Red Bull Rampage 2023 – 5 must-watch riders to follow at the world's most insane mountain bike event

Red Bull Rampage is exactly one week away, with the gnarliest gravity mountain biking event on the planet kicking off on the 13th of October in the Virgin Mountains, Utah. The 2023 roster for Red Bull Rampage was announced a few weeks ago with the 17th edition of the iconic event featuring a host of the biggest names in freeride mountain biking. Canadian riders have held the monopoly over Rampage, with the last seven editions going to Maple Leaf riders. Although last year's winner, Brett Rheeder, and his multiple-winning compatriot Brandon Semenuk won't be around, Kurt Sorge and Alex Volokhov keep the Canadian hopes of another win high.

If you've never watched Red Bull Rampage, you've been seriously missing out! To make it easy for the first-time viewers we've highlighted some of the best riders we predict will be in for victory this year, and hoping to add their name to the list of insane runs at Red Bull Rampage...

1. Kyle Strait, USA

Kyle Strait is a Red Bull Rampage veteran and until last year he was the only rider who has competed in every Rampage since the inaugural 2001 competition. In 2022, Strait was injured during Thursday's practice, airlifted from the venue, and did not compete having to undergo surgery. The two-time winner returns for 2023 and the rider who has ridden just about everything during his lengthy career from slopestyle to downhill (plus Red Bull Hardline) will be looking to craft a high-speed, flawless run and perhaps a glory-filled return to Rampage. Check out Kyle on Instagram for all his own Rampage updates.

2. Jaxson Riddle, USA

If you’re into speed and a unique style then you’ll also want to keep an eye on Virgin, Utah, local Jaxson Riddle. Sporting his trademark glasses, he made a lasting impression at his Rampage debut in 2021, and last year the longtime motocross rider took home the Best Style Award after pulling off a run filled with some insane tricks. Look out for Riddle this year as the wildcard dark horse for the win and a rider who will throw in different tricks from the rest of the field. Head over to Jaxon's Insta for his own special pre-Rampage build-up.

3. Gee Atherton, UK

The irrepressible Gee Atherton returns to Red Bull Rampage for his sixth appearance at the event having competed in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2010, and 2012. The Continental Atherton rider will debut the Atherton Bikes AM.200 to the tough desert hits. Gee has bagged two-second places in previous editions, just missing out on the win in 2004 and 2010. Although it's been over 10 years since he last competed, he's done it all and nearly broken it all in between. Fresh from his latest video epic Ridgeline IV: The Dolomites, not many would argue against Gee being in the mix again in 2023. Gee is already out in Utah and his Instagram page is full of updates on his build-up.

4. Szymon Godziek, Poland

Szymon Godziek just came up short last year, finishing runner-up to Brett Rheeder, and the Polish rider will be hoping to go one better this year. Godziek is a freerider at the top of his game, quietly making a name for himself, and earning respect through consistent and solid results. Alongside his brother, Dawid, he's been tearing up the family purpose-built track at home for years, before taking the international stage by storm, securing a string of podium finishes. Szymon Godziek is one of MTB slopestyle's most creative and stylish riders, expect him to be charging for a win this year. Szymon will be laying down his build up over on Instagram, so be sure to check it out.

5. Kurt Sorge, Canada

2015 saw Kurt Sorge drop a run that earned him the highest points total seen at Red Bull Rampage since the first event back in 2001. Sorge cemented his name in Rampage history by laying down an insane winning run with backflips, exposed ridgelines, precise bike control and a lot of speed that earned him the top spot on the podium and his second Rampage win. Surge won again in 2017 for a hat-trick of wins now under his belt having hit the top of the podium in 2012 and 2015 along with runner-up spots in 2008 and 2021, the Canadian Red Bull Rampage veteran will be seeking his fourth when the action kicks-off next week. Follow his build-up over on Instagram.

As well as following the riders in Rampage practice mode for tons of pre-event action, be sure to check out the Red Bull Insta feed which is packed with the sickest moves of the day.

ESPN+ will exclusively stream the event in the U.S., and the competition will be available live on Red Bull TV in all other countries. To stay up to date on the latest Red Bull Rampage information, including venue details, ESPN+ and Red Bull TV tune-in times, and spectator info, visit Redbull.com.