News Summary
Graduate student Marlena Formoso and her brother Diego showcased their creativity at the inaugural Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster event at Cranes Roost Park. Representing UCF, their uniquely designed tandem bike, themed after the university’s Spirit Splash event, captured the attention of the crowd. While they did not win, their innovative spirit and enthusiastic representation of their school resonated with the over 40,000 attendees. The event, featuring 30 teams navigating a challenging obstacle course, highlighted teamwork and school spirit in a dynamic setting.
Altamonte Springs
In a thrilling display of creativity and sportsmanship, graduate student Marlena Formoso from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and her brother Diego Formoso, a UCF alumnus, participated in the inaugural Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster event at Cranes Roost Park on Saturday. The siblings represented their team, named Sibling Splashdown, with a specially designed tandem bike themed after UCF’s famous Spirit Splash event.
Over 40,000 attendees gathered for this unique event, which marked the first of its kind in the United States. A total of 30 teams competed in a challenging 300-foot obstacle course featuring sharp turns and sudden dips over the scenic Cranes Roost Lake. Despite the tough competition and numerous challenges faced during the race, Sibling Splashdown showcased their innovative spirit with their bike shaped like a rubber ducky.
Design and Construction of the Bike
The creation of the tandem bike by the Formoso siblings required an investment of approximately $400. Materials were primarily sourced from Amazon and Facebook Marketplace, while UCF’s Bike N’ Gold provided essential labor and bike parts to assist in the construction. The bike features painted insulation foam and is constructed using PVC pipes, embodying the lighthearted nature of their design.
Event Highlights and Performance
Teams in the Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster event were judged on factors such as run time, creativity, and overall performance. Notable personalities, including former Orlando Magic player Dwight Howard, formed part of the judging panel. Although Team Sibling Splashdown displayed significant creativity and enthusiasm, they did not achieve a podium finish. The NFT Boombox team ultimately won the event with their unique tandem bike design.
Training for the event became an engaging part of Marlena and Diego’s journey, as they documented their preparation efforts in a local skate park and shared the experience on TikTok. The innovative video content not only showed their training but also contributed to the excitement surrounding their participation in the event.
Community Support and UCF representation
The presence of UCF at the Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster event was overwhelmingly positive, with a strong turnout of enthusiastic Knights’ fans cheering on their fellow students. Freshman student Emma Chapman expressed pride in the Sibling Splashdown team, recognizing their efforts to represent UCF throughout the event.
The inaugural Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster event was a testament to creativity, teamwork, and school spirit, bringing together diverse participants and spectators. The collaboration of the Formoso siblings and the supportive environment cultivated by UCF continues to inspire future events and highlights the lasting impact of student involvement in the community.
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Additional Resources
- Red Bull: Tandem Rollercoaster Debut
- Fox 35 Orlando: Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster Event
- Nicholson Student Media: Sibling Knights at Red Bull Event
- Orlando Weekly: Red Bull Tandem Rollercoaster U.S. Debut
- Wikipedia: Tandem Rollercoaster
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
