Unleash The Beast – Come With Us

Come with us and drive, ride, fight and surf; the athletes of the Monster Energy roster are nothing short of sensational. From conquering the highest jumps, fastest roads, and toughest opponents; it takes something very special to beast the sporting world at an elite level. What’s more few people ever get to  witness the levels of focus and dedication needed to turn ambition into reality. That was until now… 

Through an incredible six part series, Monster Energy’s Come With Us, charts the lives, careers and journeys of six very different athletes. Each striving to compete and win at the very top of their game, and within their chosen discipline.  

Better still, it’s the raw behind the scenes access that fans love, and you have been waiting for; covering rallying, free skiing, motorcycle Grand Prix racing, big wave surfing, mixed martial arts, and freestyle mountain biking. 

Strap in and hold on; because it is time for a wild ride into sporting greatness, that you definitely won’t want to miss… 

Episode 1:

The rise and rise of Oliver Solberg through the ranks has been as fast as the 19 year old on a twisting mountain rally stage. Son of 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg, Oliver is so much more than just part of an off-road racing dynasty. His talent, focus, and results fly in the face of his relatively young years. Together with his co-driver Aaron Johnston, Solberg is determined and redline obsessed to become World Champion. With thousands of kilometres and corners laying ahead though; it’s going to be anything but easy. Delve into rallying and Solberg’s quest for victory like you’ve never seen before. 

Episode 2:

The pool of incredible talent in women’s Slopestyle skiing has been getting stronger every season and  part of that new wave is Giulia Tanno. The 22-year-old Swiss skier has been competing on the world circuit since the age of 15 and has won some of the highest accolades in her field; including 4 XGames medals, Audi Nines wins and podiums at several FIS World Cups. While a lot of ladies show technical skill or stylish riding, Giulia is one of the rare few who are blending both, blazing a trail for a new type of women’s Slopestyle skier. With huge air comes huge risks and despite weathering multiple injuries and a concussion Giulia is as hardcore as they come. Take a fresh look at Free-skiing with her story. 

COMING SOON…

Episode 3: Wake up in the morning. Charge some crazy slab waves. Welcome to Nic Von Rupp’s world. The 30-year-old surfing prodigy has already nailed a successful competitive career, and has now changed direction to focus his sights on becoming the best big wave rider in the world. For the uninitiated it is a sight to behold; waves that could dwarf apartment buildings; speeds in excess of 80km/h; the full force of the ocean harnessed in a single wave. Yet Rupp stares it all down with a relaxed stance and a sunbathed smile, and hours and hours of preparation. Don’t just take our word for it; Come With Us on a big wave ride like you’ve never seen before.  

Adolf Silva: Ripping on a bike is what 23 year old Silva lives for. He risks his life for it; because it’s what moves him, what makes him feel alive. Knowing that every day he can improve and grow with his sport motivates him immensely. A true lifestyle action sport athlete, Silva’s career has already encompassed dizzying highs and total lows – not least when at age 17 he spent 10 days in a coma due to a crash, only to bounce back from injury to land the first ever triple backflip on a Slopestyle bike. If it’s got wheels he’ll ride it, and if there’s a ramp he’ll likely jump it. Come With Us and witness it all.

Fabio Quartararo: They don’t call him El Diablo for nothing. If ever there was a rider on the very cusp of greatness then surely it is Fabio Quartararo. The son of a former French 125cc motorcycle champion, Fabio cut his teeth in motocross at a very young age before moving to Spain with his family aged seven. From there he quickly progressed through the Pre-GP Mediterranean ranks, counting off the championships with nonchalant ease. In only his first year of premier class racing, in 2019, Fabio scored an impressive seven podiums from 19 starts with the Petronas Yamaha SRT team. What’s more this season, the French ace replaces none other than Valentino Rossi at the factory Yamaha racing team. Come With Us to witness Fabio’s rise and blistering pace, now at the bars of factory machinery. 

Joanna Jedrzejczyk: You don’t get to be a six time Muay Thai world champion, and a leading mixed martial arts fighter in the UFC without being truly and undeniably hardcore. Joanna Jedrzejczyk – or JJ to her fans – knows this, and the string of opponents she’s knocked out don’t need telling again either. There’s an incredible flip side to the 33 year old from northern Poland though, who pushes herself to the limit outside of the ring too. JJ recently said: “My biggest opponent is time because there are only 24 hours in the day and I have so many things going on. I’m just trying to live my best life. In or out of the cage, with or without the belt, I carry myself as a champ and work on my legacy, every single day.”

DarkFEST 2019 Official Highlights Video

Daryl sending it over the big kicker! Photo: Eric Palmer

Dirt Jump Nirvana

Ok, so maybe its not Dirt Jump nirvana for us mere mortals, but for the crew of A List riders at DarkFEST it sure was. Many were calling it the biggest line ever built and for those who came to watch the open sessions, they witnessed history. Clemens, Nico and Sam really pulled out all the stops on the setup and I am pretty sure we are going to see even bigger things come 2020.

Loco Double Backflip Adolf Silva

The Fan favourite at any event he goes to for good reason. Adolf was hunting the double backflips. He made one on the giant kicker and he was oh so close to landing one on the 90ft gap. He rides so wild that even his fellow riders sometimes cant believe how he pulls off some saves. One of the leaders of free ride now and a huge part of Darkfest. Not to hard to see why Monster Energy put him straight on the team.

