Austria’s freeride pioneer Clemens Kaudela is preparing for his spectacular comeback at the Red Bull Rampage, one of the most challenging and prestigious freeride mountain bike competitions in the world, where he will be competing for the second time from October 10 to 12, 2024.
With his participation last year, which was characterized by innovative and risky routes, Clemens attracted the attention of the global mountain bike community. Now he is returning with renewed motivation and strategic focus to prove his skills in extreme conditions. For Clemens, it’s more than just a competition. It’s his revenge – the story of a man who lives for his sport and is ready to set new standards and face the harsh wilderness.
Rampage – The holy grail of the freeride mountain biking
The Red Bull Rampage is the most demanding competition of its kind and is held annually near Zion National Park in the USA. 17 of the best athletes and, for the first time this year, eight of the best female athletes in the world have to carve their own route, the so-called “Line”, into the steep sandstone ridges and impress with daring jumps and tricks. The participants spend a week tinkering and building their lines using simple tools such as shovels and pickaxes – it’s a game of life and death where every detail counts. A jury evaluates the runs based on the choice of route, the height and cleanliness of the jumps, the difficulty of the tricks and the “flow” of the riding style.
Last year, Clemens Kaudela’s run was considered one of the most difficult, with the biggest and most daring jump of the entire competition. This jump was a physical and mental test for him. Despite intensive preparation and successful training, he was unable to perform optimally in the final. Now, a year later, he is hungry for revenge.
I’ve been working all year to come back and show what I’m really capable of. I’ll be back!
Clemens Kaudela
The mindset of a champion – Clemens Kaudela’s will, courage, and ambition
Clemens’ career has been characterized by exceptional stamina and an unwavering passion for the sport. After a serious injury and subsequent operation, it took him two months to get back into competition mode.
The feeling of success after such an intense challenge is indescribable. Success feels much more intense when you’ve fought hard for it.
Clemens Kaudela
The slow return to small successes – such as pain-free training – was essential for him to rebuild his self-confidence. His experiences have shown him how important it is to learn from setbacks.
It’s just part of getting up after a fall, shaking off the dust and carrying on. These moments show me that I’m ready.
Clemens Kaudela
Clemens inspires with his tireless determination, his mindset and his irrepressible will to face any challenge, making him a role model for many athletes and entrepreneurs.
Inspired by Arni for his comeback
Clemens sees Arnold Schwarzenegger as his greatest idol and strives to realize his own “American Dream”.
It would be my biggest dream if Arnold would sign my helmet. His story and his perseverance are an inspiration to me.
Clemens Kaudela
After his spectacular debut last year, in which he caused a worldwide sensation as a Rampage newcomer with the most daring jump of the entire competition, Clemens has proven that he is one of the most innovative and risk-taking riders on the scene. But Clemens’ ambition goes beyond the competition. He not only wants to conquer the Rampage, but also inspire a new generation of freeriders with his knowledge and experience.
Strategic preparation and trail design – every detail matters
For this year’s Rampage, Clemens has intensified and meticulously planned his preparations. One of the biggest challenges is course design, as participants only get a clear view of the terrain once they arrive. On “Day Zero,” the planning begins, followed by course construction on “Day One.” His years of experience in trail building, combined with advanced measuring technologies, give him a significant edge.
The biggest challenge is designing lines that push me but don’t overwhelm me. I can immediately assess whether a line will work or needs adjusting.
Clemens Kaudela
Key success factors: strong team, excellent gear, and a disciplined nutrition plan
A strong and well-synced team is crucial for Clemens. Equally important to him is the right gear, nutrition, and supplements.
It’s important to have a team of people who have a sense of humor and don’t take themselves too seriously. We’re currently using taurine powder to improve focus and maintain a balance between energy and calm.
Clemens Kaudela
One essential aspect of his success is his ability to reflect and adapt. He has learned that keeping training at an optimal level without overloading is critical.
From freeride athlete to internationally recognized self-made entrepreneur
Beyond his success as a mountain biking pro, the 34-year-old from the Weinviertel has also established himself as an entrepreneur and master trail builder in the international freeride scene. Among other achievements, he was flown in to design and implement the course for the legendary Dark Fest in South Africa.
My goal has always been to design the best courses. The experiences and knowledge from my athletic career help me get the most out of every trail and perfect it in detail. The combination of my love for the sport and my passion for trail building makes participating in Rampage the biggest dream of my life.
Clemens Kaudela
I’ve built up an extensive database over the years and planned and executed many extreme trails around the world. I measure the courses with precision, which gives me an early understanding of what’s possible at Red Bull Rampage. This entrepreneurial experience gives me a clear advantage in both planning and execution,
Future visions and long-term goals
After Rampage, Clemens has big plans. Although he plans to continue competing, he sees his long-term future in expanding his business.
I want to focus more on my construction company and build great trails for the youth, giving them new opportunities.
Clemens Kaudela
Motivation and influence on the next generation
Clemens’ story is inspiring not only for sports enthusiasts but also for young entrepreneurs and people in all walks of life. His message to those facing challenges or fearing failure is clear:
No goals are too big, and setbacks are part of the process. It’s about moving forward and improving step by step.
Clemens Kaudela
Clemens emphasizes that he wants to share his experiences and motivate others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles along the way.
Clemens aims to be a motivator for the younger generation.
It’s incredibly motivating when parents tell me that their kids were inspired by my journey. I want to show them that no goal is too big and that with perseverance and courage, anything is possible.
Clemens Kaudela
This message isn’t just for young athletes but also for entrepreneurs and those facing challenges in everyday life.
Clemens Kaudela – Who Is he?
- Name: Clemens Kaudela, known as “C-Dog” or “The Minister”, “Self-Made Star of the Freeride Scene”
- Age: 34
- Origin: Unterstinkenbrunn, Lower Austria, Austria
- Profession: Trail builder and extreme athlete
- Main disciplines: Dirtjump, Freeride, Slopestyle, Mountainbike
- Primary occupation: Trail builder, entrepreneur
Career & Background
Clemens Kaudela began his mountain biking career at a young age. On May 4, 2002, then eleven-year-old Clemens competed in his first mountain bike race in Vienna, launching his athletic career. “My dad promised me a new bike if I finished in the top three,” Clemens recalls. He came in second and earned his first full-suspension bike. At the age of twelve, he watched Red Bull Rampage live for the first time and immediately knew: “That’s where I want to go.”
Although his gently rolling hometown in the Weinviertel wasn’t the most ideal training ground for a successful downhill rider, Clemens developed his skills in slopestyle and ultimately found his true passion in freeride. Through hard work and unwavering determination, he has established himself in the scene and built an impressive career.
Notable Achievements:
- 2010: 10th place at Air Strike at Dakine Freeride Festival
- 2013: 3rd place at Adidas Ride The Sky (POL)
- 2016: Highest Air at Nine Knights
- 2017 & 2019: DarkFest Rider of the Week
- 2022 & 2023: 1st place Speed & Style, Free to Be, Trailland Miesenbach
- 2023: First Austrian at Red Bull Rampage