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Red Bull Rampage winner: Cam Zink is the 2023 champion
Veterans and rising talents dropped into this year’s Red Bull Rampage, riding massive features and sending huge tricks.
Red Bull Rampage returned for its 17th edition, adding another chapter to the freeride mountain biking history book. The event featured no shortage of mind-bending tricks and harrowing terrain. The coveted prize was ultimately claimed by Cam Zink with 95 points, wowing the judges with a massive backflip on the reimagined Oakley Sender.
“I’m glad I reached for the stars and got the win," Zink said. "The original Oakley Sender was 10 years ago, and my last win was 13 years ago… and it was still the biggest step-down flip I’ve ever done, and here we are again."
Winner Cam Zink hits a jump at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah
© Paris Gore / Red Bull Content Pool
After 10 grueling days of digging their lines, 17 riders dropped in from the hallowed start gate, ready to leave their mark at the most prestigious competition in freeride. The venue was familiar, previously host to the 2008-2013 and 2022 Rampages, as well as some of freeride’s most iconic moments.
Second place Tom Van Steenbergen hits a jump at Red Bull Rampage 2023
© Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool
This year’s event continued to progress the sport and was full of everything we’ve come to love about Rampage: daring tricks, surprises, and unforgettable top to bottom runs. Cam Zink’s line stood out for its big mountain technicality and gigantic tricks. After crashing on his first run, Zink bottled his determination to put down an awe-inspiring run, notably throwing one of the biggest step-down backflips of his life. Second place went to Tom Van Steenbergen for a committing caveman air into the start of the venue and multiple big tricks, which scored 89 points. Finally, taking home third place and the last podium spot was Carson Storch, who trailed closely behind Steenbergen with a score of 87.
Third place Carson Storch during Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah
© Paris Gore / Red Bull Content Pool
The drama and excitement extended beyond the podium as the day was filled with big moments from all the riders. Bienvenido Aguado Alba stunned with a gigantic front flip over the 72-foot canyon cap, rightfully earning him not just the Best Trick award but The Kelly McGarry Spirit Award and People’s Choice awards. Emil Johansson claimed the Best Style award for a run that artfully blended slopestyle-inspired moves on daunting freeride terrain. Kyle Strait was the obvious choice for the Toughness Award, having redeemed himself on the feature that broke his back last year, and ultimately putting down a solid Rampage run.
Bienvenido Aguado Alba at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah
© Christian Pondella / Red Bull Content Pool
Stay tuned for the full event recap, which unpacks highlights and all the action that unfolded in Utah.
Red Bull Rampage
Top big-mountain freeriders tackle the toughest terrain, showcasing the biggest tricks, lines and sends.
