#!markdown
I think there are two sets of issues here, one easier to address than the
other.
First, I think everyone would agree that Red Bull and others sponsors should
be doing more to support athletes who participate in these types of events. No
rider should be doing this as part of their job, then have to raise money from
the public to cover medical costs when things go badly. That's complete BS. I
also don't see how this should be part of the FMB series. Obviously, that
increases participation and the profile of the event, but it also encourages
riders to weigh the risks/rewards in ways that isn't really fair. DH riders
don't have the same pressure to participate, and its not surprising that fewer
of them make that choice.
The second and more difficult issue is the future of an event like this.
Because riders build their own lines, and there is progression every year, the
risks are getting out of control. Unlike a slopestyle event, there is no pre-
built course to keep things within reason. Thus, the ballsier riders - or the
ones with the most to gain from riding a ridiculous line - will be motivated
to go beyond their comfort levels, and continually push the bar for what it
takes to win an event like this. Nobody has died yet, but with the way the
event is set up and normal progression inherent in the sport, it will happen
soon. The lines will just keep getting more and more ridiculous.
I have no idea how to address that last issue, as the open format of the event
is what makes it so cool. But at some point, I would imagine that established
riders will stop competing, and the event will be guys like Bender taking
increasingly stupid risks. Cam Zink - the guy who was comfortable doing a 100
foot backflip - has spoken out about how the Rampage is too much.
Unfortunately, with the given format, its just going to get worse.
Oct. 21, 2015, 5:38 p.m. - Jerryek
#!markdown I think there are two sets of issues here, one easier to address than the other. First, I think everyone would agree that Red Bull and others sponsors should be doing more to support athletes who participate in these types of events. No rider should be doing this as part of their job, then have to raise money from the public to cover medical costs when things go badly. That's complete BS. I also don't see how this should be part of the FMB series. Obviously, that increases participation and the profile of the event, but it also encourages riders to weigh the risks/rewards in ways that isn't really fair. DH riders don't have the same pressure to participate, and its not surprising that fewer of them make that choice. The second and more difficult issue is the future of an event like this. Because riders build their own lines, and there is progression every year, the risks are getting out of control. Unlike a slopestyle event, there is no pre- built course to keep things within reason. Thus, the ballsier riders - or the ones with the most to gain from riding a ridiculous line - will be motivated to go beyond their comfort levels, and continually push the bar for what it takes to win an event like this. Nobody has died yet, but with the way the event is set up and normal progression inherent in the sport, it will happen soon. The lines will just keep getting more and more ridiculous. I have no idea how to address that last issue, as the open format of the event is what makes it so cool. But at some point, I would imagine that established riders will stop competing, and the event will be guys like Bender taking increasingly stupid risks. Cam Zink - the guy who was comfortable doing a 100 foot backflip - has spoken out about how the Rampage is too much. Unfortunately, with the given format, its just going to get worse.