Rampage Rewritten

SOME THINGS ARE BETTER FELT THAN SHOWN

Standing at the bottom of the Red Bull Rampage venue, there is a sense of scale and awe that no camera can capture. The sheer size of the cliffs, the steepness of the lines, and the intensity of the landscape hit you all at once, making the magnitude of what Rampage riders take on truly sink in.

It’s just days before Women’s Finals, and the energy is palpable—part excitement, part nerves—as the wind sweeps across the desert, reminding everyone that out here, we all answer to Mother Nature. Dig crews work tirelessly, carving lines into the rugged cliffs that define the iconic terrain of Virgin, Utah. The humming of picks echoes through the air, perfectly in tune with the fading light. As the sun dips below Gooseberry Mesa, casting a fiery glow across the desert, cheers erupt as riders piece together their lines in practice. There's an electric sense that history is about to unfold.

DIRT ALCHEMISTS

Behind every line at Rampage is a crew of dedicated diggers who transform the rugged desert into playgrounds of possibility. Armed with shovels, picks, and a vision, each team of diggers works long days under the sun, sculpting dirt and rock into rideable masterpieces. Their work is part science and part art. They study every slope, angle, and ridge, but a keen understanding of flow and rider dynamics ultimately shapes their designs.

(Left) A photo of Casey Brown working with her diggers. (Right) Casey Brown rappeling down a cliff to scope out a line.

A Black & White photo of "No Walk" written in stones.

(Left) A digger stands on the landing of a massive takeoff in Black & White. (Right) A close-up of the takeoff in full color.

Before the rest of the world sees their work in motion, diggers have already logged over a week’s worth of 12-hour shifts. And alongside them are the riders themselves—digging, scoping, imagining, and shaping their lines. It goes without saying that the diggers are the unsung heroes of Rampage. But also, they wouldn’t be here without the riders who brought them here.

IT'S TIME TO DANCE

After years in the making, women competing at Red Bull Rampage feels as natural as the joy they share with their dig teams, fellow riders, and everyone who has been part of their journey. Casey Brown first set foot at Rampage in 2008 and has been determined to compete ever since. In the years that followed, she laid the groundwork by progressing her own riding, building connections, and creating opportunities for women to push the boundaries of freeride together.

Unlike the men’s venue, packed with features from past events, the women’s course began as a blank canvas—a raw landscape offering the freedom to sketch new lines but requiring immense foresight, planning, and time management to carve a top-to-bottom run. Collaboration has been key, and it's evident that all eight women building lines on the mountain know how to work together to get it done. With Finals on Thursday, the anticipation is high, and everyone is antsy to start testing their lines on this untouched terrain.

It's a changing world, and the timing is what it is. But I am just so grateful to be where I am at this place in my career.

–Casey Brown

(Left) Casey Brown dropping in on her line. (Right) Casey Brown fists bumps her digger.

Casey Brown sends it on her practice line as the sun is setting.

(Left) Vero Sandler looking down at her line in practice. (Right) Vero Sandler riding her line in practice.

WOMEN MAKING HISTORY

When the sun rose on Thursday morning, the women of Rampage knew the day marked perhaps the biggest moment of their careers... and also a seismic shift in mountain biking. Every rider on the start ramp felt the weight of the moment, yet there was an undeniable calm—a quiet confidence from years of pushing boundaries in a sport that was finally offering space for them. They looked down their lines, knowing they’d soon showcase what they’d been building for years. This was more than a competition; it was a redefining of what’s possible, a moment the world would remember as the point freeride expanded into something bigger, bolder, and more inclusive.

Casey Brown, affectionately nicknamed the Godmother of Women’s Freeride, was the second woman to drop in. She flowed down her line with effortless precision, hitting the steep “Laundry Chute” she greased in practice. Every move seemed guided by pure instinct. Riding into the finish corral, she earned a score of 77.33, securing third place on the podium. Perhaps the day’s greatest honor, though, was her receiving the McGazza Spirit Award. This award celebrates not only a rider's performance on the mountain but also their dedication to uplifting others, supporting the community, and pushing the sport forward in a way that’s true to Kelly McGarry’s legacy. For Casey, this hit close to home.

Casey Brown posing with her Trek Session and trophies from Red Bull Rampage including the McGazza Spirit Award.

Vero Sandler dropped a few riders after Casey, ready to demonstrate the dedication her crew had shown throughout the week. Like many teams, they traveled from halfway around the world to dig and support their rider. With her devoted crew from Wales by her side, Vero exuded energy as she navigated her line, drawing inspiration from the encouraging messages they had inscribed—quite literally—with paint pens on her Santa Cruz V10. Her impressive performance earned a score of 71.0, securing a well-deserved fifth place.

It's definitely the most sentimental bike I've ever had. They've just put so much love into it.

