Mountain biking has always been a sport that thrives on adrenaline, grit, and the constant push to defy limits. Over the years, we've seen the emergence of incredible riders, each bringing their own flair and energy to the sport. One such rider, Monster Energy Athlete Vero Sandler, has been making waves with her incredible talent, passion, and fearless attitude on the trails. And this year, she broke yet another barrier by competing in the first-ever women’s catagory at Rampage.
A Historic Moment for Women in Freeride
Red Bull Rampage has long been known as the pinnacle of freeride mountain biking, drawing the world’s best male riders to the Utah desert to showcase their skills on steep, rocky cliffs, gnarly drops, and technical terrain. However, for far too long, this event had been an exclusively male-dominated space. This year marked a monumental shift as the first women’s freeride event was added, paving the way for female athletes to showcase their skills on the same challenging terrain. It was an exciting and historic moment that the mountain biking community had been eagerly waiting for, and Vero Sandler was right at the forefront, ready to blaze a trail of her own.
The Role of WTB Verdict Tires in Vero’s Ride
Taking on Red Bull Rampage’s unforgiving terrain is no easy feat. The course is known for its rugged, unpredictable surfaces — steep cliffs, loose rocks, and sandy patches that can make even the most experienced riders think twice. That’s where tire choice becomes crucial. Vero opted for the WTB Verdict tires.
The Verdict is designed to offer maximum grip and control on loose, rocky, and unpredictable terrain. With large, aggressive knobs that dig into the ground, the Verdict tires provide stability and traction, allowing riders to navigate steep, loose chutes and technical features with confidence. For Vero, riding on such a challenging course meant needing equipment that she could fully rely on, and the Verdict tires were up to the task. Whether she was dropping into a steep line, hitting a massive jump, or carving through a tight corner, the Verdict’s aggressive tread pattern kept her rubber side down.
A Step Towards Inclusivity and Progression
Santa Cruz athlete Vero’s participation in this groundbreaking event goes beyond just riding a bike; it’s about leading a movement. This first women’s freeride event is a massive step toward greater inclusivity and recognition in mountain biking. It shows that women belong in the freeride scene, riding the same trails, facing the same challenges, and earning the same respect as their male counterparts.
For years, female riders have been pushing to have their place on the biggest stages of the sport, and now they’ve finally got it. Vero’s run at the event is a reminder of what can happen when athletes are given the opportunity to shine. She rode with heart, passion, and grit; qualities that have always defined the best in freeride.
