Red Bull Rages on the Road

Forget climbers and the polka dot wearing king of the mountain, the first ever Road Bull Road Rage is all about the other side of the hill and white-knuckle speed. First there was Red Bull Rampage, which took freeriding to new heights and challenged riders to push themselves further and farther. With the Virgin, Utah Red Bull Rampage now a thing of the past, Red Bull promoters are now hosting an event that will push the limits of descending…on a road bike.

Set in Malibu, California, top riders will race to see who can negotiate the turns of Tuna Canyon the fastest. Dropping more than 2,000 feet in just 2.5 miles, riders can reach speeds of up to 60 mph while negotiating the cliff-lined, 120-degree turns. Promoters estimate that it will take riders around four minutes to complete the course.

The invitation-only event features some of cycling’s fastest riders, from both road racing and mountain biking. It’s an interesting mix of former strongmen and current-day pros. Marty Nothstein, David Clinger, Steve Bauer and Carl Decker will be among the the representatives of the 700c world. Brian Lopes, Eric Carter and Marla Streb will be some of the fat tire riders taking a shot at the title.

Racing will take place in two different formats. First will be time trials where the riders will race against the clock. The 16 top racers from the time trial will go head to head in a mountain biking-esque four cross race in four different groups. The two fastest riders from each heat will advance on to the semis with the top four going elbow to elbow in the finals.

Equipment for the event will definitely be mountain bike inspired. Racers are recommended to wear full face helmets and body armor—and given the steepness of this hill and the massive amounts of exposure, body armor is going to be a very good idea.

Riders will also have the option to use disc brakes. Road Rage will be testing ground to see how effective disc brakes are over canti brakes since the UCI lifted the ban on disc brakes for road bikes.

The racers will compete for $10,000 in prize money and, of course, bragging rights. Practice runs will take place from noon until 5 p.m. on Friday November, 4th. Racing starts at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.

To ensure safety, the event will be closed to the public.