Are the Italians Crazy...or What?

Coolest Races You've Never Heard Of: Epic Rise

Italians love mopeds and they love climbing hills. At Red Bull Epic Rise, competitors get both.

For those who constantly shoot for the stars, those who understand that the sky is the limit, there is Red Bull Epic Rise. A hill-climb gauntlet meant for only the most resilient of athletes, this Italian moto-party issues in a new level of competition for those who believe that living is sending an 80cc moped to the heavens. If you like overpowering underpowered machines, this race is for you.

Held annually in Italy, the rules for Red Bull Epic Rise are simple: Make it as far up the 50-meter hill as you can as fast as you can. Most competitors do not make it, with the course loaded with small ridges and bumps specifically designed to rob what little power and torque that little scooter has under it. But thousands of fans come out to enjoy the atmosphere of Epic Rise, and many even hop on the course to cheer on the beloved competitors, a group that has included Formula 1 stars Daniil Kyvat and Daniel Ricciardo.

Each team is required to build their own moped (within the specification limits) and submit the design beforehand, with creativity being the top priority. Epic Rise is like Red Bull Flugtag in that respect — it's just as much about the journey getting there as it is about competing.

The race

Each competitor is given two chances to reach the top of the hill. The official measurement is made where the rider’s foot hits the ground. The better of the two runs counts toward the final result. Should multiple competitors make it to the top, scoring will be determined by times, where the fastest will stand atop the podium.

There is no practice on the hill — the first time racers get to hit it is in their first run for the top. A small area is provided for competitors to ensure that their mopeds are working optimally before taking on Epic Rise.

In 2015, Epic Rise was held in conjunction with the GP of Italy in the Enduro World Championship in Bergamo. Fans enjoyed watching the best enduro riders in the world throughout the day, then in the evening were treated to the best of Red Bull Epic Rise.