2017-08-24
I was so happy that I am coming back to covering the largest slopestyle mountain biking competition in the world, the 2017 Red Bull Joyride, closed out the final day Crankworx Whistler at Whistler Blackcomb. Slopestyle mountain biking, born largely on Vancouver’s North Shore, is a blend of classic downhill mountain biking, freeride and dirt jumping with athletes being scored on a blend of tricks, technicality and style. Without surprise our Whistler local rider, Brandon Semenuk spectacularly took the top podium position on Sunday once again.
Red Bull Joyride, known as the Mecca of slopestyle mountain biking, this year’s course was one of the most technical yet. They built by riders for riders, offering 14 different features including an all new split start section with two options and the final feature with a 18 foot flat drop into the finish area for the packed 35,000 spectators in front of the Whistler Plaza.
Photographing the 18 of the world’s best slopestyle athletes in a gravity-defying showdown is a dream job for me. Especially seeing the new generation of surging slopestyle stars; 18-year-old Emil Johansson (Sweden) who placed second with a score of 86.80 has proved himself as a top contender all season long and finished taking the title of FMB World Champion.
Ryan Nyquist who placed third scoring 84.80.
