Interview with Thomas Genon: "Tommy G" at the Red Bull Rampage for the 10th time
Thomas Genon, better known as Tommy G, looks back on 10 years of Red Bull Rampage at the age of 30. In the last 9 participations, he has finished in the top 10 7 times, but the Belgian has also achieved other successes in his career: Among other things, he won the Joyride in Whistler in 2012 and became FMB World Champ. Now he is about to make his anniversary appearance at the Red Bull Rampage in Utah - and spoke to us about his time at the last few events.
Interview with freerider Thomas Genon a.k.a. Tommy G
BIKE: Do you remember your first Red Bull Rampage participation? How did you experience it back then? How did you feel afterwards?
Tommy G: I was completely lost and not at all informed about what was going on out there. At that point, I also didn't know anyone who could explain to me how the event was organised or how to train. It took a while before I really felt like training and coming back a little stronger each time!
Tommy, you're taking part in Rampage for the tenth time in a row. How are you feeling a week before the event?
Every year I look forward to it more and more. I realise how lucky it is to have an event like this in our sport! I can hardly wait to see how I improve.
You have achieved seven top 10 finishes since 2013. Have you changed your preparation based on the experience you have gained over the years?
The preparation for Rampage is always very specific. I change my approach to my line every year. This year, for example, I spent most of my time on my freeride bike, whereas I used to spend a lot more time on my slopestyle bike.
Or adapted your equipment (bike, suspension, wheels...) accordingly?
Apart from a single crown fork, there are no really major changes.
Preparation for the Red Bull Rampage
Which bike will you ride in 2023? What will your bike set-up look like this year?
This year I'm riding a Canyon Torque al 27.5 with a single crown fork. The bike is set up hard with little rebound. My tyre pressure is higher than normal. In short, the bike only works well in Utah.
What makes this competition so difficult and special for you?
I love the fact that we all have different rider backgrounds and completely different ideas about our lines. That's what makes freeriding so interesting. The only common goal is: "Go big or go home".
What goes through your mind when you're standing at the starting point just before you set off?
Well, not much. We've worked our arses off to get to this point. The only thing left to do now is to ride the line.
Do you have any special habits for Rampage? Do you listen to music? Any lucky charms?
I do a workout in the morning to warm up and visualise the run. Afterwards, I relax and try to stay calm. Music also helps. I don't watch many of my runs. It can be stressful to see others as stressed as I am (laughs).
Let's talk about lines and shapers: What do you have planned for this year's Rampage and who have you brought along to support you?
I've brought my flatmate Jules Langeard with me to film, as well as Louis Reboul and Paul Couderc to help me with the line. We're all good friends, so the atmosphere will be good.
In ten consecutive Rampage participations, you've seen it all. You've seen all the breathtaking runs but also all the violent crashes. Which Rampage run do you think is the best of all time?
For me, only a complete run from start to finish counts as a good run in Rampage. That is a prerequisite. Difficult downhill sections, tricks with a big setup, lots of style and creativity make a good run into an exceptional one. There have also been a few of these in the past, but if I had to choose, it would be Brendan Fairclough in 2019. And all Lacondeguy runs.
