Simon Pagès secures FMB Wildcard for Red Bull District Ride

Simon Pagès has made it! The young Frenchman can look forward to a spot in the rider lineup for the legendary Red Bull District Ride on September 1-2, 2017, thanks to a great performance at the FMB Gold Event “GlemmRide Slopestyle” in Saalbach (AUT) last weekend. Pagès now belongs to the 20 athletes who will be dropping into the gnarliest urban course in the world and will be showing off his steeze in all five districts, whilst competing against the world’s best slopestyle riders in front of 80,000 spectators. The second FMB Wildcard for Red Bull District Ride is up for grabs in Spain at the FMB Gold Event “O Marisquino” on August 13. The FMB Wildcard is awarded to the highest ranked athlete, who has not yet qualified for Red Bull District Ride. 

The 20-year-old has been extremely active this year and already competed at 10 different FMB World Tour Events. He also raised eyebrows thanks to stunning performances at 26TRIX in Leogang and Crankworx Les Gets a few weeks back. His experience seems to be paying off and we can expect a great show from Pagès in Nuremberg this September.

Congrats to a sensational performance, Simon! What does it feel like to know that you will be sending it with the world’s best on Red Bull District Ride’s legendary urban slopestyle course this September?

I am really happy that I will be heading to Red Bull District Ride this year! I was there in 2014 and it was just crazy. I can’t wait to be back on the Hauptmarkt! 

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Red Bull District Ride? What makes the event so legendary in your eyes?

It is an insane event! There will be so many fans lining the streets. The fact that the course is in the middle of the city and is very diverse makes it unique on the World Tour. I like these kind of courses because they are very different. They fit to my riding style.

How will you prepare yourself for the FMB Diamond Event in front of 80,000 spectators?

It feels amazing when you ride down the course with all the people cheering for you. I don’t need to prepare for that especially. It is really motivating and helps you more than it is a distraction.

About Red Bull District Ride:

After five editions in 2005, 2006, 2011 and 2014 in Nuremberg and one appearance in Catania, Italy (2006), Red Bull District Ride has acquired a legendary status in the mountain biking scene. The world-class slopestyle athletes will be sending it in a unique urban setting and thrilling thousands of spectators.