2022 marked the sixteenth running of the most progressive freeride MTB event, Red Bull Rampage. Countless historic moments and TLD synergy with the event continued this year in a new way with TLD x Red Bull Rampage event merch being offered up for the first time, allowing fans to bring home a piece of history. A total of five Troy Lee Designs athletes were invited to the exclusive event this year and when the dust settled Brandon Semenuk stood on the podium and Jaxson Riddle, Tom VanSteenbergen and Cam Zink walked away with awards. Click here to watch the full replay.
Ain't no rest for the wicked. Winning the ARA rally car overall series championship on Saturday in Michigan, just six days prior to the Red Bull Rampage final, Brandon Semenuk flew into Utah a couple days prior to Red Bull Rampage and went on to secure a third place podium finish and win Best Trick honors. After making history in 2021 by becoming the first athlete to bring a single-crown fork to the event, Semenuk brought it back this year to add tailwhips to his stomped run. Brandon's flawless run that was scored a 84 began with an Acid Drop from the start gate into the steep middle shoot that was awarded Best Trick of 2022.
For the 20 year old youngster Jaxson Riddle, this year marked his second Rampage appearance. The Utah local who resides just 30 minutes away from the sacred Rampage site had the home crowd support behind him. His signature freestyle moto inspired riding style was matched this year with a custom Sprint Ultra retro kit that was pulled from the achieves and reimagined for a special one-off jersey and pant combo for the events. The crowd favorite, Jaxson stole the show with his natural acrobats and was awarded Best Style for the second consecutive year.
Tom VanSteenbergen rightfully claimed this year’s McGazza Spirit Award. Given to the rider who displays Kelly McGazza's positivity, sportsmanship and perseverance, Tom embodied the definition and earned the honor for showing up and competing at such a high level after suffering a major injury at last year’s Red Bull Rampage.
Tough as nails. The legendary Cam Zink was awarded the Toughness Award after battling back from a crash the day prior to the competition, going big in the final and keeping his run clean. Kids in hand, the family man, Cam Zink accepted the award on for the second year in a row.
Last but not least, our well wishes go out to Kyle Strait and his family. The ironman, who has competed in every Rampage, Kyle suffered a crash the day before the final that would sideline him from this year's competition.