Katie Holden, a freeride legend and fierce advocate for women in mountain biking, shared the thrilling news in a tearful Instagram story, writing, “WE DID IT YOU ALL. The women are in Red Bull Rampage.” Her enthusiasm indeed captures the significance of this long-awaited moment, not only for the athletes involved but also for every woman who has pushed for equal opportunities in extreme sports.
Let’s dive into what makes this year’s Rampage historic and look at the women riders who are set to make freeride history.
What makes Red Bull Rampage special?
The Red Bull Rampage has earned its reputation as the “Super Bowl of Mountain Biking,” and for good reason. Held annually in the rugged desert landscape outside Virgin, Utah, this event has become a proving ground for the best freeriders in the world. Riders sculpt their own lines down steep, exposed cliffs, using only shovels and picks to carve out pathways, jumps, and drops that push the limits of what’s humanly possible on a bike.
Riders and their dig teams arrive days or even weeks before the event to design and build their lines. The venue, situated in the dramatic red rock cliffs near Zion National Park, is a constantly evolving canvas, challenging competitors to adapt and innovate each year.
Why women’s participation in Rampage matters
The inclusion of women in Red Bull Rampage marks a critical step forward for both mountain biking and gender equity in sports. For years, the absence of a women’s category in Freeride’s premier event has limited female athletes’ opportunities to develop their careers. Without access to high-level competitions, women riders have faced obstacles in gaining media attention, securing sponsorships, and earning the same opportunities as their male counterparts. The talent and potential have always been there, but without platforms like Rampage, the growth of women’s freeride has been stifled.
We’ve been making the case for years, as it’s clear that when female riders are given the same opportunities as men to showcase their skills — it not only levels the playing field in terms of competition but also opens up new possibilities for media exposure, sponsorship deals, and fan engagement. Moreover, it strengthens the women’s talent pool, offering more resources for training, development, and creating pathways for the next generation of riders.
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2024 Women’s riders: Who to watch
With the women’s competition set to debut, let’s take a closer look at the trailblazing riders who will make history on October 10th.
Camila Nogueira (Argentina)
Camila Nogueira has made her mark on freeride with her fearless approach to some of the world’s biggest lines. From the urban downhill races to Red Bull Hardline, she’s no stranger to technical, high-stakes riding. Representing Propain, a brand known for its freeride focus, Nogueira is expected to send it with massive drops and stunning aerials. Keep an eye on her for some heart-stopping moments.
Casey Brown (Canada)
As one of the original pioneers of women’s freeride, Casey Brown has been a force in the scene for years. Known for her ability to combine tricks with massive air, Brown’s experience and calm under pressure could give her the edge. Coming off the Swatch Nines event just a month before Rampage, she’ll likely be in top form, ready to claim her place in Rampage history.
Hannah Bergemann (USA)
Hannah Bergemann has been a standout on the freeride circuit, known for her ability to tackle huge drops and high-exposure lines. She’s been working hard on her flips, and fans are eager to see whether she’ll incorporate them into her run. Bergemann, riding for Transition, will bring her signature style and precision to the Rampage course.
Jess Blewitt (New Zealand)
While Jess Blewitt has focused more on downhill racing, the allure of being part of the first women’s Rampage was too great to pass up. After a successful World Series season, she’ll be looking to translate her racing chops into a fast, technical descent that could surprise fans and judges alike.
Robin Goomes (New Zealand)
Robin Goomes is one of the most versatile and stylish riders in the women’s field. Known for her trick-heavy approach, Goomes is likely to wow the crowd with flips, spins, and possibly some of the biggest tricks we’ll see from the women’s side. Her challenge will be to build enough features in her line to show off her full trick repertoire.
Vaea Verbeeck (Canada)
Vaea Verbeeck, riding for Rocky Mountain, brings a dynamic mix of speed and style to the competition. Known for her Superman trick, Verbeeck is comfortable with big gaps and technical terrain. Fans will be hoping to see her signature moves as she takes on the rugged Virgin terrain.
Vero Sandler (UK)
Vero Sandler is renowned for her creative line choices and stylish tricks. After recovering from an injury, she’s back and ready to take on the long, technical descents of Rampage. Her backyard jamming has kept her skills sharp, but the steep, loose Rampage terrain will be an entirely new challenge.
Vinny Armstrong (New Zealand)
Vinny Armstrong is another versatile rider with a bag full of tricks. While she’s more accustomed to groomed trails, Rampage’s unpredictable and loose surfaces will test her adaptability. Expect to see some stylish moves as she takes on her first Rampage appearance.
What’s next for women in freeride?
The future is bright for women in this space, and the inaugural Rampage women’s competition will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of riders to push their limits. As more women gain the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, we’ll continue to see the sport evolve and grow, with freeride becoming even more dynamic and inclusive.
Red Bull says that “the eight competitors in the inaugural women’s competition were selected by a committee of former Red Bull Rampage competitors, pro athletes, judges, and industry experts based on a combination of recent competition results, video submissions, and overall ability.”
2024 Red Bull Rampage Invited Athletes
- Camila Nogueira (ARG)
- Casey Brown (CAN)
- Hannah Bergemann (USA)
- Jess Blewitt (NZL)
- Robin Goomes (NZL)
- Vaea Verbeeck (CAN)
- Vero Sandler (UK)
- Vinny Armstrong (NZL)
2024 Red Bull Rampage Alternates
- Harriet Burbidge-Smith (AUS)
- Chelsea Kimball (USA)
- Georgia Astle (CAN)
- Micayla Gatto (CAN)
Don’t miss it!
The first-ever women’s Red Bull Rampage competition airs October 10th at 7 p.m. MST on ESPN+, Red Bull TV, and Red Bull Bike’s YouTube channel. You can catch the men’s competition on October 12th at 10 a.m. MST, with highlights airing on ESPN2 on October 27th. Tune in to witness history being made, as the world’s top female freeriders take on the cliffs of Virgin, Utah, and carve their names into Rampage’s legendary history books.
