In true Red Bull fashion, history wasn’t just made. It was hurled, splashed and tossed into an action-packed whirlwind as contestants biked through the Red Bull Tandem Roller Coaster during its U.S. debut in Orlando on Sept. 27.
At Cranes Roost Park, more than 35,000 people gathered to watch 31 teams race on uniquely designed tandem bikes through a floating obstacle course inspired by rollercoaster twists and turns. Teams were judged on creativity, showmanship and speed, all while trying to avoid falling into the water.
As simple as the concept sounds, the execution made it that much more exciting. This wasn’t just Red Bull’s first U.S. event, but also the first time the course included proper curves, adding an extra layer of chaos and adrenaline to this challenge.
For both fans and participants, it showed that Red Bull — a global giant in extreme sports — has the ability to push boundaries and host events that turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Scattered throughout the park, Red Bull Student Marketeers — from colleges such as UCF and FIU, along with celebrities like former Orlando Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard — worked to make the event stroll right along, interviewing both participants, whose stories showcased the creativity that fueled this event, as well as spectators eager to see a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
The “Sibling Splashdown” team, which included UCF graduate student Marlena Formoso and her brother, Diego, was among the fans’ favorites. They transformed their bike into a giant yellow rubber duck, inspired by UCF’s renowned Spirit Splash tradition, which is a staple of the school’s Homecoming Weekend.
“My brother graduated from UCF last year and I’m currently studying there in grad school,” Formoso explained. “There is a tradition at UCF called Spirit Splashdown where students run into a pond and collect rubber ducks. The mascot for UCF is the knight, so my brother and I are dressed as knights to ride a rubber duck to honor this tradition.”
Built on a student budget, their bike was brought to life with the support of the UCF bike shop, Bike and Gold, and the UCF Cycling Team. “They got together to help me engineer and make the bike, so I’m very appreciative of their support and will be repping their logo on my armor,” Formoso said.
But beyond just designing the bike in true fashion, they showed why practice makes perfect.
“Our bike isn’t super aerodynamic,” said Formoso. “If we get caught in the wind, we might fall over. But, regarding our practice, we were able to practice at a skate park. Which was really funny because the employees thought it was funny and the people there, skating, were recording videos of us.”
Turns out, a duck on wheels was exactly what the course didn’t expect. “Sibling Splashdown” finished in 31.45 seconds without a single splash, earning perfect scores from all three judges.
But they weren’t the only ones that stood out for their originality. The Açai Rush team, led by Purple Ocean Superfood Bar’s founder Josiah Candelaria, was an impressive team that represented the local cuisine scene.
The group transformed its tandem bike into a bright purple pineapple to reflect their brand, which started as a food truck and now has two locations, one of which is inside UCF’s student union building.
“I love the opportunity to showcase our creativity,” Candelaria said. “and put our brand on display in a nontraditional way with the bike.”
Purple Ocean was the very first team to ride the course.
“I think we’re going to do amazing,” said Candelaria. “I don’t know if you noticed, but there is an actual numerical order as to how we’re going to be participating, and this is tent number one. We’re going to be the first ones to be jumping on the roller coaster, so we’re really excited about that. Hopefully we do a good job, which I think we will.”
His inspiration came from a desire for real açai bowls after returning from where he grew up in Puerto Rico. “I could not find an açai bowl that I truly loved,” he said. So instead, he created his own brand and brought the same spirit to the event.
Judged by Howard, Red Bull athlete Meagan Ethell, and influencer Zack Fairhurst, the day was packed with adrenaline, epic wipeouts, and plenty of fan support. The winning team, NFT Boombox, received tickets to next year’s Miami Grand Prix, a Formula One race around Hard Rock Stadium. So, the inaugural champions can bring a piece of Orlando down to South Florida.
But, when it was all said and done, on two wheels, through water, and in front of thousands of people, it wasn’t about the prize, but about bringing huge ideas to life, enthusiasm and community.
The Red Bull Tandem Roller Coaster’s U.S. debut showed unequivocally that the international leader in extreme sports does more than just host events. It generates cultural moments.
And this one? Well, it’s just getting started.
