Bikers Take On Gravity-Defying Stunts at Legendary Welsh Downhill Course
Adrenaline-charged scenes have returned to the rugged landscapes of the Dyfi Valley in Wales this weekend, as some of the world’s most daring mountain bikers descend on one of the sport’s most formidable courses. Red Bull Hardline, now in its 11th year, continues to build its reputation as possibly the toughest downhill competition worldwide, pushing both elite riders and the sport itself to new heights.
The track, masterminded by ex-World Cup racer Dan Atherton, remains infamous across mountain biking circles. Riders are launched over yawning 60-foot chasms, thread their tyres along treacherously slick rock gardens, and plummet into sheer forested terrain—all features that demand not just skill, but pure nerve. The combination of freeride-inspired jumps with classic steep descents makes every successful run an achievement in itself.
History was made at this year’s event when Louise Ferguson, aged 29 and originally from Fort William but now living in Queenstown, New Zealand, became the first woman ever to complete a full seeding run and qualify for the Red Bull Hardline UK finals. This comes as a landmark moment not just for the event, but for women’s progress in a sport long dominated by men. Sharing her thoughts following her historic run on Friday, 25 July, Ferguson reflected, “I feel so much pride. All the girls have worked so hard over the last few seasons and it hasn’t been easy. Getting the opportunity to come to Red Bull Hardline and progress each year has made such a difference.”
In an exclusive glimpse into her approach, Ferguson revealed the mental challenge required to conquer the track: “The run is a blur. I just tried to focus on one feature at a time. It takes so much courage to hit even one of the features, let alone all of them back-to-back. The rocks were unbelievably slippery—at times it felt like a mental battle as much as a physical one.” The camaraderie onsite also stood out to her. “The community at this event makes all the difference—all the men are so supportive. It feels like there’s no divide between categories,” she said, expressing hope that more female riders would soon complete the course.
Ferguson, who recently clinched the title at the British National Championships and currently ranks 14th globally, set her sights on Red Bull Hardline with a clear goal—to complete a full run. She joins fellow elite female talents like Vaea Verbeeck, Kirsten Van Horne, Cami Nogueira, and Hannah Bergemann this year, reflecting a growing female presence at the event. Alongside them, the world’s best male downhill racers, such as defending champion Rónán Dunne and British legend Gee Atherton, prepare for a gruelling showdown in Sunday’s dramatic final.
The spectators in the Dyfi Valley and thousands watching from their screens witness feats that border on the impossible. Riders like Laurie Greenland and Asa Vermette have captivated crowds with mind-bending free-style jumps, their bikes momentarily suspended in mid-air against the wild Welsh backdrop. Enthusiastic attendees have queued for autographs and interviews with their heroes, adding festival-like energy to proceedings.
Red Bull Hardline is now more than just a race; it’s a celebration of progression, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of overcoming limits—literal and figurative. Despite the inherent risks of racing on such an unforgiving course, spirits run high, with competitors forming a uniquely tight-knit community, united by mutual respect and a shared passion for advancement in the sport.
For mountain biking fans unable to attend in person, Red Bull Hardline UK 2025 will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV and the Red Bull Bike YouTube channel from 9am BST on Sunday, 27 July, offering a front-row seat to all the heart-stopping action.
As the sport evolves, moments like Ferguson’s qualification are likely to become ever more commonplace, inspiring a new generation of riders—male and female alike—to tackle the world’s most challenging terrain. This weekend, in the wild heart of Wales, the spirit of mountain biking is alive and kicking, soaring higher with every leap off those monumental jumps.