MOUNTAIN BIKING. Freeride mountain biking crowned a new king as Canadian Kurt Sorge took the top spot in Red Bull Rampage. France’s Antoine Bizet took second and Utah local Logan Binggeli came in third in a thrilling contest that saw huge jumps and flips all over the steep cliffs of Virgin, Utah.

Kurt Sorge rides to the win at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah on 7 October, 2012. Photo Credit: Ian Hylands/Red Bull

VIRGIN, Utah (United States) - Dropping from the highest start gate in the 10 year history of Red Bull Rampage, the world’s best mountain bikers put it on the line in front of over 2,000 fans who trekked miles into the desert to witness the most challenging event in freestyle mountain biking. The results were anything but predictable, as some of the expected front runners had trouble finishing their lines cleanly. Brandon Semenuk, Darren Berrecloth and James Doerfling all went down attempting big tricks, knowing that victory would not be handed over easily.   This left the door open for some unexpected finishes, including event rookie Antoine Bizet of France taking second along with local hero Logan Binggeli rounding out the podium in third.

Geoff Gulevich rides in the finals at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah on 7 October, 2012. Photo Credit: Ian Hylands/Red Bull
 
High drops and high drama were the story of the day at the seventh installment of Red Bull Rampage, which began in 2001. The big scores went to the riders who attempted risky tricks, like Sorge’s huge superman over a jump and a big backflip drop. Second place finisher Bizet peppered his run with thrilling tricks including a backflip near the top of his run, an incredibly risky move that paid off with the judges. One of the biggest nail biters came not from the podium, but when overall Freeride Mountain Bike points leader Brandon Semenuk crashed on his run, leaving the door open for Martin Soderstrom to take over the season’s points title. However, he too could not ride out cleanly and left a nervously watching Semenuk to walk away with the title.

James Doerfling rides to a 6th place finish at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 7, 2012. Photo Credit: John Gibson/Red Bull

Brett Rheeder rides to a 17th place finish at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 7, 2012. Photo Credit: John Gibson/Red Bull

Cam McCaul rides to a 7th place finish at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 7, 2012. Photo Credit: John Gibson/Red Bull

Brendan Howey rides to a 20th place finish at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 7, 2012. Photo Credit: John Gibson/Red Bull

Kurt Sorge celebrates his win at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah on 7 October, 2012. Photo Credit: Ian Hylands/Red Bull
 
The Utah Sports Commission Best Trick Award went to Cam McCaul, the only rider who braved the massive 60+ foot canyon gap in the finals and earned the award for a gutsy backflip in his second run over a step down.

Red Bull
07 Oct. 2012

Red Bull Rampage 2012 USA Results

1.Kurt Sorge (CAN) 86.75,
2.Antoine Bizet (FRA) 79.0,
3. Logan Binggeli (USA) 78.5,
4.Andreu Lacondeguy (ESP) 74.0, 
5.Tyler McCaul (USA) 71.0,
6.James Doerfling (CAN) 70.5,
7.Cameron McCaul (USA)     70.0,
8. Thomas Vanderham (CAN) 68.25,
9.Kyle Strait (USA) 65.75,
10.Kyle Norbraten (CAN) 65.25

FMB Tour Overall Final Standings
 
1. Brandon Semenuk (CAN)
2. Martin Soderstrom (SWE)
3. Thomas Genon (BEL)

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