Making History: Women's Debut at Red Bull Rampage

Words by Mia de Paula, Photos by Hannah Sourbeer

On a groundbreaking day for mountain biking, the world watched as women competed for the first time in Red Bull Rampage, the pinnacle of freeride mountain biking. This historic moment wasn’t just another event on the competition calendar—it was a monumental shift in the sport’s culture and future, paving the way for more inclusivity and recognition of the immense talent and skill that women bring to the freeride scene.

For years, Red Bull Rampage has been the ultimate stage for riders to showcase not only their technical skills but their daring creativity. The massive drops, heart-stopping tricks, and raw terrain have challenged the best in the world. And now, for the first time in the event’s 23-year history, women were part of that narrative, showcasing incredible feats that pushed the boundaries of what many thought possible.

The Competition Day: Defining the Future

The competition day itself was nothing short of extraordinary. The anticipation had been building for months, with excitement in the air not only for the first female competitors but also for what this meant for the future of women’s mountain biking. All of the riders cemented her place in history including Robin Goomes, who with two backflips during her winning run, demonstrated not only technical prowess but fearlessness—redefining what women’s freeride mountain biking looks like.

Goomes’ backflips are significant: to put it in perspective, tricks of this magnitude, especially back flips, weren’t even attempted in the early days of the men’s Rampage, which shows how quickly the women’s freeride scene is progressing. Other riders brought equally jaw-dropping performances, proving that this was not just a token appearance—it was a showcase of elite athleticism and progression. The flips also earned her the Utah Sports Commission Best Trick Award. In addition to her tricks, Goomes stomped her 41-foot drop, and cleanly weaved down her top technical chute. Her line was a nod to the old school Red Bull Rampage runs, gnarly and technical, which she felt embodied the spirit of freeride.

The Athletes

Robin Goomes, who took home the win, crafted a line that balanced technical skill with high-risk maneuvers, highlighted by her two backflips—a feat that left the audience in awe. Her ability to mix aggressive style with clean execution set her apart, making her performance one of the most memorable in Rampage history.

Georgia Astle claimed second place with a standout run that balanced technical precision and bold creativity. Her smooth, controlled riding through challenging drops and terrain showcased her skill and confidence. Astle’s aggressive yet refined style earned her a well-deserved podium spot, solidifying her position as a top freerider.

Casey Brown, whose journey to Rampage has been long and hard-fought, did not disappoint. Her line was a testament to her years of experience, combining massive drops with elegant riding. Brown’s ability to pick daring features while keeping her run controlled showed why she’s been such an integral figure in the freeride movement- coming in third.

Chelsea Kimball‘s run took a tough turn when she suffered a fall mid-line, but her determination was undeniable. Despite the crash, Kimball got back on her bike and continued her run with grit and focus. Her perseverance and courage in pushing through the remainder of the course earned her immense respect from both the judges and fans, highlighting her resilience as a true freeride athlete.

Vaea Verbeeck, showcased her technical finesse with smooth, controlled descents and perfectly timed tricks all the way to the finish. Her ability to seamlessly link challenging features and maintain speed highlighted her experience and skill.

Vero Sandler delivered a dynamic run that showcased her fearless riding and innovative tricks. Navigating the challenging terrain with fluidity, she executed a series of impressive jumps and drops, all while maintaining her signature style

Vinny Armstrong impressed with a clean, stylish, technical run that highlighted her steez and composure on the bike.

Why This Moment Matters

This competition wasn’t just about the tricks performed on the course; it was about breaking down barriers and changing perceptions. For years, women in mountain biking have had to fight for visibility, opportunities, and support in a sport traditionally dominated by men. The inclusion of women at Red Bull Rampage is a huge leap toward leveling the playing field and amplifying the visibility of female riders at the highest level of the sport.

Casey Brown, often hailed as the mother of the freeride movement, has been advocating for women’s inclusion in Rampage for years, consistently submitting her riding videos in hopes of being considered for the competition. Her relentless efforts and dedication to breaking down barriers have helped pave the way for this historic moment, making the dream of women competing at Rampage a reality.

The impact of this event will reverberate far beyond the day of competition. It’s not just about having women at Rampage—it’s about the next generation of riders who now see themselves represented on the sport’s biggest stage. Girls who’ve been inspired by mountain biking can now dream bigger, knowing that Rampage is within their reach. This moment tells them that there are no limits to what they can achieve in the sport.

The Future of Women’s Freeride Mountain Biking

With this inaugural women’s competition, the landscape of freeride mountain biking has shifted. More brands, event organizers, and media outlets will likely follow Red Bull’s lead, investing in women’s mountain biking at the highest levels. The performance of these female athletes will spark more support for events, training, and sponsorship, giving women greater opportunities to showcase their abilities.

The 2024 Red Bull Rampage women’s competition was not just an event—it was a statement. A declaration that women belong in freeride mountain biking, that they can take on the gnarliest terrain, throw down the biggest tricks, and inspire future generations. As the dust settles on this historic competition, one thing is certain: women’s freeride mountain biking is on the rise, and the future looks bright.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that this was only the beginning. Women’s freeride mountain biking is no longer on the fringe—it’s front and center. And with this new platform, we can only imagine the level of progression, creativity, and athleticism that will continue to emerge from these incredible riders. The next generation is already watching, and thanks to this moment, they know that anything is possible.

We can’t wait to see what the women will bring next year, with more powerhouses like Cami Nogueira, Hannah Bergman, Jess Blewitt, and Micayla Gatto, just to name a few!

A huge thank you to our event sponsor, SHREDLY, for making it possible for us to attend and cover this historic Rampage event. Shredly’s support helped us bring the excitement and progress of women’s freeride mountain biking to a wider audience!