When Thomas Genon returned to the big stage of the slopestyle world at Crankworx Rotorua in March and wanted to ride the first contest of the season, things turned out differently than expected. Like every year, Crankworx Rotorua heralds the start of the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship season and is the first big contest for all slopestyle athletes. The riders work hard on their tricks during the off-season to finally be able to show them off in Rotorua. Belgian slopestyle talent, Thomas Genon, was also perfectly prepared and ready to give it his all. But then everything turned out differently. Just as he set off from the legendary Rotorua take-off tower and began his run with an Opposite 360 Tuck No-Hander, his shoulder dislocated during the jump and he crashed.
"I just can't believe it happened, but there's nothing I can do about it. It doesn't normally happen. When I do a no-hander, my shoulder doesn't usually dislocate. The first jump of the season, the shoulder dislocated and I couldn't grab my handlebars," said Genon immediately after his crazy accident.
Now, almost five months later, Genon has completed the most difficult part of his rehab. He had faced many challenges, both mentally and physically. "I'm normally a very positive person and I love challenges. But towards the end of the rehab process, I lost that positive attitude. The hardest thing for me is definitely not being able to bike. Nevertheless, rehab is much more fun now than it was two months ago. I'm finally able to do real training and do things that are fun."
One of the biggest mental challenges for Genon was being sidelined for the entire slopestyle season. He also had to make the difficult decision not to compete at the biggest event of the year, the Red Bull Joyride in Whistler, which takes place on 17 August. "I was just a spectator during the whole slopestyle season and couldn't take part in any of the contests. For a while I thought I'd be ready for Whistler again, but this time I'm doing it right and will only celebrate my comeback once I'm fully healthy again."
Since getting back on his bike, he has been taking things slowly and calmly. He mostly trains at his home spot: "It's a great place to train, but it's still a bit early to get everything out of it. Soon, however, I'll be able to use the spot as I always do and go full throttle."
One event that Thomas still couldn't miss was the Reboul Jam in Chatel, France. "This line was one of the first jump lines since my operation. It was fantastic to ride and I was very happy to see all my bike friends again. I was again part of this passion for biking that unites us all. This is exactly what I love," said Genon.
Genon has set his sights on Red Bull Rampage, for which he qualified by finishing 5th in 2018. "Rampage has definitely motivated me this year to give it my all and get fit again quickly. I'm looking forward to this contest more and more and can't wait to celebrate my comeback there."
Before his injury, Genon spent some time with the Anthill Film Crew in Hawaii and Switzerland filming for their new film "Return to Earth". He filmed many exciting segments alongside top athletes such as Emil Johansson, Ryan "R-Dog" Howard, Casey Brown and Brett Rheeder. For Genon, filming means being able to show the world exactly what his riding skills should look like. Here he can try out his tricks again and again until they are perfect. In contrast to contests, where an athlete only has 2 runs and can only really perform each trick once per run.
Time is either spent wisely. Or it is just spent. Second after second; moment after moment... they're all there for the taking. Return to Earth is a cinematic journey into the simple act of living completely in those moments by riding bikes.
"Filming with Anthill and the crew was like a dream come true. It didn't feel like a holiday of course, but it was definitely worth it! The filmers and athletes were all passionate about what they were doing and made the production something great. If just the smallest thing went wrong, we kept trying until it worked."
Even though Genon will miss Red Bull Joyride for the first time since 2012, when he won the event, he is still excited about the high level of biking and the progression of the sport.
Since 2012, no European other than Genon has taken first place in Whistler. But what about this year? Will another European be able to climb to the top of the podium in 2019? According to Genon, the chances are definitely high.
"It's really hard to say who will win this year's Red Bull Joyride, as all the riders are going absolutely crazy this year."
Red Bull TV broadcasts Red Bull Joyride LIVE and on-demand, available anytime and anywhere on redbull.tv. The live broadcast will start on Saturday, 18 August, at 01:30 (CEST).
