Red Bull Rampage: The Final Draw for the Overall

Sep 24, 2015
by FMB World Tour  
FMB Diamond Series

Only 20 points separate Brett Rheeder and Thomas Genon from clinching the FMB Diamond Series

Since the start of the FMB Diamond Series at Crankworx Rotorua, three athletes have been pushing themselves and one another for the top spot on event podiums. Brett Rheeder has dominated the season but Thomas Genon and Nicholi Rogatkin have kept the pressure on throughout. Athletes can snatch up to 1000pts for a victory at a Diamond contest, so with just one event left on the calendar and less than 300pts between these three FMB heroes, the margin for error at Red Bull Rampage is wafer thin. The desert will separate the Champion from the rest. Genon currently leads the standings but can he defend his top spot? You can watch the riders send their final runs of the season live, exclusively on Red Bull TV and FMBWorldTour.com on October 17th at 10:30am MDT / 6:30pm CEST.

Photo by Christian Pondella


Relative freshman, Nicholi Rogatkin is currently sitting comfortably in third place on the FMB Diamond Series. While the lawndart frontflips remain a prominent feature in his repertoire, the American rider from Boston has developed a wide range of tricks. His diversity recently helped him claim second place behind the infamous Semenuk at Red Bull Joyride during Crankworx Whistler. But Red Bull Rampage is no slopestyle comp, so can he hold his own on a big bike? Well, after a week of viral online videos from Nine Knights there can be no doubt that Rogatkin can handle a double crown too. But can he a pin a line? That will be the question on everyone lips as we head to the desert. Here are a few words from the Boston rider:

How does it feel to be 300 points from the top spot and heading to Red Bull Rampage?
This season has been a blast! Starting in New Zealand all the way up until Whistler it’s been both insane and so fun. Every event has been mind-blowing and the best time ever. Luckily, I’ve had some quality results and am stoked to be in 3rd. But honestly that’s just a bonus to the epic experiences I’ve had this year on my bike!

Tell us about Joyride – you came so close to beating a living legend (Semenuk)!
My first run was my safe run, so I definitely could have stepped it up. The flat tire in my first run put a lot of pressure on me to nail a perfect second run. However, just getting to the bottom with a run that I was stoked on and with the Whistler fans behind me, was a feeling I’ll never forget.

Nine Knights demonstrated you can throw down tricks on a big bike as well – what is in store for Rampage?
Nine Knights was one of the funniest weeks ever, and I was so pumped to be able to put down a cork 7 and the world’s first cashroll on a DH bike. Rampage last year was a life changing experience and this year the nerves will of course be there again, but I’ll know what to expect going into it. A good run at Rampage takes WAY more than a big trick or two, so I’ll be building a gnarly line and pushing my limits throughout!

www.wolisphoto.com

The Canadian, Brett Rheeder was (and likely still is) the favourite for the FMB title but his domination did not come without consequence. Understandably caving-in to the pressure at Red Bull Joyride, he not only let the Crankworx Triple Crown slip through his fingers but dropped down into second place in the FMB Diamond Series for the first time all season. Saying that, Rheeder doesn’t make the same mistake twice! Known amongst the riders and those-that-know, for his professionalism and commitment, make no mistake that he will be in top form when dropping in at Red Bull Rampage. This is what Rheeder had to say:

No doubt you have been a season favourite. How have you managed the pressure?
As fun as this sport is, the pressure makes it hard to have fun sometimes, but for me I block out as much pressure as possible and go out and ride those contests just like I would at home with my friends.

Thomas Genon moved ahead in rankings after Joyride. Knowing that he can also handle a big bike – does it make you nervous heading to Rampage?
Yes and no. I have worked up the ranks for the past couple years. Started with 4th overall, then 3rd, last year I got 2nd and now this year I'm so close to 1st. It all comes down to Rampage, but if for whatever reason I don't get that result I've been striving for, there's always next year and I'll be stoked for Genon as he's been killing it all year.

Do you feel a lot of pressure before dropping in at Rampage?
I feel like I have the least amount of pressure at Rampage as I haven't had an outstanding result that I need to keep overachieving. I got 5th last year, so we'll see if I can one up myself this year.

www.wolisphoto.com

Thomas Genon is the 2015 FMB Diamond Series leader, ahead of Brett Rheeder by just 20pts. Genon has proven he has the skill to tackle the Red Bull Rampage mountain face so the competition will be fierce. The quiet Belgian tends to sneak under the radar at events, never making a fuss, but never failing to land on the podium. At Red Bull Rampage, Genon is keen to build a fast, technical line, which will seal the deal. Here are a few words from Tommy G:

How has your season been this year?
I am very happy with my season. I had the luck to stay away from injuries and have a lot of good riding and fun all year long.

Did you expect to be going to Red Bull Rampage and leading the Diamond Series ranking?
Well, not really. I took each contest like a new chance to perform without thinking too much about the overall ranking. So it's cool to be able to fight for the overall at Rampage!

