Thomas Genon: 2015 FMB World Champion

The Belgian rider has claimed the 2015 title at the season finale, Red Bull Rampage.

This year was arguably the most competitive FMB World Tour season yet! After countless ground breaking runs have been thrown down, Thomas Genon has triumphed and is now the 2015 FMB World Champion. The Canadian athlete, Brett Rheeder dominated the first half of the season and showed incredible sportsmanship at every of the five Diamond Series stops. Making third place on the overall podium is shooting star Nicholi Rogatkin. Please follow this link to the full ranking.


For Thomas Genon, his World Champion potential came to light back in 2012 when he won the infamous Red Bull Joyride at Crankworx Whistler. Thomas was consistently on the podium at Diamond events this year – with the exception of Red Bull Rampage where he placed an impressive 5th place. Now however, the trickster is looking forward to riding his Canyon Stitched again and making some new rad videos.


If there ever was a heavy weight competitor for Thomas, then it is Brett Rheeder. While their sportsmanship is very impressive and they share great mutual respect as riders – the competition between these two athletes was an incredible battle of inches. Brett Rheeder is always first chair, last call.


Never missing an opportunity to hit the line and dial in runs, the Canadian, riding for TREK C3 Project, won more Diamond events this year than any other athlete. He owned the first three Diamond stops but struggled to keep the consistency at the last two events. But expect more great things from Brett - every year he has been closer to the FMB World Tour title and the fire is burning stronger than ever!


Rounding off the top three athletes is Nicholi Rogatkin. The Specialized rider from Boston made ripples in his debut year in 2014 and this season he made waves as he challenged the sports’ top athletes. Nicholi has his own unique bag of tricks, which he has thrown down over the biggest jumps on the circuit. Highly focused, Rogatkin landed on three Diamond podiums this year – most notably perhaps was his run at Red Bull Joyride during Crankworx Whistler. Rogatkin finished second that day and was the only other rider apart from Brandon Semenuk to receive a score in the 90’s.


Outside the top three, the FMB Diamond Series ranking is packed with names and achievements. Logan Peat has had an incredible season and finishing in 4th this year, he is certainly a competitor for the podium in 2016. Sam Reynolds has had his best season yet – looking comfortable and confident on his bike, the British athlete has stepped up his game big time.


Now known for making it “click” – Tomas Zejda’s technical runs and consistency has landed him in 6th overall, his best season yet. The 2013 FMB World Champion, Sam Pilgrim is back in the top 10 and riding strong. After finishing 13th last year, the French rider Tomas Lemoine now sits in 8th place. A solid result but the young gun is eager for more. Finishing in 9th place, Canadian rider Paul Genovese is climbing the ranks and has earned the support of many fans this season with his style and commitment. Rounding off the top 10 is Frenchman Louis Reboul.


While we congratulate the riders for their amazing season, after the events of last weekend in Utah, everyone’s thoughts are with Paul Basagoitia in this challenging time. Paul is an icon for the sport and has played a major role in its progression. Red Bull Rampage is an event like no other and the consequences can be severe – a number of riders went down during the contest and we commend their bravery, skill and determination to compete at such a high level and give it their all despite the risks. Please take a moment to visit the donation page and support this amazing athlete’s road to recovery. An official statement from the FMBA can be found here .

The FMBA wishes all the athletes and fellow riders a safe and progressive off-season. Everyone is already looking forward to the 2016 edition of the FMB World Tour and more great mountain bike action.


Useful links:

More information about Paul Basagoitia can be found here

More information about the FMB Diamond Series can be found on the FMB World Tour website. @FMBA

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Racing and Events Thomas Genon