Application instead of start number - still
His name is not yet on any start list. But the application alone is already a statement.
Leo Erhardt tries to convince the Rampage jury with a self-produced video from Utah. The cost: around 10,000 euros for filming and preparation. If he is actually invited, he estimates that he will have to pay at least another 15,000 dollars for participation, logistics and accommodation.
"The competition starts much earlier these days," says Erhardt. "Not just on the start day - but as early as the application stage."
Germany has been waiting since 2008
The last German starter at the Rampage was Guido Tschugg in 2008, since when the start list has remained without any German names.
Erhardt would therefore not only be a debutant - but also a signal that the German freeride scene is becoming visible again.
However, getting there is complicated. Starting places are not simply allocated. If you want to be considered, you have to drive in Utah, film - and convince.
"Without a clip from Utah, it's almost impossible now," says Erhardt.
Flip about "The Price is Right"
For his application video, the Innsbruck native dared to perform one of the most spectacular tricks of his career: a flip over the legendary Rampage drop "The Price is Right".
The name of his film deliberately alludes to this: Is the Price right?
Because the price can be high. The Rampage is considered a competition with maximum risk. Serious crashes occur time and time again - most recently, crashes involving several top riders led to discussions about safety and the limits of freeride sport.
"Of course I'm scared," says Erhardt openly. "But I want to take the risk. I want to know if I can do it."
He fell during the flip for the application video - uninjured, but impressed by the dimensions of the advert.
From slopestyle to the rampage area
Erhardt comes from Schwandorf near Regensburg and now lives in Innsbruck. He originally came from a slopestyle background, but later orientated himself more and more towards freeriding.
Getting into this scene was difficult, he says. He had to earn invitations to prestigious events such as the Audi Nines over the years.
Nevertheless, the Rampage remains the premier class.
"This is the ultimate event," says Erhardt.
He was already on site in 2024 - not as a rider, however, but as a course builder in the team of Austrian Clemens Kaudela. Since then, he has been familiar with the terrain, lines and dimensions at close quarters.
"It makes you wide-eyed. But now I also know: I can drive that."
Heading for the world stage without a sponsor
Paradox: Erhardt lost his bike sponsor on the way to the Rampage of all places.
Long-standing partner Kona Bikes ended the collaboration - according to Erhardt with reference to a strategic reorientation away from such competitions. Paradoxical, because Kona used to be the epitome of freeriding and rampage performances.
Since then, he has continued to ride his previous bike - but without the logos; he has taped them off out of disappointment and defiance.
The Rampage project is currently largely financed privately: through his trail building company in Innsbruck, sponsor partners such as Airtime Components, Type Clothing and Flow Drops.
Decision in August
The application clip will be submitted in July. The decision is made in August.
Erhardt is currently even considering travelling to Utah again to produce additional recordings - despite the empty cash register.
"I don't want to blame myself later for that," he says.
Should the invitation materialise, he would be the first German Rampage starter in 18 years. And perhaps just the beginning of a new generation of German freeriders on the sport's biggest stage.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