–Vero Sandler

REDEFINING THE GAME

As the Women’s Finals celebrations ensued, it was apparent that the bar had been raised for everyone in the competition. Whether a rider was making their debut or returning for their 18th time, like Kyle Strait, each edition has consistently shattered expectations year after year.

Szymon Godziek is no stranger to Red Bull Rampage, competing for the sixth consecutive year since 2018. After securing second place in 2022, he was on a heater during his Finals run in 2023 before a dramatic crash ended in a DNF. With unfinished business, the Polish freerider is the first to push the limits at the venue, having already sent a stunning 95-foot drop on the first day of practice. It was hard to imagine how much bigger riders would be able to go in Finals on Saturday.

(Left) Kyle Strait hiking up the hill with his bike on his back. (Right) Kyle Hill in practice with a big pool of dust in his wake.

Szymon Godziek sending a Superman off a massive Drop at Red Bull Rampage.

(Left) Brandon Semenuk places rocks for a takeoff. (Right) Brandon does a trick in practice.

EVOLVING PERFECTION

Going into 2024, Brandon Semenuk is the only rider to have claimed four titles at Red Bull Rampage, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. His unparalleled ability to blend technical skill with creative line choice and precise execution has set a benchmark for future riders.

Brandon’s building has evolved as much as his riding. Working with the same crew for the past four years has allowed him to push the creativity of his lines to new heights. Success requires dedication on a united front, one that has been curated and vetted over time. For Rampage, there’s no better crew.

UNFOLDING SAGA

It wouldn’t be Finals day without the wind making its entrance right on cue. Although much of it can be explained by the temperature differences at sunrise, it often feels like an uninvited guest crashing the party. This mix of patience, instinct, and the collective breath-holding from spectators—800 vertical feet up to the start gate—intensifies the anticipation and excitement of the day.

As the first rider to drop in, Brandon was on track for a podium-worthy run. Watching his line unfold, everything falls into place perfectly, one feature, one trick after another. Towards the bottom, a backflip tailwhip doesn’t go to plan, and he scores a 61.33 after walking away from a crash. It’s time to go upload for the next run.

Nine riders later, Szymon Godziek drops in for one of the most talked-about lines of the day. Throughout the week, he laid it all on the line, executing massive flips and showcasing the fortitude to pick up where he left off last year. With a score of 91.66, Szymon takes the lead, a moment that feels poised to turn his dreams into reality.

That was my dream run. I couldn't believe everything worked out. That was my first-ever backflip on the 'Price is Right' drop. And that felt insane. I was just enjoying the flight.

–Szymon Godziek

REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS

While the odds were stacked in Szymon’s favor, if there was one person who could debunk them, it’s Brandon. Not because he needed to win but because Brandon needed to ride his line the way he envisioned.

After hours of wind delays, six riders hike back to the start gate for a second run, but only two decide to ride their second run. Brandon's dig crew stood below the start gate, arms crossed and signaling him, "No go, it’s too windy." As the countdown to drop ticks away, Brandon flashes a thumbs-up and goes for it. It feels as if the wind has been put on hold while every person watching holds their breath. It is to no one's surprise that Brandon stomps every trick in his run; while most people download after their ride, Brandon uploads to perfect any flaw that may have been detected.

After the judges deliberate for what feels like a lifetime, he is awarded a score of 92.73, becoming the only 5X Red Bull Rampage winner. With different approaches, Brandon and Szymon both know they walked the line of risk and reward. At the end of the day, there is one winner, but it’s clear that both riders have etched their names into Rampage history.

(Left) The self-named "Polish Mafia" poses for a picture with Szymon Godziek. (Right) A fan holding a "Szymon for Governor" sign.

Brandon Semenuk nails the backflip tailwhip in his second run.

(Left) Brandon Semenuk with his dig crew. (Right) Brandon adding the fifth hashtag to the top of his helmet.

It's a really special moment. I'm super happy I got the chance to take a second run. It's so important for me to get down to the bottom. I want to give a big shoutout to Evan and Justin for all of their hard work this week. We put a good show on and everyone killed it this week.

–Brandon Semenuk

THE NEXT CHAPTER AWAITS

At first glance, Red Bull Rampage shapes the desert. Since 2001, lines have been carved into the sandstone slopes of Virgin, throughout 18 different events featuring ten unique winners, each contributing to a compelling narrative etched into the earth. Historic moments have unfolded here, such as the first backflip to win in 2003 and the rise of young riders who began their Rampage journeys at just 14 and 17 years old. These “kids” have since evolved into 2X, 3X, and now 5X champions.

However, after a week spent navigating the challenges of Rampage, it becomes clear that we do not simply shape the desert; it shapes us in return, confronting our fears and fueling our ambitions. The women who made Rampage history are paving the way for young girls who watched today, offering a powerful example of what is possible. It’s an experience that transcends words, resonating deeply as we step into the future where history will continue to rewrite itself.