Brandon Semenuk Wins Red Bull Rampage
October 6, 2008 – 11:30 pm PT by GregTags: Brandon Semenuk, Red Bull Rampage —
Winners podium cr. Ian Hylands
Despite the best efforts of Mother Nature, the most intense contest in mountain biking was able to come to a close Monday with teenager Brandon Semenuk taking the win.
The 17-year-old, who qualified second for the finals, edged Kurt Sorge and Thomas Vanderham for the win.
Gee Atherton, who finished second in the 2004 Rampage contest and who qualified third for the finals, crashed before getting able to compete and was knocked out. His brother, Dan Atherton, skipped the finals as a result giving Mike Kinrade, the first qualifier to miss the cut, a shot. Kinrade made the most of it, finishing fourth.
The goal of Rampage is simple — to get from top to bottom, with style, amplitude, difficulty of line and fluidity all being considered in the final score.
This was the fifth edition of Rampage, with the first four taking place from 2001-2004.
For more about the contest, check out the official site RedBullRampage.com.
James Doerfling cr. Christian Pondella
Here are the full results.
1. Brandon Semenuk - $10,000
2. Kurt Sorge - $3,500
3. Thomas Vanderham - $2,000
4. Mike Kinrade - $1,300
5. Cameron Zink - $700
6. Mike Hopkins - $500
7. Cedric Gracia - $400
8. Graham Agassiz - $400
9. Kyle Strait - $300
10. Darren Berrecloth - $300
11. Robbie Bourdon - $300
12. Paul Basagoitia - $300
13. Cam McCaul
14. Michal Marosi
15. Gee Atherton DNS (did not start)
Best Trick ($5,000, presented by the Utah Sports Commission): Thomas Vanderham, no-hander over the 59-foot canyon gap.