The world’s most extreme downhill mountain bike race returned to Dyfi Valley, Wales, for Red Bull Hardline 2025, delivering yet another heart-pounding spectacle. This year, history was made on two fronts: 18-year-old American Asa Vermette claimed victory to become the youngest-ever Red Bull Hardline champion, and Scotland’s Louise Ferguson etched her name in the record books as the first woman to complete a full run and win the newly introduced women’s category.
Asa Vermette: Youngest Ever Champion
Hailing from Colorado, Asa Vermette had already made waves earlier this year with a second-place finish at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania. But in Wales, he solidified his rising star status. Battling slippery post-rain conditions during Saturday’s qualifying, the reigning UCI Mountain Bike Junior World Champion posted the fastest time of 2:29.063, showcasing not only speed but exceptional bike control on one of the most dangerous courses in the sport.
Come race day, Vermette was the final rider down and had to beat a blistering 2:26.158 set by Charlie Hatton, the 2023 UCI Downhill World Champion. Vermette pushed the limits and delivered an electrifying run of 2:24.477, edging Hatton by 1.681 seconds.
“The run was probably one of the sketchiest ones that I have done all week. I’m stoked. Through the bottom, I was just pumping as hard as I could through the jumps. On top of the world. It’s pretty sick,”.
said Vermette after his win
Louise Ferguson: First Women’s Category Winner
Also making headlines was 29-year-old Louise Ferguson from Fort William, Scotland. Already a standout for being the first woman to complete a top-to-bottom run and qualify at Red Bull Hardline UK, Ferguson broke barriers again by becoming the first female winner in the women’s category at Hardline Wales. She finished with a time of 3:44.593, securing 18th place overall.
“I feel so much pride. It’s not going to take long before there’s more of us completing the course,”.
said Ferguson, hinting at a bright future for female riders in extreme MTB events
A Course of Legends
Since its inception in 2014 by British MTB icon Dan Atherton, Red Bull Hardline has been all about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mountain biking. This year’s course featured the infamous ‘Road Gap’ jump, massive drops, and technically grueling sections that tested even the most seasoned pros. Despite changing weather conditions, over 3,000 fans packed the sold-out venue, while thousands more tuned in via Red Bull TV.
The 2025 edition featured 32 of the world’s top riders, including 2024 champion Rónán Dunne and British veteran Bernard Kerr, both of whom put down strong runs but couldn’t crack the top two. New Zealand’s Tuhoto-Ariki Pene and Gracey Hemstreet, stars of Hardline Tasmania, also impressed but were ultimately outpaced.
Final Podium – Red Bull Hardline Dyfi 2025
🥇 Asa Vermette (USA) – 2:24.477
🥈 Charlie Hatton (GBR) – 2:26.158
🥉 Rónán Dunne (IRL) – Podium finish
👑 Women’s Winner: Louise Ferguson (SCO) – 3:44.593
Red Bull Hardline 2025 was not just about speed — it was a celebration of progression, courage, and history in the making. With rising stars like Asa Vermette and trailblazers like Louise Ferguson leading the charge, the future of progressive downhill racing has never looked more exhilarating.
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