Let’s be honest, most of us will never come anywhere near the run Cam Zink just pulled this past weekend at RedBull Rampage, but that doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from it. Not only do we get the pleasure of watching riders like Cam pull insane tricks, but technology developed to protect riders of his caliber can eventually trickle down into every day products for you and me. Technology like that found in Cam’s prototype Troy Lee Designs D3 helmet which featured an extra layer of EPS foam that was applied to the outside of the helmet. Zink has a history of going big off the Oakley Icon sender, so Troy wanted to try out an idea he has been working on for a while.
The idea is that strategically located layers of EPS were added to common impact areas on the outside of the helmet to help absorb extra energy before it reaches the rider’s head. We are very glad Zink didn’t have a chance to test it out (we were on the edge of our seats watching the live feed), but in testing TLD says it reduces the amount of impact energy dramatically. Don’t expect to see this for sale any time soon, but it is something that TLD is working on for the guys who go big!
Want to see the backflip that earned Zink Best Trick? See it and a sneak peek of the new 2014 Sprint Race Wear after the break!
The green and yellow kit will be available for 2014 and includes the all new race pant specifically designed for MTB, BMX, and Freeride. Coming in a half pound lighter than their previous pant, the new design will be available this February. Note the additional EPS foam on the sides and top of the helmet.
Just after Kyle Strait aired off the Oakley Icon Sender with another suicide no hander for the win, Cam put down this run that basically ended with the biggest backflip on his Hyper DH bike anyone seems to have seen, ever. We’re assuming that if Zink had finished the run without getting off track he probably would have won, but who can blame him? Even still, Zink managed to roll out with 3rd place, and best trick.
That wasn’t the only massive backflip at Rampage either. Check back tomorrow for a special Red Bull Rampage Friday Shredits, and Kelly McGarry’s huge 72 foot canyon gap backflip!
