GEARING UP FOR THE DESERT

The gnarliest freeride event on the planet, Red Bull Rampage, returns at the end of this month and the elite few on the rider list are psyching themselves up to tackle death-defying lines in the Utah desert. One rider who’s hungrier than ever is Frenchborn Rémy Métailler, who lives in Canada and was turned away at the US border on his way to Rampage 2017 due to visa issues.

We asked Rémy how he was preparing himself, mentally and physically, ahead of his quest for redemption, and he told us it was all about confidence. “I have to be sure of my own ability,” he said. “Having fun and feeling comfortable is key. I’ve been spending a lot of time riding my downhill bike and I’ve been trying flat pedals again, in case I want to use them.”

A new venue for this year’s Rampage should give the riders and their two-man build crews a level playing field, but Rémy said it had been hard to plan a line when all he’d seen was one drone shot. He hinted at a mixture of drops, step-downs and steep chutes, and the word ‘big’ featured heavily! But it’s not guinea-pigging the features that’s the scariest bit, according to Rémy, it’s the exposure and risk of wind. He said it was worth it though, “for the appreciation people have for our riding and commitment to the sport.”

Joining the Frenchman in the desert will be a crew of 21 riders, including last year’s winner Kurt Sorge and the sole Brit bold enough to take on the desert, Brendan Fairclough. Go to

to keep tabs on the action and be sure to tune into

for the main event on October 26.