Cam Zink Reclaims the Throne: A Tale of Triumph at Red Bull Rampage 2023
Nestled in the rugged outcrops of Virgin, Utah, the 17th edition of the Red Bull Rampage became a theatre of dusty dreams and gravity-defying bravado. The October skies bore witness to a symphony of freeride mountain biking that pushed the limits of possibility, etching new legends into the mesas and minds of enthusiasts worldwide. Amid the cheers and adrenaline, one name echoed with triumphant resurgence: Cam Zink.
After a 13-year hiatus from the top spot, Zink soared back into the limelight, securing his second victory at the event with a score that pierced the competition like a desert eagle – a near-perfect 95 points. His mastery was on full display as he executed a colossal backflip off the reimagined Oakley Sender, a move that captivated both judges and spectators alike.
The competition kicked off with the scent of anticipation as 17 riders, a mix of veterans and fresh faces, carved their lines into the Utah hills over 10 intense days of preparation. The stage was set, and as the riders dropped from the hallowed start gate, each one carried the potential to redefine the sport.
It was a day when the old guard stood tall and the new blood rose to the challenge. Tom Van Steenbergen, armed with a daring Caveman Air to start his run, claimed the second step on the podium with 89 points. His arsenal of high-flying tricks kept the crowd on their feet and the judges nodding in approval. Carson Storch, with a score of 87 points, rounded off the podium in third place. His run was punctuated by massive drops and spins, a testament to his skill and nerve.
But the Red Bull Rampage is more than just a contest of placing first; it’s a celebration of spirit and style. Bienvenido Aguado Alba left jaws hanging with a frontflip over the 72-foot canyon gap, a feat that not only earned him the Best Trick award but also the hearts of the fans, culminating in the Kelly McGarry Spirit and People’s Choice awards. Some even argued that Bienvenido’s front flip should have landed him a podium spot. Meanwhile, Emil Johansson wove style and technicality and he walked away with the Best Style award.
Amidst these moments of triumph, the event’s relentless challenge did not shy away from reminding the riders of its ferocity. Kyle Strait, a warrior in his own right, won the Toughness Award. He faced down the very feature that had broken his back the previous year, conquering it with a redemption run that exemplified the unyielding spirit of Rampage.
The event’s tapestry was rich with narratives, each run a story, and the dusty canvas of Utah’s badlands the page. The riders were the pens, and they wrote with vigor, courage, and an unbreakable will to leave their mark.
As the sun set on the 2023 edition of the Red Bull Rampage, Cam Zink’s victory run replayed on screens and in minds, a reminder that legends may rest, but they never fade. The freeride mountain biking community now looks back on a day of historic feats and forward to the future adventures these riders have inspired.
For those who missed the live spectacle, the full event is available on-demand, ensuring that the echoes of this year’s Red Bull Rampage will reverberate long after the desert silence has returned. Stay tuned for a full recap and re-live the runs that crowned Zink, Van Steenbergen, and Storch as the kings of the Utah mesas at Red Bull Rampage 2023.
Click here to watch the top three runs
