Mountain Bike Video Featuring Ethan Nell & Tom Van Steenbergen

Back at it again! Monster Energy is proud to announce the worldwide premiere of the “MESA 2” mountain bike video starring team riders Ethan Nell and Tom Van Steenbergen. The new 3:22 minute video is live now on Monster Energy’s YouTube channel. As the sequel to 2019’s viral video sensation “MESA”, the high-energy edit captures innovative MTB riding on natural terrain with the Utah desert landscape as a dramatic backdrop.

Fast-Paced Video Captures Unique Freeride Mountain Bike Action in the Utah Desert

The first installment of “MESA” already garnered more than 166,000 views – and counting. With “MESA 2”, Nell and Van Steenbergen revisit their formula of building hand-sculpted jumps in the virgin Utah desert landscape while cranking up the intensity a few notches: Get ready for steep drops, natural gaps, insane speed runs, and no room for error in this next-level freeride mountain bike edit.

As in the previous video, the two mountain bike trailblazers take on the Utah desert as a proving ground frequented by riders from all across the world. The natural terrain, lined by rock constellations and steep natural inclines, pushes riders beyond their comfort zone, making or breaking dreams.

Tom on a massive Superman in the Utah wilderness.

On that note, the video shoot began under challenging conditions. Van Steenbergen returned to finish filming this edit after breaking his femur jumping a road gap in mid-2020. Nevertheless, the seasoned MTB pro, known for landing the first double-backflip ever executed in the competition, came in without missing a beat.

Van Steenbergen once again headlines the video alongside Nell, a native of the rocky mountainside in Utah. The young rookie was raised in this harsh desert environment on a steady diet of motocross, BMX, and mountain biking. And it shows: Prepare for technical airs and no-holds-barred drop-ins. All filmed out in the Utah desert where the rock surfaces are unforgiving, and the consequences can be dire.

The high-octane action and vast desert landscapes find their perfect counterpart in the ethereal soundtrack, featuring “Lay Me in the Ocean” performed by Blood Red Sun. Cinematography by Calvin Huth and Peter Jamison captures the freeride mountain biking in its massive scale via follow-up cams, panoramic vistas, and aerial shots for another worthy entry in the MESA video series.

When riders like Nell and Van Steenbergen join forces, the outcome is bound to be classic. For proof, look no further than the double lines featured in ‘MESA 2’, with both riders simultaneously attacking the same runs with heavy-hitting tricks.

Both riders link up for some Sunset magic.

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