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Red Bull Rampage 2008 - The Evolution
Wednesday, 03 September 2008
It's hard to believe that it was 2004 when a rider last threw down a big line (in competition) at the Red Bull Rampage. Well it is but just like the Olympics it's back again 4 years later. And after nearly half a decade searching the globe a new venue has been found which, ironically, is only 20 miles from the original venue.
The Evolution features all-new terrain with bigger man-made elements, and the possibilities are endless. Robbie Bourdon, who placed third at the 2001 event, knows that the stakes will be raised in 2008. "They're going to bring slopestyle riding and big mountain riding together," he says, "and it's going to turn into the sickest contest ever."
On a dangerous network of ridges near Zion National Park, riders will have free reign to navigate their descent between a designated starting area and a finish line more than 1,000 vertical feet below. Thursday and Friday are open practice days for the athletes, allowing them to scout their lines, size up the thirty-plus foot gaps and cliff drops, and practice their tricks. On Saturday, each of the 28 invited riders will take two runs; their best single-run scores will determine the top 14 who will advance to Sunday's final. The 14 finalists will run two more descents on Sunday, with their best score determining the overall winner. In addition, the Utah Sports Commission will also present a Red Bull Rampage Best Trick award on Sunday.
Competitors will be judged on style, amplitude, fluidity, and difficulty of line, and with a $25,000 prize purse up for grabs, playing it conservative is not a strategy option. Will past champs like Cedric Gracia (France) or Kyle Strait (USA) stand on the podium again, or will a dark horse emerge with new tricks or a gutsy line down the mountain that makes everyone re-think what is possible on a mountain bike? Regardless of who emerges on top, Red Bull Rampage: The Evolution will once again expand the frontiers of the sport.
The Evolution is taking place 2-5 October.
Rider list will be posted here very soon! Check out the teaser below.
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