Crankworx Joyride

Red Bull Joyride 2012 was an event of surprises, of upheaval, and of drama. Brandon Semenuk’s winning streak was broken, Sam Pilgrim rode a bike with suspension and wore a full face helmet, and the overall podium looked much different than in years past.

It was the year that the Europeans took the contest, with Thomas Genon coming in 1st, Martin Soderstrom 2nd, and American Cam McCaul coming in 3rd. A threatening electrical storm and high winds meant were abound all over the course causing havoc and ruining many riders’ days.

At the end of the day, the Super Final didn’t change much on the course and the winner was a complete surprise. If you’ve been following the FMB World Tour, Genon’s win wasn’t out of the question, but he definitely wasn’t the crowd favourite. Stay tuned for more photos and video from Red Bull Joyride this week…

Red Bull Joyride Results 2012

1. Thomas Genon 90.20
2. Martin Soderstrom 86.80
3. Cam McCaul 82.80
4. Brett Rheeder 80.60
5. Anthony Messere 79.40
6. Casey Groves 78.60

  The drop in ramp was a big flat stepdown. 360s were common, with only one rider doing a backflip… unfortunately he didn’t finish either of his runs. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Lining up at the start gate. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Sam Pilgrim with a cranked flip one foot x-up. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Thomas Genon, eventual winner, 3 off the satellite dish. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Cam McCaul, 3rd place, whip off the cabin. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Crowds going off. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Inevitable run through from the Joyride Bandits… Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Brandon Semenuk had some bad luck today. Wrecked rear wheel on his first run and a crash up top on his second run prevented him from making the Super Final. Photos ~ Morgan Taylor

  Casey Groves with a 3 off the cabin. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Soderstrom 3 whip off the satellite dish. Landed.

  But the next trick, a 3 double whip off the cabin, didn’t go so well…

  Fan base always stoked… Photo ~ Toby Cowley

 

  Semenuk, dejected after the 2nd lap crash. Photo ~ Toby Cowley

  Jack Fogelquist had some great lines up top but some bad luck today… Photo ~ Toby Cowley

  Genon coming in stoked as fuck. Photo ~ Toby Cowley

  The crowd also went wild… Photo ~ Toby Cowley

  Brett Rheeder 3’s off the cabin after crashing higher on course. Photo ~ Toby Cowley

  Pre-podium celebrations for Genon. Photo ~ Toby Cowley

  A face full of white pow from Martin Soderstrom. Not the worst thing in the world.

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Stay tuned this week for more photos and video from Joyride. This year’s contest was perhaps a bit anti-climactic for the BC crowd. What are your thoughts?