Brett Rheeder is no stranger to a big bike – do you think you can defend the lead at Rampage?
Brett is very good in everything he does. He proved last year he is one of the guys who can score high at Rampage. Last year, I was really disappointed on my line and riding there. So this time I am just gonna try to build a line which fits to my riding and send it!

Make sure to tune in live for the final battle of the FMB Diamond Series exclusively on Red Bull TV and FMBWorldTour.com on October 17th at 10:30am MDT / 6:30pm CEST. For all the behind the scenes stories and a look back at photos and videos from the last nine events, go to RedBull.com/Rampage!

We will see you the desert!
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143 articles

52 Comments
  • 170 9
 I know MTB includes big tricks but I personally hope the winner is the one who rides the craziest line with the most style & flow rather than land the biggest trick on one of the bottom pre-made kickers. Don't get me wrong, the tricks are bonkers, but this is Rampage and I think it needs to kept as an event that people from different disciplines have a chance in winning. Praying for good weather and for Reynolds to continue to blow minds.
  • 23 1
 Couldn't agree more on the winning line comment...
  • 16 3
 Reynalds and Fairclough ( if he is in it this year) for podium !!
  • 11 5
 I feel like this gets brought up every year, but when was the last time that someone won Rampage by landing the biggest trick on a pre-made kicker at the bottom? Pretty sure that has never happened.
  • 10 3
 2010
  • 12 3
 gavlaa I agree with you completely. This is an honest question, I'm curious why Rampage needs to even be a FMB stop. It seems the FMB circuit is more catered to the slope guys with nice groomed courses, where big tricks are thrown (which is awesome) on small travel bikes. It's awesome that there is crossover from contest to contest, it shows the capabilities of the guys on any kind of bike. They throw down. But I think having it as the final stop of the tour puts too much pressure on people to showcase their best trick on these pre-made kickers, jumps etc, instead of focusing on the most gnarly, technical line down such great natural terrain. It's like the top part of the line is just preparation for the climax of the run, which is the largest feature. Sure, sculpt a takeoff into a cliff drop or canyon gap, but to me, Rampage was never about the pre-built stuff that sticks out like a sore thumb in the Utah terrain, it was about the creativity and sheer guts of making it down, throwing something stylish in while doing it. That being said, I will always love Rampage, it really does showcase our sport and answers the question when people say "it's only mountain biking, how hard can it be..." I always point people to Rampage videos to answer their question.
  • 3 1
 I think one of the biggest issues making for the big jumps at the bottom is the layout of the venue and how its so steep at first then it just flattens right out at the bottom so there are no big cliffs to huck off anymore. In all honesty i liked the previous venue more. either way though, rampage kicks ass and i am definitely not complaining
  • 11 0
 I want to see a cashroll off a stepdown. No lie, haha.
  • 5 0
 I think the top half of the mountain is rad with the gnarly exposed lines and drops, but I do like how the flatter speed section at the bottom is peppered with features (wooden or not). It gives us a chance to see some of those cool slopestyle tricks scaled UP to a bigger size and environment. I agree it isn't in line with the "big mountain" style of things, but it is one of the unique contests where people can try new tricks on DH bikes.
  • 7 5
 so like, the reason andreu won last year?
  • 12 1
 I'd just be happy with them calling Brendog 'fairclough' instead of damn 'fairclaw' ????
  • 3 10
flag g-roy33 (Sep 24, 2015 at 15:41) (Below Threshold)
 thats how its pronounced is it not..
  • 6 1
 No it's not.
  • 2 1
 I really hope one of the steezebros gets a podium, I think that they really deserve it.
  • 2 1
 This is what people say every year
  • 3 0
 From the article, seems like Rampage is going to be a final showdown of slopestyle competition. So hopefully it's not a farewell to the big liners like doerfling, buehler, vanderham, sorge and the rest of big line less trick riders.
  • 4 1
 Just hoping Norbs doesn't get robbed
  • 1 0
 Oh he will
  • 6 1
 repeat after me... fair-cloff not fair-claw
  • 1 1
 This time, Norb will robbed by judges on first run, then he robbed himself on the second.
  • 8 0
 I think this showdown is going to be taww*

*Tough. (This is what you sound like when you say Fairclough wrong)
  • 1 0
 Dude his line was mad! Aggy and him built one of the craziest lines I've seen at rampage!
  • 1 1
 Don't forget the artist Vincent Van Goff, or 'when the buff breaks the cradle will fall', or to let the duff rise after you've kneaded it, or to not spend all your duff in one place, or when one has to take a furloff when the company 'downsizes', or... There are numerous pronunciations for words ending in ough. It is an honest mistake if one hasn't heard how Brendog's name is actually pronounced.
  • 1 0
 ya jesus apparently its the end of the world
  • 1 0
 i guess i should know since im digging lmao
  • 23 2
 Excited to see the slope boys go and ride some big stuff with a little bit of pressure on them to perform.

