After taking a two year leave of absence, Red Bull Rampage returned to the Utah desert for the most spectacular show in freeride MTB that showcases each team's digging creativeness and each athlete's individual style, toughness and skill. When the dust settled, Brandon Semenuk stood at the top of the podium as the winner of Red Bull Rampage 2021 and four out of the five awards handed out were in TLD athlete's hands. The historic win marks Semenuk's second title in a row (first ever back-to-back champion) and the fourth of his career overall which puts him alone at the top with the most Rampage wins by a single athlete.
It was a Troy Lee Designs dominated event with a record six of the fifteen athletes invited representing TLD including Brandon Semenuk, Cam Zink, Jaxson Riddle, Tom VanSteenbergen, Kyle Strait and Brendan Fairclough who was unable to compete due to injury. In the end, TLD bike crew brought home the win and four out of the five trophies awarded.
In typical TLD fashion, to match the event's energy and rider's skills we worked closely with each athlete to curate custom painted D4 Helmets in the TLD Paint Shop. To add to their custom painted helmet, many of the gear styles seen were previews of select 2022 gravity and trail designs.
Brandon Semenuk on the podium with his winning trophy & custom painted D4 Helmet in hand
Cam Zink - Toughness Award
The 2021 Red Bull Rampage Toughness Award belongs to none other than Cam Zink. After fighting back from injury due to a crash on Thursday, in which Cam sustained a bruised lung, Zink returned Friday to ride in the finals and get redemption on the massive step down backflip drop. Cam went on to stomp his run and earn fourth overall as well, landing him just shy of a podium finish.
Cam Zink is officially the Toughest
Zink's back flip redemption in his final run
Jaxson Riddle - Best Style & Digger Award
The rookie and one of the shining stars of the competition, Jaxson Riddle put on a show for his home crowd and left with the Best Style and Digger Awards. The Utah native resides just 20 minutes away from this year's Red Bull Rampage site and his local knowledge showed up in his comfort on the bike and creative digging. Riding in his signature 90's freestyle motocross style, Jaxson set himself apart and showed everyone what it looks like when a 19 year old is having fun on their bike. Giving all the honor to his digging crew Jaxson said, "these boyz busted their asses to make sure not only my line was dialed but the other dudes as well."
Jaxson Riddle, the people's champ
Jaxson has style for daysss....
Tom VanSteenbergen - Best Trick Award
Going in to Red Bull Rampage 2021 there was no doubt that TVS was a top contender for this year's title and his smooth riding all week leading up to the event proved it. Tom however had some tricks in the bag that were reserved for the finals including his massive front flip on one of the largest features that being regarded as the biggest front flip flat off of a drop ever recorded. Landing this one earned Tom Best Trick honors.
Tom VanSteenbergen's award winning front flip
Unfortunately later in Tom's run he sustained a competition ending injury. We're sending positive vibes to Tom after a big crash. To stay up to date, click here to follow TVS on social media.