Semenuk in the lead before first Diamond event of the FMB World Tour

At the Chatel Mountain Style last weekend, Brandon Semenuk (CAN) was able to take the lead and is once again one of the main candidates for the title this season after Cameron Zink overtook him at the last minute in 2010.

Now that the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour has already seen three Gold events, the athletes are getting ready for the first Diamond event of this year’s season where the points earned will be sure to shake up the ranking.

The Red Bull Joyride at Kokanee Crankworx 2011 (July 23rd) is one of only two events that earned the Diamond status in this year’s FMB World Tour and Semenuk as well as the other world’s top riders will be sure to give all they have in Whistler to collect valuable ranking points.

At the only big mountain event of this season, the Chatel Mountain Style (FRA), current FMB World Champion Cameron Zink (USA) was able to show once more that the relentless rocks of big mountain riding are just his thing – a point he had already proven at last year’s FMB World Tour final event, the Red Bull Rampage. His performance catapulted him into the current top ten and we will surely see him climb up the ranking ladder throughout the remaining events of this season.

In the latest issue of the FMB World Tour Show, host Troy Mannering discusses this last Gold event and big mountain riding in general with FMBA vice-president Tarek Rasouli. As a special goodie, the show brings you exclusive footage of Cam Zink’s winning run from a helmet cam perspective.
Don’t miss it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aafvKJuQKc

Brandon Semenuk (CAN) was able to take over first place in the overall ranking in Chatel by placing ahead of Sam Pilgrim (GBR). Yannick Granieri could not enjoy his first place for long and was pushed back to third, since he did not take part in the Chatel Mountain Style. However, Semenuk’s lead is paper-thin and a mere 8 points separate first from second place.

An exciting battle between the top ranks for the CamelBak Golden Better Bottle is to be expected! The FMB World Tour’s golden trophy is ready for this season’s FMB World Champion who will be able to rehydrate in style from a gold-plated drinking bottle sporting a plaque made of solid gold.

With some of the biggest events yet to come – two diamond and two gold events – a lot can still happen and it is far from decided who will take home the trophy after the FMB World Tour’s final event, the Red Bull District Ride (September 9th – 10th).

Also check out the previous episodes of the FMB World Tour Show for a glimpse behind the scenes and lots of inside information. Episode one is available for your viewing pleasure here: http://youtu.be/vp4T7C-ttsI

Part one and two of episode two can be watched here: http://youtu.be/1HVw9PZ4Yxk and here: http://youtu.be/warmMw5ey98

For a chance to take home this unique trophy after the Red Bull District Ride, sign up with the FMBA as a rider or sign up if you’re not a rider but want to support your sport! http://fmbworldtour.com/member/

For more information about the FMBA and FMB World Tour, please go to www.fmbworldtour.com or http://www.facebook.com/FMBWorldTour and receive regular updates