Central Florida is winning an all-new roller coaster when the wild and eccentric Red Bull event lands in Alta Monte Springs only on September 1st.
The Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster offers an interesting and twisted sight that includes a decorated bike and a pair of riders navigating a track filled with obstacles on either side with water. The event will use Crane Roost Park on September 27th with an estimated 30,000 attendees.
“For the first time, Red Bull’s tandem roller coaster is coming to the US. We are honored to have chosen Alta Monte Springs as the launch site for this refreshing, high-energy, highly creative event.” “Whether you’re a competitor, a fan, family, or a first-time visitor, we’re thrilled to be part of a day filled with laughs, adoration and excitement.”
The bike-focused challenge began in 2023 in the Netherlands under the name Stalen ROS. Dozens of competitors went across the street, navigating obstacles like drawbridges and cobblestones, combining artistic design with cycling skills.
Following the success of several European productions, including “Colomolo” in Prague, “Sattelfest” in Germany, “Tandem Kapen” in Sweden, and “Vell” in Belgium, Red Bull saw an opportunity to bring the event to the government of the state.
“It’s about fun and showmanship. There’s a bit of competitiveness, but I think it’s mainly about fun,” said Guenther Oka, a professional wakeboarder based in Orlando and Red Bull athlete. “Getting a bike from point A to point B without falling into the water seems to be a team’s number one prize, but I think there’s an interesting leak along the way.”
The Orlando roller coaster-inspired track rendering shows two humps right after the launch pad, followed by curved balms and drops. The finish line and victory bell sit right next to the water tunnel.
Jay Zenbower, chairman of the Seminole County Commission, said the event was an opportunity for economic impact in the county and an exciting event for the community.
“Seminole County has built a national reputation for sports tourism and outdoor adventure. We are known for its world-class sports facilities, miles of scenic trails and a community that embraces bold ideas. Red Bull’s tandem roller coaster fits it perfectly. “For events like this, people stay in hotels, or go to restaurants and happy hours throughout the weekend. This helps our business during the hot season and doesn’t have many people visiting here.”
Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, said the event will add to the growing tally of sporting events that bring visitors and tourist dollars to Seminole County.
“If we look at our activities in Seminole County over the past decade, we’ve had over 800 events with 1.6 million visitors and an economic impact of over $370 million,” he said. “We are extremely proud that many sports organizations, including FIFA, NCA, WWE, and MLS, have held events in Seminole County, and we are truly proud to be able to add Red Bull to our portfolio.”
The application is open for competitor pairs until August 15th. Approximately 40 teams will be selected based on the roller coaster themed bike and costume design. According to the Red Bull website, “The craziest and most creative riders get their place at the starting line.”
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