The early years of Red Bull Rampage put freeride mountain biking on the map. Now, 25 years later, freeride’s biggest competition is returning to the site of the inaugural event — where it all started in 2001. Known by competitors as the “OG” site, this venue hosted Rampage from 2001 to 2004 and helped establish not just the event, but the sport of big mountain freeride itself. Plenty has changed in the quarter century since the first Rampage competitors dropped in on this terrain, and it’s going to be mind-blowing to see how far the sport has progressed.
Organizers have reportedly moved the start gate ⅓ higher than those used in 2001-2004. This change means the 2026 venue will have the longest vertical drop of any Rampage venue at +206 meters (+676 feet). Combined, the men’s and women’s competition zones span approximately 364,000 square meters. On that note, this will be the first time the women’s field will compete on the iconic, original venue.
“Fans are going to recognize the terrain, but they’re going to see it through a completely different lens,” says Belgian slopestyle legend Thomas Genon. “It’s going to be amazing to have the chance to compete on the terrain where freeride started.”
Red Bull Rampage history started on this iconic venue, with Wade Simmons ultimately taking the win in 2001. That year, 14-year-old Kyle Strait competed in his first of 18 legendary appearances at the event. Strait went on to win Rampage twice, including in 2003, the first year that Cam Zink participated. Now, 23 years later, Zink is returning to the southern Utah desert to compete at the same venue that started his Rampage career.
Who, When, Where?
Want to see who’s competing this year? You can find the women’s start list here. Check out the men’s athlete roster here.
We’re only about a month away from Red Bull Rampage 2026. The women’s competition is scheduled to take place on October 8th. The men’s event follows two days later on October 10th.
Both competitions will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV and Red Bull Bike YouTube. We’re sure it’s going to be wild, so be sure to tune in. Or, if you’re interested in attending in person, tickets are available on the Red Bull Rampage website.
