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Redefining the 360 at Red Bull Rampage 2010
The one where Cam Zink lands the 360 and Gee Atherton reminded us why World Cup DH racers rule.
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The 10th edition of Red Bull Rampage will dig deep into the Utah dirt on October 17, and one thing is sure: Rampage's riders will be spinning 360s. But back in 2010, rotating a big downhill bike off a vertical drop was unheard of.
Sure, Cam Zink had tried 360s at Rampage 2004, but to no success. But counting Cam Zink out is a foolish move and in 2010, Zink would redefine not only the 360 but mountain biking itself.
The 2010 Rampage event was the second year man-made stunts were added to the formerly raw terrain. With the riders' approval from a successful 2008 Rampage, things got even bigger when the event returned in 2010 — a lot bigger. Case in point: the massive Oakley Icon Sender. Some riders dug their heels in, saying Rampage should be kept natural. Others didn't care. And some, like Zink, took full advantage — watch the 2010 highlight video below.
Launching off the Oakley Icon Sender, Zink spun a simply humongous 360 that earned him first place and best trick. To this day, most Rampage riders still consider it a turning point in the event and in the sport. "It’s an honor to hear [people respect it]," said Cam Zink. "Obviously, it’s my most memorable moment. I’ll remember that feeling for the rest of my life."
Breathtaking
© Christian Pondella/Red Bull
Top UCI downhill racer Gee Atherton all but dethroned Zink with a blistering speed run down the 1,500-foot descent —watch Atherton's 2010 run here — by racing the Utah desert like it was a World Cup track rather than a raw chunk of mountain. Atherton capped his run off with a little freeride flair by sending a giant gap transfer to a wallride landing at the bottom. Atherton earned second place for his second time at Rampage, reminding everyone that racers are still the most technically talented riders.
Darren Berrecloth took third place as he put on a clinic in what it means to be a freerider, with a steep, gnarly top section, followed by some high-speed technicality and then a big 360 stepdown at the bottom. While "Claw" encompassed the spectrum of freeride in one run he had a couple minor hiccups in his run that may have cost him a higher spot on the podium.
Also of note in 2010: Half the riders in the finals were Canadian. But, of course, this is not a surprising fact given the Great White North's reputation as a freeride rider factory.
What will Rampage 2015 bring to your television/computer monitor? To find out, watch Rampage finals LIVE on Red Bull TV on October 17.
Can’t wait to get your gut-wrenching, nail-biting freeride fix? Head over to the Red Bull Rampage event page to see highlights of the first nine competitions, as well as more exclusive videos, photos and stories.
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