Red Bull Rampage 2015: Qualifying Round Photo Epic
Aggy going huge right from the top of his run with this hefty and exposed drop (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
Nearly a week of anticipation (and loads of effort building and refining lines) paid off in a big way Thursday, as the competitors put raw skill and conviction on display in the 2015 Red Bull Rampage qualifier. Eleven riders earned their way to Friday’s big show, where they’ll join 13 pre-qualified riders for a final stacked with the world’s premier freeriding talent.
Tyler McCaul stomped his run from top to bottom and wound up in third after his first run. Unfortunately he broke his leg later in the day and is out of the competition (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
The top three in qualifying were Graham Agassiz, Antoine Bizet and Tyler McCaul. But it was obvious from the start of qualifying that the level of riding at this year’s Rampage has been raised throughout the field. Every rider was incorporating big tricks into their runs. It also helped that weather — and wind — cooperated throughout the day.
Biggest drop of the day went to Niko Vink, but he blew up on the landing and limped down on one foot. There was more carnage in the evening practice round when McCaul and Jeff Herbertson both went down hard, each suffering broken legs. Here’s a look at the final standings from qualifying, plus another epic photo gallery from Eddie Clark.
Darren Berrecloth soared into 5th in qualifying on his first run with big lines and solid style that he’s known for (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
2015 Red Bull Rampage Qualifier Results
1. Graham Agassiz
2. Antoine Bizet
3. Tyler McCaul
4. Logan Binggeli
5. Darren Berrecloth
6. Pierre-Edouard Ferry
7. Thomas Genon
8. Rémy Métailler
9. Ryan Howard
10. Sam Reynolds
11. Bas van Steenbergen
12. Conor MacFarlane
13. Brendan Howey
14. Kyle Jameson
15. Bernard Kerr
16. Louis Reboul
17. Nic Pescetto
18. James Doerfling
19. Reece Wallace
20. Anthony Messere
21. Wil White
22. Nicholi Rogatkin
23. Tomas Zejda
Graham Aggasiz’s 2016 Kona Operator with Stan’s ZTR Rapid 30 26″ inch wheels and SRAM Code brakes and 7spd XO drivetrain built with Chromag BZA Carbon 35mm bars and saddle (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
Aggy’s suspension duties are handled with a RockShox Vivid RC with a 500-pound steel spring, and a Boxxer World Cup up front that has 110psi to handle the big hits (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
Blues skies and calm winds greeted racers at the pre-qualifying meeting in the base area (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
Third rider to drop in. Look out below (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
While Jeff Herbertson had pre-qualified for the finals, he would end his Rampage with a trip to the hospital after sustaining a tib fib fracture in practice (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
Bas Van Steenberg throwing plenty of style to make it into the finals (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
Smooth riding, giant drops, and huge amplitude gave Aggy the top square on his first run to be the top qualifier on the day (click to enlarge). Photo by Eddie Clark/EddieClarkMedia.com
Continue to page 2 for more Red Bull Rampage Qualifying Round photos »
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