MAYDENA, TASMANIA – The world’s most formidable downhill mountain bike race has returned to the rugged terrain of Maydena Bike Park. Today, 08 February 2026, marks the final day of the Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, where an elite field of riders is tackling a course widely considered the most demanding on the global racing calendar.
2026 Event Overview
The 2026 edition of Red Bull Hardline Tasmania officially kicked off on 07 February, with the final runs taking place today. Following a season-opening tradition in the Southern Hemisphere, the event has drawn thousands of spectators to the Maydena Bike Park to witness athletes navigate a track that blends massive freestyle-style jumps with technical, high-speed downhill racing.
Recent seeding results have set a high bar for the finals. Gracey Hemstreet and Asa Vermette led the pack during the seeding sessions yesterday, proving that the younger generation of downhill stars is ready to challenge the established veterans. Notably, Jackson Goldstone, a previous winner at this venue, remains a focal point of the competition as he continues to push the limits of bike setup and technical execution.
The Maydena Course: By the Numbers
The Tasmanian track is notorious for its “gnarly geology” and sheer scale. Built in collaboration with Dan Atherton, the course is designed to test the absolute limit of both rider skill and bicycle durability. This year, riders are reaching speeds of up to 80km/h on specific sections of the 3.2km track.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Track Length | 3.2km |
| Vertical Elevation | 600m+ |
| Largest Gap Jump | 24m |
| Largest Vertical Drop | 10m+ |
| Top Recorded Speed | 80km/h |
Latest Updates from the Track
- Seeding Dominance: Gracey Hemstreet and Asa Vermette secured the top spots in yesterday’s seeding, positioning them as the final riders to drop in today’s main event.
- Tech Trends: Observers at Maydena have noted significant technical shifts, with Jackson Goldstone reportedly moving away from certain recent downhill tech trends to better suit the unique, high-impact requirements of the Hardline course.
- Rider Lineup: The 2026 field was bolstered just days ago by the addition of three new downhill stars, ensuring one of the most competitive rosters in the event’s history.
- Conditions: Training highlights from the last 24 hours show dry, fast conditions, allowing riders to clear the massive 24-metre gap jumps with precision.
How to Watch
For those not on the ground in Tasmania, the event is being broadcast globally. The finals are available to stream live via Red Bull TV. While some regional sports networks may not carry the live feed, highlights and full replay packages are expected to be available shortly after the conclusion of the final podium presentations today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Red Bull Hardline Tasmania different from the Wales event?
While both are designed by Dan Atherton, the Tasmania course at Maydena Bike Park typically offers higher speeds and different soil conditions compared to the classic Welsh track. The Tasmanian event serves as the season opener, whereas the Wales event often takes place later in the year.
Who won the previous edition in 2025?
The 2025 event saw a Canadian double-victory, with Jackson Goldstone winning the men’s category and Gracey Hemstreet taking the win for the women.
Is the event open to the public?
Yes, Red Bull Hardline Tasmania is a ticketed event held at Maydena Bike Park, allowing fans to watch the action from designated spectator zones along the 3.2km course.