The event, marking a new chapter for the Red Bull Hardline series, was not just a test of skill and daring but also a celebration of progress and inclusivity in the sport of downhill mountain biking.The course at the Maydena Bike Park in Tasmania was a marvel of design and natural beauty, presenting riders with a 2.3km trail that descended 925 meters above sea level and included sections that allowed speeds of over 70km/h. The diversity of obstacles, from the Baxters Highway section to the massive Road Gap, the high-flying Shark Fin, and the final 70-foot kicker, pushed the athletes to their limits. Despite the challenges posed by weather conditions in the days leading up to the event, the course dried out under perfect Saturday weather, making for faster and more thrilling runs as the day progressed.
On February 24, 2024, the Red Bull Hardline Tasmania etched its name into the annals of downhill mountain biking history. For the first time ever, this fearsome invitational event ventured outside its Welsh homeland to the rugged terrains of Maydena Bike Park in Tasmania, bringing with it a fresh wave of exhilaration and challenge. The event marked a significant milestone, not just for its new location but for the inclusion of female riders in the final, a testament to the evolving landscape of the sport.
Irishman Rónán Dunne emerged victorious in this groundbreaking event, delivering an impeccable run that secured his win against some of the world’s best. His time of 3:08.145 set the bar high for competitors, outpacing notable riders such as Bernard Kerr from Great Britain, who finished second with a time of 3:10.021, and George Brannigan from New Zealand, who rounded out the podium in third place with a time of 3:11.021.
The course at Maydena Bike Park was nothing short of formidable. Spanning 2.3km with a vertical drop of 575m, it featured elements that tested even the most seasoned athletes. From the speedy Baxters Highway section to the massive Road Gap, the high-flying Shark Fin, and the final 70-foot kicker, the track was a blend of speed, air, and technicality. Despite the challenges posed by rain and heavy winds in the lead-up to the event, Saturday’s race day saw perfect weather conditions, allowing the track to dry and speeds to increase.
A sold-out crowd of 5,000 spectators gathered to witness the event, cheering on the 27 riders who dared to conquer the Tasmanian course. The presence of female riders Gracey Hemstreet from Canada and Louise-Anna Ferguson from Great Britain was particularly historic, as they became the first women to compete in a Red Bull Hardline Final. Their participation highlighted the growing inclusivity of the sport and the breaking down of barriers that have traditionally kept women on the sidelines of such extreme competitions.
The event was not without its trials, as numerous crashes underscored the course’s difficulty and the athletes’ relentless pursuit of victory. Yet, amidst the fierce competition, the spirit of camaraderie and the shared passion for mountain biking shone through. Dunne’s triumph, alongside the historic participation of female riders, underscored a significant moment for the sport, heralding a new era of inclusivity and competition.
Red Bull Hardline Tasmania has indeed expanded the Hardline series’ horizons, showcasing the incredible talent and determination of all athletes involved. As the dust settles on this historic event, the mountain biking community looks forward to what the future holds, with anticipation for more groundbreaking moments that push the boundaries of the sport.
