Rampage
This is my fifth Rampage but it feels brand new. There’s a new crop of riders, a new course built by Paddy Kaye and his crew, and there will not be a back to back winner. Brandon Semenuk is not on the rider list because of an injury sustained at Crankworx.
Cedric Gracia being watched by the judges two years ago. Photo ~ David Ferguson
There is the slim possibility of a repeat winner with Cedric Gracia and Kyle Strait in the mix – but odds are we’ll see a sixth Rampage champion. Previous winners are Wade Simmons (2001), Tyler Klassen (2002), Cedric Gracia (2003), Kyle Strait (2004) and Brandon Semenuk (2008).
PRE-QUALIFIED TO FINALS – OCTOBER 3RD
Cameron Zink USA
Cedric Gracia FRA
Darren Berrecloth CAN
Gee Atherton UK
Graham Agassiz CAN
Kurt Sorge CAN
Kyle Strait USA
Michal Marosi CZE
Mike Hopkins CAN
Mike Kinrade CAN
Robbie Bourdon CAN
Thomas Vanderham CAN
Gee Atherton ready to take a practice run on his just finished finals line in 2008. Photo ~ David Ferguson.
INVITED RIDERS – OCTOBER 1ST QUALIFIER:
Andreu Lacondeguy ESP
Andrew Taylor USA
Antoine Dubourgnon FRA
Alex Prochazka USA
Amir Kabbani GER
Casey Groves CAN
Chris Van Dine USA
Curtis Robinson CAN
Evan Schwartz CAN
Garett Buehler CAN
Geoff Gulevich CAN
Greg Watts USA
James Doerfling CAN
Jamie Goldman USA
Kelly McGarry NZ
Kenny Smith CAN
Kyle Norbraten CAN
Logan Bignelli USA
Mike Montgomery USA
Martin Soderstrom SWE
Ryan Berrecloth CAN
Steve Romaniuk CAN
Tyler McCaul USA
Yannick Granieri FRA
Wil White USA
Kurt Sorge whipping the 59er on his first run. Are you kidding me? Photo ~ David Ferguson.
Word is that we’ll be hosting the finals live right here on Friday. We’ll be back to you shortly with the details on that. Until then let us know who you fancy to take the title. Gee Atherton has to be a front runner but after that it’s all wild cards from where I sit. Berrecloth rides well here as does Bourdon but do either of them have what it takes to win it all? What about a new schooler like Mike Montgomery or a dirt jumper specializing in going big like Andreu? Cam Zink has obviously had a big year and there is a long line of up and comers looking to prove themselves.
For sure it’s going to get spicy. Put your money where your fingers are here…
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