With the Red Bull Rampage coming up on October 10, Genon used the event in France to specifically work on the skills required for that race. “The Tour des Niares is more of a downhill and freeride event—it’s all about judging speed, braking technique, and proper tire placement,” he explains. “It’s the ideal complement to my training on the airbag and with tricks—here, the focus was clearly on downhill skills.”

In addition to the riding itself, the atmosphere was also an important part of Genon’s preparation. “These events are truly amazing. You get there and ride with people who are motivated and want to push their limits—that energy rubs off on you automatically. This environment is just special.”

In Châtel, Thomas was already riding the bike he’ll be using at the Rampage—a precisely tuned Rocky Mountain Altitude. “It took me a while to find the right setup. A good Rampage bike has to be versatile—suitable for tricks, but just as capable of handling rough terrain. The 27.5-inch wheels and short chainstays make the bike more agile during flips and spins. Still, I ride a Large top tube combined with a shortened headset—essentially a Large in a compact form.”

While the Tour des Niares seemed tailor-made for Tommy’s preferences, there was one aspect that didn’t suit him as well: “When it comes to skinnies, I just get mentally blocked. I don’t like standing high up on such a narrow feature. The feature at the Tour des Niares looked really impressive, but when I stood in front of it, I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe in the end, it’s just a matter of self-confidence.”