On a slightly related note, I can’t explain how happy I am to see Bizet going back to Utah. He’s had a difficult year but has shown his competence at big SS tricks and everyone knows how big he goes on a DH bike when he’s given the opportunity...
  • 24 0
 Rampage is like Christmas 2.0 I literally look forwards to it all year, counting down the days.
  • 1 0
 Agreed. I get way too keen for it. I have to agree with a few of the guys up here though^

I think it was better when it was a bit more of a' jam feel'. Or at least this big mountain comp that felt kinda like the closest that MTB comps get to how i like to ride (As in i can't ride DJ's for shit, not fast enough for DH, not crazy enough for slopestyle). It felt like a proper MTB comp.

I think it being a stop on the FMB tour definitely makes it feel less like that, more slopestyle and more about getting points from huge tricks which i love, but wish that'd stay on slopestyle courses.
Trouble is, it being part of the FMB means more money, and better coverage which means its better to watch, so its difficult to balance. If theres not big prize money, or the big overall title on the line, the Pro's are less likely to go big and risk injury.

Hardline is a bit of an example of this: Not many riders willing to risk it for little/no money and the coverage was limited to a bunch of (Very rad) vids. Likewise for the FEST stuff, rad riding, but not much coverage because theres not enough funds / prize money.
  • 18 0
 Seems like the interviewers are always trying to create rivalries between riders that don't exist. They all seem pretty stoked on each other's success.
  • 8 0
 I don't know, last year seemed to be a bitch fest of poaching and resource complaints. There may be some truth to the complaints but to think riders are looking out for each other isn't true, it is every man or team for themselves. Either way the event has changed dramatically from when I first went and I saw a bunch of riders rallying around each other having a good time.
  • 11 0
 Rampage is going to be insane this year, all the progression that we have seen this year. I can't wait to see what these guys can throw down in Utah
  • 11 1
 I just hope to see Aggy take the win or at least podium
  • 9 3
 Genon winning would be interesting, he seems more the DJ style rider to me.
  • 1 1
 Sad, but true- he is so consant rider, so calm... that he shouldn't IMO win the FMB overall. Too straight. I'd like to see Aggy on top of the rampage podium, and Brett and Nicholi taking the lower places. One of them two to win the overall, they're both big on big bikes. T.G. doesn't deserve to be overall champion, it's not a dirt jump comp.
  • 4 0
 Oh no, after rampage what do we do. We need one more huge event to get us threw the year.
  • 8 3
 Brendog has gotten robbed heavily the past two years
  • 2 0
 I'm not the only one who completely forgot about the fmb diamond series, right?
  • 2 0
 While the FMB guys fighting over the overall title, the Fest guys came out and take the trophy
  • 3 1
 RAMPAGE IS INSANE. GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND F THE SECURITY ASSHOLES IN ADVANCE
  • 3 3
 If you win Rampage you win it all!! It overshadows the whole FMB series (in terms of bragging rights).. Smile
  • 1 0
 flow and crazy line should win!
  • 1 0
 Virgin Utah for the win, haha
  • 12 13
 Too bad FMB but that didn't hyped me at all, I'm pretty sure a FEST rider is taking Rampage again.
  • 14 2
 what is this competition between "FEST" and "FMB"?

(??????)
  • 29 2
 I didn't think there was much of a difference between fest and fmb riders nowadays, other than self-professed fmb haters like lacondeguy. There is a huge amount of crossover anyways, with many riders participating in both. I'm already tired of the fmb vs. fest discussion, and so will try to enjoy rampage for what it is, instead of pitting two "groups" together.
  • 15 3
 Exactly. We’re all sick of this childish group 1 vs group 2 chat, and no matter how big the FEST men can go on a bike, people like CP Gang certainly don't help things with their ‘look at how rebellious and steezy we are’ attitudes.

It’s just mountain biking.
  • 7 8
 Theres none. I was just pointing out that for me their try at hyping the FMB riders failed because I'm pretty sure a FEST rider is going to win
  • 20 2
 It's like most of the 'arguments' in MTB at the moment- it's not FEST Vs FMB, 29 Vs 26, Enduro Vs DH... it's just people online who have too much time on their hands - the people that matter are the ones out riding- where's my bike.
  • 39 1
 I hate fest, i ride a 29er + e bike made by Ellsworth and i only ride up the dh trails because I want to see the world burn
  • 3 0
 you can prop-down me for saying this, but i'm not hating, just throwing out some thoughts: point grabbing technical tricks can seem sort of boring on the wicked natural terrain that rampage offers. would rather see a full run from top to bottom of balls out style like lacondeguy did last year. "FMB" i thought was "free-ride mountainbike" not just dirt jump tricks for points on a mountain. i agree it shouldn't be a fest vs fmb thing, but maybe it is who ever throws down natural gnarl, that stands out "above and beyond" the rest, that should take away top honors..
  • 4 4
 Zink for the win! he is for sure the gnarliest dude at rampage
  • 2 2
 Aggys win !







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