Get ready for the ultimate showdown at the Red Bull District Ride 2026! This year's event in Groningen, Netherlands, is not just about the thrilling rides and breathtaking stunts; it's a celebration of the sport's evolution, with a separate women's contest for the first time ever. Let's dive into the details and explore the riders who will be making history on the streets of Groningen.
A New Era for Women's Slopestyle
What makes this year's District Ride truly special is the inclusion of a women's contest. This move signifies a significant step forward for women's slopestyle, showcasing the sport's relentless progression and the incredible talent that's breaking barriers. Among the six top-ranked female riders, we have a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, each bringing their unique style and tricks to the table.
One rider who needs no introduction is Robin Goomes, the 30-year-old New Zealander who has dominated the freeride and slopestyle scene. With a string of impressive wins, including back-to-back Red Bull Rampages and the 2025 Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Cup, Goomes is a force to be reckoned with. Her progressive firsts, such as being the first woman to land a backflip in an official contest, make her a true pioneer in the sport. Expect Goomes to make even more history at the District Ride, where she'll be out to prove that women's slopestyle is here to stay.
Another standout is Alma Wiggberg, the 23-year-old Swedish all-rounder who made history in 2025 by winning the first-ever women's contest at Red Bull Joyride at Crankworx Whistler. Although she didn't dethrone Goomes at the top of the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Cup standings, Wiggberg has shown that she's a force to be reckoned with, with a wide array of technical tricks in her repertoire that are clinically executed. Her performance at the District Ride will be a testament to her skill and determination.
The youngest rider on the roster is Johanna Nussbaumer, the 17-year-old 2025 Red Bull Rookie of the Year who has already proven herself on the biggest stage. With a 100% record of podium finishes in her career, Nussbaumer is targeting third place as a minimum at the District Ride. Her performance will be a true test of her skill and mental fortitude, as she takes on the oversized features of the Groningen course.
A Star-Studded Men's Field
While the women's contest is a new addition, the men's field is no less impressive. With 15 of the world's best riders, including former winners and slopestyle legends, the competition is fierce. Among the standout riders, we have Tim Bringer, the 'Hulk' of the sport, who brings an aggressive riding style to all contest runs. His victories at Crankworx Rotorua and Crankworx Cairns, along with his second-place finish at Red Bull Joyride at Crankworx Whistler, make him a force to be reckoned with.
Another rider to watch is Chance Moore, the Canadian who ran Bringer a close second in last year's Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Cup. With an explosive form in 2026, including a win at Slovakia's Birell Bike Fest, Moore is a rider to watch. His backflip tailwhip 360 at Swatch Nines in 2025 was a momentous achievement, and he'll be looking to make an impact at the District Ride.
Paul Couderc, another Frenchman at the forefront of slopestyle, is also a rider to watch. With a history at the District Ride, including a fifth-place finish at the most recent edition, Couderc is a veteran of the sport. His numerous freeride edits showcase his fearlessness and willingness to go big, and he'll be looking to make an impact on the Groningen course.
A New Generation of Talent
While the veterans are a force to be reckoned with, the District Ride also showcases a new generation of talent. Riders like Ben Thompson, Dawid Godziek, and Erik Fedko are pushing the boundaries of the sport with their technical combinations and opposite tricks. Thompson, in particular, is a rising star who finished fourth in the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle world cup in 2025. His creativity and innovation will be a highlight of the District Ride.
Dawid Godziek, a slopestyle legend, is another rider to watch. With a string of impressive wins, including the Crankworx Triple Crown and multiple Red Bull Roof Rides, Godziek is a competition master. However, the Pole has so far eluded the District Ride, with a best finish of fourth in 2022. Expect him to go all out to complete his collection in Groningen.
Erik Fedko, a German rider with two District Ride appearances under his belt, is another rider to watch. His fifth-place finish in 2017 and podium spot in 2022 make him a veteran of the sport. With a home crowd advantage, Fedko is a dark horse for the top spot.
A Global Talent Pool
The District Ride is a true celebration of global talent, with riders from around the world coming together to showcase their skills. From former Red Bull Rookie of the Year Lucas Huppert to rising stars like Dane Folpp and Kaidan Ingersoll, the event is a melting pot of talent and innovation.
Folpp, the 19-year-old Australian, is the youngest male competitor at the District Ride, but he's out to prove that age is just a number. With the FMBA Red Bull Rookie of the year in 2025, Folpp has secured a wild card spot in the 2026 FMBA Slopestyle Super League, where he currently sits seventh. His technical abilities and determination make him a rider to watch.
Ingersoll, another former FMBA Red Bull Rookie of the Year, has risen as high as third in the world. With a string of impressive wins, including the Crankworx Summer Series Christchurch 2025, Ingersoll is a rider to watch. His iconic trick links and oversized features of the Groningen course will be a highlight of the event.
A Celebration of Innovation
The District Ride is not just about the riders; it's also a celebration of innovation and creativity. With oversized features and unique districts, the event is a playground for riders to push the boundaries of what's possible. From the Big Air District to the Dual District, riders will be showcasing their skills and creativity, making for a thrilling spectacle.
In conclusion, the Red Bull District Ride 2026 is a true celebration of the sport's evolution, with a separate women's contest and a star-studded men's field. From the veterans to the rising stars, the event is a melting pot of talent and innovation, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves slopestyle. So, mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready for the ultimate showdown at the District Ride!
