marks the first time female riders are competing at Red Bull Rampage, a major step forward for gender equality in freeride mountain biking.
- Custom, rugged courses: Riders design their own lines in the challenging Virgin, Utah terrain, blending natural features with hand-built elements, showcasing creativity and skill.
- Top riders to watch: Expect standout performances from legends like Brandon Semenuk and newcomers like Casey Brown, with the event pushing the sport’s boundaries further.
What Makes Red Bull Rampage So Unique?
Red Bull Rampage isn’t your typical mountain biking competition. There’s no manicured track, no predictable obstacles. Riders don’t just follow a pre-set course; they build their own lines from the ground up. Literally.
Picture this: riders, along with their team of diggers, spend days before the event carefully carving out their path through the Utah desert, blending natural features with human-made ramps and jumps.
The result? A course that’s totally custom, where every turn, every drop, every lip is shaped with their riding style in mind. This mix of man vs. nature makes Red Bull Rampage stand out in the world of freeride.
You don’t just need talent on the bike; you need vision. Riders must look at the jagged cliffs, towering ridges, and rocky outcrops and see possibilities that the rest of us might miss. It’s pure artistry on two wheels, and it’s why so many of us tune in year after year.
Virgin, Utah Is the Perfect Freeride Playground
Let’s talk about the location because Virgin, Utah, is no casual backdrop. This place is stunning, almost otherworldly, with its reddish cliffs and sprawling desert landscape.
We’re talking huge drops, sketchy lines with little margin for error, and plenty of cliffs that are the last place you want to lose control. It’s not just the visual drama that makes Virgin perfect for Rampage—it’s the sheer difficulty of the terrain.
Riders have to navigate technical descents, massive gaps, and near-vertical drops that would make most of us break into a sweat just thinking about it. Being in the desert doesn’t mean it’s all dry heat and sunshine, either.
The conditions can be brutal. Dust storms, loose sand, and unpredictable winds add another layer of challenge, keeping riders constantly on edge. But that’s part of the allure, right?
Riders to Watch in 2024
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Now let’s talk about the riders, because this year’s lineup is stacked with talent—both old and new. Brandon Semenuk is a name we all know. He’s the kind of rider who doesn’t just show up; he dominates.
Known for his precision and smooth style, Semenuk has taken home the Rampage crown multiple times, and if anyone knows how to tame the desert, it’s him.
But don’t sleep on Tom Van Steenbergen. Tom’s been pushing the envelope lately with jaw-dropping tricks that defy gravity, and there’s no doubt he’s going to pull out all the stops in Utah. His creativity on the bike is off the charts, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go for one of the event’s top spots this year.
And, of course, you can’t talk about Rampage without mentioning Andreu Lacondeguy. Andreu’s fearless approach to big-mountain riding is unmatched, and you know he’ll bring the same intensity to his line this year. But 2024 isn’t just about the guys.
This year marks the debut of the women’s category, and I couldn’t be more excited. Casey Brown is one of the standout names, and if you’ve followed her career, you know she’s been advocating for gender equality in mountain biking for a while now. Her technical skill and determination make her one of the top contenders.
Vaea Verbeeck is another rider to watch—her presence in the event is not only a sign of progression for the sport but also a chance for the world to see just how talented the women in freeride truly are.
How the Scoring Works
Now, for those new to Rampage, the scoring system can feel a bit complex. But here’s the gist: it’s not just about pulling off the biggest tricks or surviving the most massive drops. The judges are looking for a combination of technical skill, fluidity, style, and creativity.
Riders get judged on how well they flow from one section to another and how seamlessly they link their tricks. So, if someone nails a backflip off a cliff but doesn’t have the smooth transitions to back it up, their score might not reflect that wow factor.
Judges also factor in how difficult a rider’s chosen line is. The more complex and dangerous, the better. And with Rampage’s reputation for risk-taking, expect some pretty gnarly lines in 2024.
Let’s summarize the criteria based on the info from the official Red Bull website:
- Riders are judged based on four key criteria: difficulty of the line, air amplitude, control and fluidity, and tricks and style.
- Each rider will get two race runs, and they are judged on both runs.
- The run with the highest score counts toward the final ranking.
- The judging panel consists of experienced professionals who evaluate the creativity and execution of each rider’s line down the mountain.
Why Red Bull Rampage 2024 Will Blow You Away
This year is a turning point for more than one reason. Sure, the competition level will be fierce, but the inclusion of women is a massive milestone for freeride mountain biking.
The fact that the top female athletes finally get a chance to compete in an event as legendary as Rampage says a lot about how far the sport has come.
It’s not just a “token” addition, either—these women have been working just as hard as their male counterparts, and their participation is proof that women’s freeride has arrived on the global stage.
It’s more than just about adding another category. It represents a shift in mindset within the mountain biking community. We’re starting to see freeride as an inclusive sport where skill and passion are what matter—not gender.
This year will be about progression on multiple levels, and I have no doubt that the female riders will bring their own flavor to the event, making it even more exciting.
What to Expect on October 10 and 12
So, what can we expect when the world’s best freeriders descend on Virgin, Utah, in a few days? There’s going to be no shortage of jaw-dropping moments.
From insane tricks off 50-foot cliffs to riders taking on lines that make your stomach churn, 2024 is set to be an unforgettable event. Here’s what to watch for:
- Brandon Semenuk’s precision and technical prowess – If anyone can make the most difficult terrain look easy, it’s him.
- Tom Van Steenbergen’s bold, innovative tricks – Expect the unexpected.
- Casey Brown and Vaea Verbeeck’s debut – History in the making as they lead the charge in the women’s category.
- Surprises from lesser-known riders – Rampage always brings some wildcards.
The energy will be electric, and with both men and women competing on the same stage, the whole world will be watching.
Hope to See You There!
The future of freeride is bright. Red Bull Rampage has always been a breeding ground for innovation in riding style, bike technology, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a mountain bike.
With the inclusion of women this year, we’re about to see even more growth. The progression of the sport is inevitable, and Rampage will continue to be the proving ground for the world’s best riders.
So, buckle up—it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
