Oct. 22, 2015, 9:54 a.m. -  Alex Shiskin

#!markdown There was a time when these contests didn't exist. The riders were super excited to have an event where people could see what they were doing in the mountains. Redbull stepped up and really contributed to making a successful event. The sport is hyper competitive, and if a rider chooses not to ride because they don't feel safe, or the prize money isn't enough…well there is a line of guys waiting begging and pleading to their place. As long as the supply of riders is greater then the demand for change, don't expect sweeping changes. That is the reality of the industry. If the pro riders weren't getting paid, do you think the bikes would get dusty in their garage. I don't, I think they would still be out riding, and they'd just have to find other ways to finance it. The fact that redbull is presenting and environment to get paid for going big so that you can ride full time, and can make a name for yourself to get sponsors and endorsements, is amazing. Rampage is a high risk, high reward, contest. If you win rampage people in the industry will take notice. If the top riders no longer think the risk is worth the reward, because they already have a name, endorsements, etc….well they can always step back from the table and let some hungry new kid roll the dice. That new kid is probably doing stunts like this in the woods behind his house with no medics on scene, and nobody watching right now. I don't blame redbull for wanting to make money, that is what businesses do. I don't blame riders for being wary of huge risks, but I am also very aware that if they are not willing to roll the dice, someone else will…welcome to the industry. To those who have never had the butterflies in their stomach before a first time or a first line…thank you for watching, but the contracts around these contests is an issue best left between the athletes and the organizers.