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…