Vermette and Hemstreet Crowned at Wild Red Bull Hardline Tasmania
Red Bull Hardline Tasmania once again lived up to its reputation as the wildest weekend in mountain biking, even as severe weather forced organisers to cancel the finals on Sunday, 8 February 2026. With racing unable to continue, Saturday’s seeding results determined the champions—handing victory to American sensation Asa Vermette and Canadian star Gracey Hemstreet after standout performances on one of the sport’s most demanding tracks.
Vermette’s Historic Men’s Victory
In the men’s competition, Vermette delivered a blistering run of 3:15.805, finishing a commanding 2.132 seconds ahead of Ireland’s Rónán Dunne and 2.293 seconds clear of Australian favourite Troy Brosnan.
The triumph marked a major milestone for the young American, making him the youngest rider ever to win two Red Bull Hardline events, following his breakthrough victory in Wales last year. His precision, speed and composure across Tasmania’s brutal terrain confirmed his status as one of downhill mountain biking’s brightest rising talents.
Hemstreet Dominates the Women’s Field
Canada’s Gracey Hemstreet continued her remarkable form on the Tasmanian course, clocking 4:08.534 to secure victory. Britain’s Louise-Anna Ferguson finished second, 4.84 seconds behind the Canadian.
Hemstreet’s win carried historic significance—delivering back-to-back Red Bull Hardline Tasmania titles and making her the first woman to win two Hardline events, after becoming the inaugural women’s champion the previous year. Her consistency on one of the toughest downhill tracks in the world underlined her growing dominance in the discipline.
South Africa’s Erlangsen Shows Determination
South African rider Théo Erlangsen represented the continent with determination, finishing in 4:37.721. Competing against an elite international field and navigating the unforgiving Tasmanian course, Erlangsen’s performance highlighted both resilience and progress on the global downhill stage—an encouraging sign for South African mountain biking.
Standout Moments and Awards
Beyond the headline victories, several riders delivered memorable performances:
- Edgar Briole (France) claimed the Mophie Fastest Charger award for the highest speed through the Creek Gap jump.
- Mikayla Parton (Great Britain) earned Rider of the Week, topping votes from fellow competitors in recognition of her impact during the event.
Official Qualifying Highlights
Top men’s results were led by Vermette, Dunne and Brosnan, followed by Bernard Kerr and Aaron Gwin in a tightly contested field. In the women’s standings, Hemstreet and Ferguson set the pace, with Brazil’s Roger Vieira and South Africa’s Erlangsen completing the classified finishers after several riders were unable to start or finish due to conditions.
Despite the disappointment of cancelled finals, Red Bull Hardline Tasmania 2026 reinforced its reputation for drama, danger and world-class riding. With Vermette and Hemstreet making history—and South Africa’s Erlangsen gaining valuable experience—the event once again showcased the fearless spirit that defines elite downhill mountain biking.