10-29-07 // Events: Red Bull Stairway To Hell

Red Bull is on the lookout for extraordinary landmarks everywhere. Whether they be underground salt mines, medieval castles, metro lines snaking through the bowels of a city or red rock cliffs of unusual merit, Red Bull is likely to be dreaming up unique and twisted ways to use these landmarks for elite competitions of athletic prowess.

Take the recently held, "Stairway to Hell" for instance. Its name alone is quite imposing, but that doesn't begin to describe the downhill dual that was held just a week ago in Liege, Belgium. Built in 1875 after a decision by the town council, the Montagne de Beuren is an imposing staircase of 373 steps to commemorate Vincent de Bueren (1440-1505) a 'Gueldrois' aristocrat who was one off the most ardent defenders of Liege against Charles de Temeraire, Duke of Burgundy. That explains the existence of this landmark, but there's no way Vincent or his nemesis Charles could have dreamed what Red Bull would think of doing here 132 years later.

Thirty-two riders were chosen to race down all 373 steps, the longest stretch of steps in all of Europe, in front of hundreds of screaming fans. Once at the bottom, those who could still hold onto their bars negotiated a slopestyle track with big airs, a funbox and Northshore obstacles on the way to the finish line.

Christopher Hattont, from France, impressed the jury the most and scored the victory, beating Anthony Rocci, also from France. Belgian Thomas Genon, only 14 years old but already a big talent, finished third.

The Montagne de Beuren under the effects of Red Bull

This stock image shows the Montagne de Beuren on a typical Belgian day.