Stellenbosch, South Africa – Darkfest 2024 has once again captivated audiences and pushed the limits of freeride mountain biking, showcasing jaw-dropping tricks and crowning new champions amidst the picturesque Vuurberg mountains. As the global freeride MTB calendar kicks off with this exhilarating event, riders from around the world descended upon South Africa to unleash their creativity and skill on the unforgiving terrain. Get Sendy’s very own Thor Remmerde travelled to South Africa and witness the greatness in person and bring you a behind the scenes look at the action.
The seventh edition of Darkfest witnessed a plethora of groundbreaking moments, with riders debuting never-before-seen tricks and pushing the boundaries of what is deemed possible on a downhill bike. Among the standout performances was Kurtis Downs’ awe-inspiring World First trick, the FMX-inspired ‘Nothing to double grab to rock solid,’ a testament to the innovation and fearlessness of these athletes.
Tom Isted further etched his name into the record books by successfully landing the longest dirt-to-dirt backflip over the monumental 110ft jump, reaffirming his status as a pioneer in the sport. However, it wasn’t just individual achievements that stole the spotlight; the backflip train executed by Robin Goomes and Harriet Burbidge-Smith left the audience in awe and earned them the prestigious ‘Best Moment of Darkfest’ award.
Reflecting on the event, Darkfest host and creator, Sam Reynolds, expressed his admiration for the riders’ unwavering dedication and enthusiasm, stating, “I love that my season begins with Darkfest because you start with the craziest jumps of your life. It gives you this boost of confidence for the rest of the year.”
Darkfest host and creator, Sam Reynolds, took center stage to announce the rider-nominated prizes, celebrating the exceptional performances witnessed throughout the event:
- King & Queen of Darkfest 2024: Elias Ruso and Vaea Verbeeck ascended to the throne, their mastery of the mountain earning them this esteemed title.
- Best Moments of Darkfest 2024: Tom Isted’s monumental 110ft backflip on his first drop-in, along with the captivating backflip train executed by Robin Goomes and Harriet Burbidge-Smith on the step-up, were hailed as the standout moments of the event, captivating the audience and etching themselves into Darkfest lore.
- Best Whip presented by Spank Bikes: The artistry of Dan Paley and Vinny Armstrong in their whip maneuvers captured the judges’ attention, earning them the accolade for the Best Whip.
- Best Run presented by GoPro: Bienvenido Aguado’s flawless execution and seamless flow throughout his run earned him the prestigious Best Run award, showcasing the epitome of freeride mountain biking finesse.
- Mind Bender Award presented by Kenda: Kurtis Downs’ fearless innovation and groundbreaking World First trick, the ‘Nothing to double grab to rock solid,’ earned him the Mind Bender Award, demonstrating his ability to push the boundaries of what is possible on a downhill bike.
These awards not only recognize individual achievements but also serve as a testament to the collective spirit of progression and camaraderie within the freeride MTB community. Each winner has left an indelible mark on Darkfest 2024, contributing to the event’s legacy of pushing the boundaries of what is deemed possible on two wheels.
The awards ceremony saw deserving riders recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the event. Elias Ruso and Vaea Verbeeck were crowned King and Queen of Darkfest 2024, while Dan Paley and Vinny Armstrong claimed the title of Best Whip presented by Spank Bikes for their remarkable displays of skill.
Despite the adrenaline-fueled excitement, the event was not without its challenges. Several riders endured harrowing crashes, with Dan Paley sustaining a broken ankle during one of his runs. However, the resilience and camaraderie within the MTB community were on full display as efforts to support Paley’s recovery were swiftly mobilized through a GoFundMe campaign organized by Veronique Sandler and fellow riders.
Darkfest 2024 exemplified the spirit of progression and camaraderie that defines freeride mountain biking. As riders continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, events like Darkfest serve as a platform for innovation and collective celebration within the global MTB community.
With the adrenaline still coursing through their veins and the memories of Darkfest 2024 fresh in their minds, riders depart South Africa with newfound inspiration and determination, eager to conquer the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming MTB season. As the sun sets on another unforgettable Darkfest, the legacy of this groundbreaking event will continue to inspire generations of riders to push the limits of what is possible on two wheels.
