History was made as the World’s Best Freeride Athletes Conquered the Mountain and raised the bar of Progression for Women’s Mountain Biking
Virgin, Utah (October 10, 2024) – History was made at Red Bull Rampage, the premier big-mountain freeride event, as seven of the world’s top women’s riders dropped into the Red Bull Rampage course in Virgin, Utah for the first time and pushed the level of progression to new heights. In the end, Robin Goomes from Rotorua, New Zealand came out on top with the biggest and baddest line of the day.
The women’s debut featured no shortage of mind-bending tricks and harrowing terrain. The coveted prize was ultimately claimed by Robin Goomes with 85 points, wowing the judges with two big backflips. The flips also earned her the Utah Sports Commission Best Trick Award. In addition to her tricks, Goomes stomped her 41-foot drop, and cleanly weaved down her top technical chute. Her line was a nod to the old school Red Bull Rampage runs, gnarly and technical, which she felt embodied the spirit of freeride.
“It hasn’t yet sunk in,” Goomes says reflecting on the win. “It’s been such a process, so I’m trying to take it all in and enjoy it. I’m so stoked for my crew, they’ve gone so hard. If anything I’ve done it for them, the sport, and all the other riders.” Winning the Best Trick Award was a surprise bonus for the Kiwi, and she was equally excited that all her competitors put on a show.
Claiming 2nd place was Canadian Georgia Astle, who was originally an alternate, not expecting to compete this year. In September Astle got the call that she’d made the start list, and she rose to the occasion. The former racer rode with confidence, demonstrating her precision by stomping her 41-foot marquee drop, and flowing through one technical section after another. Her run earned her a score of 79 points.
Rounding out the podium is the godmother of freeride, Casey Brown, with a score of 77.33. Brown was the first woman to complete a top-to-bottom run in practice, carrying that momentum in her final run. Her standout feature was the “Laundry Chute”, a highly exposed rock roll drop that Brown considered one of the gnarliest things she’s ever ridden. Brown also won the McGazza Spirit Award for her tenacity and contributions to the women’s freeride movement.
Beyond the top three riders, plenty of moments wowed the crowd. Vaea Verbeeck won the brand new Samsung Galaxy Trailblazer Award for her progressive and inventive line. Argentina’s Cami Nogueria won the BFGoodrich Tires Toughness Award for attempting her burly 51-foot drop in practice. Despite not being able to compete in finals, Nogueria remains determined to be back next year and make her mark at the event. Lastly, the DECKED Digger Award went to the team of New Zealander Vinny Armstrong.
“I love my team, and everything they built was insane. [The run] looked aesthetically pleasing, they brought the vibes, I couldn’t have asked for a better crew,” Armstrong says. She was especially thrilled to share the experience with her brother, who was part of her dig team. “He would do anything for me,” she says.
Final Results
Robin Goomes NZL 85.00
Georgia Astle CAN 79.00
Casey Brown CAN 77.33
Vaea Verbeeck CAN 72.66
Vero Sandler NZL 71.00
Vinny Armstrong NZL 65.00
Chelsea Kimball USA 62.37
ABOUT RED BULL RAMPAGE
Red Bull Rampage has become the truest test of skill and mental toughness on a mountain bike. Touted as one of the most challenging events in the world, featuring the world’s best athletes and set in one of the most demanding locations on the planet, the event has become the most coveted title in freeride mountain biking. For more information on Red Bull Rampage, go here.
AVAILABLE CONTENT
(free content for editorial use – no restrictions)
– News Cut WOMEN´s COMPETITION (16:9) with shotlist & transcript–> via RED BULL CONTENT POOL
Alert: MEN´s COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 12, 2024
Contact: Fabian Ress
fabian.ress@3mpg.ch / +49 173 248 8404
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Images free of charge for editorial use.
Credit: Red Bull Content Pool