Watch the Highlights Video

If you did not make it down to Vuurberg for the open sessions, shame! But never fear, the highlights video is here and you too can marvel at the Dirt Jump mayhem that was, DarkFEST. The world’s best were in action, with the likes of Nico Vink, Tom van Steenbergen, Adolf Silva, Brendan Fairclough, Ethan Nell, Nicholi Rogatkin, Jordie Lunn, Graham Agassis, Matt Macduff, Tom Reynolds, Darryl Brown, Theo Erlangsen and Kurt Sorge.

DarkFEST Freeride Mountain Biking Is Upon Us!

Darryl Brown testing the big jump. Photo: Eric Palmer

Stellenbosch sees the return of DarkFEST

Friday 8 February and Saturday 9 February will see the return of DarkFEST to Vuurberg Wines, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, and for those two full days the boys are going to cut loose! Sam Reynolds might be out of the competition, but it it still going to rock out over the weekend, as only DarkFEST can.

What is it? The biggest mountain biking dirt jump event in Africa.

Where is it? Vuurberg Wines, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch.

When? Friday 8 and Saturday 9 February. Action starts at 9 am, and continues until 6 pm.

The local kid, Ike, testing the not small step up. Photo: Eric Palmer

Who? There are a crew of local and international riders, including Nico Vink, Tom van Steenbergen, Adolf Silva, Brendan Fairclough, Ethan Nell, Nicholi Rogatkin, Jordie Lunn, Graham Agassis, Matt Macduff, Tom Reynolds, Darryl Brown, Theo Erlangsen and Kurt Sorge, amongst others. Local legend Sam Reynolds unfortunately injured himself on a recent practice run, and is out of the event.

How does one attend? Tickets are available here www.quicket.co.za/events/64964-darkfest-the-fest-series/

More information? Check out the old faithful Facebook event link for more information here https://www.facebook.com/events/755601598144716/

Check out the 2018 Highlights

Mountain Bikers “Send it to the Moon” at The Audi Nines MTB 2018

Adolf Silva pulling Best Trick. Photo: Klaus Polzer

Sam Pilgrim Rules Audi Nines

After six days of film shoots and sessions in the moonlike landscape of the quarry, the riders gathered on the evening of Thursday, September 14, to celebrate their successful “moon launch”. British mountain bike legend Sam Pilgrim was selected by his peers for the top honor of “Ruler of the Week,” and also won the category of “Best Slopestyle Line” at the Audi Nines.

“The Audi Nines is the best event of the year for me,” said Pilgrim. “You’ve got six days to perform to your highest level. I ended up winning two of the categories, which means a lot because everyone who voted for me, they’re all professional mountain bike riders. I’m stoked about it.”

Sam Reynolds best of Freeride

Pilgrim was joined in the winner’s circle by his countryman Sam Reynolds, whose run through the freeride section was voted “Best Freeride Line.” Winners were also chosen in the category of “Best Freeride Trick”—claimed by Adolf Silva’s incredible Cali Roll, a world’s first on a downhill mountain bike—as well as for “Best Slopestyle Trick,” where Dawid Godziek’s quadruple tail whip—also a first—took top honors.

Silva crashed repeatedly before finally landing the Cali Roll, a spectacular aerial maneuver in which the rider lets go of his bike midair and spins 360 degrees before re-mounting to land. Godziek’s equally impressive quadruple whip involved a dizzying flurry of motion, as he spun his bike around the handlebars four times in midair before landing his jump.

Worlds most unique Freeride Location

When The Audi Nines’ relocation to the stone quarry in Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate region in cooperation with Bikepark Idarkopf was first announced, many were curious how the unusual new location would work out. However, the events of the past week have made clear that the quarry, after extensive modifications by an experienced team of trail builders, was indeed a perfect venue for a world-class mountain bike event with a unique take on its presentation of the sport.

“The location worried us at first,” said Reynolds. “We weren’t sure if it would live up to the previous location in the Alps with the epic views. But once the “moon props” came in, like the satellite dish and all the cool ramps, the venue actually had a lot more character than ever before.”

“It’s the most unique location I’ve ever ridden a bike in,” he added. “It looks like a video game.”

Darkfest 2017 – Official Video of Insanity

Good Lord, I thought I would have gotten used to the insanity of Darfest after seeing it for myself, but one watch of this video and it all came crashing back down. Seriously, if you are not at this event next year, you are missing out on the most crazy thing you will ever see in South Africa. So sit back, down a tequila and prepare for Darkfest insanity…

The Fest Crew made their way down to South Africa to take on the infamous Pure Darkness jumps. Sam Reynolds, with the help of Nico Vink & Clemens Kaudela, revived the beasts and added a few more to the party and what a party it was! In true Fest fashion, these boys went faster, higher and bigger than ever! With features like a 60ft roll in, 55ft gaps and a 35ft lip that sends you 25ft into the air it is definitely not one to be missed!

Best Trick: Adolf Silva – Double Flip
Best Line: Andreu Lacondeguy
Best Whip: Kurt Sorge
Biggest Slam: Adolf Silva – Tripple Flip Attempt
Dark King: Clemens “C-Dawg” Kaudela – for killing the course build, riding and parties
Cam Zink, Graham Aggasiz