The Red Bull Hardline, renowned as the gnarliest downhill event on the planet, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Wales‘s Dyfi Valley on June 1-2, 2024. This brutal part-downhill, part-freeride race, which debuted in September 2014, returns to the familiar and challenging terrain in Snowdonia, North Wales, a hotspot for mountain bikers with its proximity to the villages of Machynlleth and Dolgellau.
The 2024 Hardline season kicked off with the event’s successful expansion to Maydena Bike Park in Tasmania, Australia, in February. The Australian edition, designed by Dirt Art, features over 100km of trails suited to the extreme demands of Red Bull Hardline.
The original Welsh race, crafted by Dan Atherton and Ollie Davey, remains a monstrous challenge. The course winds through the Dyfi forest, combining massive freestyle jumps with technical downhill sections, demanding riders master both big air and technical precision to succeed. Riders can reach speeds up to 65kph, making it one of the toughest courses globally.
A significant development in 2024 is the increased participation of women in the event. Following the inclusion of female athletes in the Australian race, there is hope that women will also compete in the finals in Wales. Notable athletes like Gracey Hemstreet and Louise-Anna Ferguson have already made strides in previous events, with others like Jess Blewitt also contributing to women’s progression in the sport.
The race remains an invite-only event, with a stellar lineup of 30 athletes, including previous winners Bernard Kerr, Gee Atherton, and Craig Evans. New talent like Ronan Dunne, who recently won Red Bull Hardline Australia and the World Cup in Poland, will also compete, aiming to dominate on two continents.
Other notable participants include Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup racers like Laurie Greenland, Charlie Hatton, and Brook Macdonald, as well as freeride specialists such as Johny Salido, Reed Boggs, and Hannah Bergemann. This diverse and talented field promises a thrilling competition.
The full list of athletes set to compete in Wales includes:
- Sam Blenkinsop (NZ)
- George Brannigan (NZ)
- Adam Brayton (GB)
- Edgar Briole (FR)
- Josh Bryceland (GB)
- Rónán Dunne (IE)
- Theo Erlangsen (ZA)
- Craig Evans (GB)
- Brendan Fairclough (GB)
- Sam Gale (NZ)
- Thomas Genon (BE)
- Szymon Godziek (PL)
- Charlie Hatton (GB)
- Sam Hockenhull (GB)
- Sebastian Holguin (CO)
- Matteo Iniguez (FR)
- Jono Jones (GB)
- Matt Jones (GB)
- Bernard Kerr (GB)
- Thibault Laly (FR)
- Josh Lowe (GB)
- Dennis Luffman (GB)
- Brook Macdonald (NZ)
- Harry Molloy (GB)
- Jim Monro (GB)
- Alex Storr (GB)
- Vincent Tupin (FR)
- Juanfer Vélez (CO)
- Taylor Vernon (GB)
- Gaetan Vige (FR)
Despite the challenges, including the 2023 race cancellation due to adverse weather, the anticipation for the 2024 event is high. Riders and fans alike look forward to witnessing the incredible feats of skill and bravery that define Red Bull Hardline.