Video: Red Bull Hardline 2014

Nov 25, 2014
by Red Bull Bike  


Back in September of this year some of the world’s best mountain bike riders descended on a small part of the Mid-Wales countryside to ride one of the most difficult downhill mountain bike runs ever created. This, is Red Bull Hardline...

Take a run down the course with creator, Dan Atherton.

Qualifying

Red Bull Hardline 2014

Finals

Red Bull Hardline 2014

For more Red Bull related content visit Red Bull Bike.


Mentions: @redbullbike @GTBicycles



Author Info:
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Member since Jun 28, 2012
634 articles

153 Comments
  • 285 1
 I can do all of that last grass section.
  • 37 2
 you should sign up for next year's Pinnicle DH race! Wink jk its gonna be much better next year. I hope more events like this Hardline will happen. soo hawt.
  • 3 1
 Pinnacle was actually the most fun race I did all year, it was way gnarlier than it looked on Mick's helmet cam
  • 3 0
 Yes, PINNACLE did not get the credit it deserved. The bomb holes alone would take out a lot of riders. It just didn't have the visual gnar that our favorite courses have.
  • 2 32
flag BullseyeXer (Nov 25, 2014 at 10:51) (Below Threshold)
 Haha that does not look so hard i can win them all with my Scott voltage Fr 30 xD
that line was awesome, RedBull hardline reminds me of battlefield hardline haha nvm,
is Redbull hardline a new event/race?(didnt know there was a event/race called Redbull hardline)
that place looks awesome never seen a place like that!!! Big Grin
what is PINNACLE DH race?
  • 24 2
 Ok let get real...the best way to describe riding this is 'F#ck' and the trophy for this should be a nice crown for your balls. And that being said....it should be like little league soccer where everyone gets a trophy for competing...win or lose.
  • 16 1
 If rampage was in race format..
  • 30 1
 I wanna see a Claudio Course Preview!!
  • 33 0
 Nah man... Claudio is a beast, but I wouldn't want him to go down that track. I'd really miss him.
  • 13 1
 ^ You mean you'd miss his follow cam guy because last time I checked, that job hasn't always been the smoothest. Wink
  • 7 0
 perhaps the only track that'll make Claudio focus entirely.
  • 8 0
 i wanna see sam hill race that track
  • 104 5
 Usually my desk at work is wobbly, my current hard-on has solved that.
  • 26 1
 You seriously just had me thinking about the logic behind boners balancing desks. Frown
  • 74 1
 It's so sick seeing events like this taking place. Not only does it makes great viewing, it also pushes the sport in the correct direction. The UCI will see this and see that they need to make the correct decisions when it comes to track selection etc. otherwise riders will just find better alternatives. Props to Affy for building this thing and I look forward to next year to see the progression and maybe San Hill could have an invite?
  • 49 47
 Definitely an amazing track and event, but I don't think this is where DH racing is (or should be) heading. Mostly natural, steep and extremely technical tracks are what allows pro DH riders to enter "race mode" and set them selves apart from the flock = exciting races for us to watch.
Not that a few big moto jumps, insane drops and balls-out-hyperspeed sections can't be incorporated into a good DH race track, but too much of it isn't healthy for racing. It simply takes too much caution and slowing down to hit such extreme features. Let freeriding and hybrid-events (like Hardline) be the place for that, and DH racing be about racing.
  • 5 0
 gnarly.
  • 9 0
 They should just combine this with Meribel and then make 8 tracks out of it.. That'd be great.
  • 47 2
 @Nygaard. The problem is the tracks are getting tamer in DH racing, rather than steeper and more technical. The riders prefer gnarlier tracks, the fans love it and it is good for the sport.

IMO DH racing should be able the gnarliest, steepest most technical terrain that you can race a bike on, not tracks where you can ride an enduro bike and come third (no disrespect to Gravsey)

The bikes and riders have evolved, it's time for the tracks to do the same and this is the kind of event that helps that.
  • 11 4
 Did you watch the same video Nygaard?
  • 42 3
 @kudos100, I agree - although this season did see a couple of tracks that I would call "real DH tracks". The more technical and steep, the better.

Where I disagree (with the first comment) is that THIS is where DH racing should be moving. There are already some great freeride and hybrid-events out there for the few that are actually skilled enough to hit features this massive, and Hardline is another great addition.. But it just isn't real racing anymore, if half of the track is bikepark features that can pretty much only be ridden at one specific speed without under/overshooting it.
Furthermore I think it would kill most of the racing field, limiting possible contenders to something like 30-40 riders at tops - not to mention completely killing the junior and women division. They often have trouble clearing the WC race track features as it is.
  • 3 11
flag HardtailHucker03 (Nov 25, 2014 at 9:20) (Below Threshold)
 build oversized landers then so it can be fight at various speed
  • 8 6
 They have just shown that you can have a race down it. I don't consider a DH track where you have to pedal for about a third of the track to be 'real racing,' but we have it on the world cup circuit. The best riders in the world can ride insane stuff, so it makes sense to build tracks that showcase their skills. Easier lines could be put in for those who cannot clear the jumps.
  • 10 1
 DH racing should definitely be about steep tracks, even if that means they are shorter as a result.
  • 17 7
 I don't want to be a downer, but @Nygaard has it right. There is little if any chance of a track like this being used in World Cup Racing...nor should it be. The simple truth is that while the very best riders in the world can ride this track and be challenged by it, all the members of the world cup circuit can't necessarily. In specific, I'm referring to the the women and juniors. A true race track has to be able to be ridden by everyone, just at different speeds. There are features on this track that are just plain undoable for a lot of still very accomplished racers. It's awesome to see the boundaries pushed though.
  • 4 1
 Hopefully we're getting a glimpse into the future with this race! Freeride meets downhill is mountain biking! But really, the courses that top level riders race on really should be crazy gnarly, they're not the best in the world for nothin.
  • 5 4
 A true race track should never ever ever be able to be ridden by everyone b-mack. There would be absolutely nothing for any aspiring racers to aim for if that were the case. Just being able to ride it faster is not enough- otherwise all WC tacks would be like they were years ago... there's has to be some skill factor element or it might as well be F1 where its won by whoever has the best car.
  • 2 1
 Rotorua 2006 - seeing the world best downhillers hardly make it down one section. It think from memory only 3 cleared it...
  • 8 10
 This isn't dh. It's a one line track designed to sell a soft drink. Pretty to watch, granted, but DH courses need to be natural.
  • 4 0
 No, actually. The UCI will see this and do everything in its power to make sure it doesn't happen.
  • 1 4
 Why not race seperate tracks for women and juniors? I like steep gnarly tracks with plenty of lines, if you could incorporate that with a few big features you would have the ultimate dh race IMO. Im sure the pro field would be able to adapt to the new big features.
  • 5 0
 It's not just the top Pros, but all the local hot shots who try for their chance to get a spot in the top 80. This track should be an invite only DH track - same concept as Rampage. C'mon Red Bull make it happen (only AFTER race season so no one gets banged up during the race season.)
  • 2 0
 @T1mb0, in Quebec, we have one of the most famous and oldest WC race track of all (Mont-Sainte-Anne) and I can assure you that even my friends who are accomplished downhillers have a hard time completing it, especially the rock garden sections -- and they are far from the pros' times, that goes without saying. The best, or should I say most WC tracks have a bit of everything thrown in the mix and that's what test the mettle of the best DH riders in the world; you have to be super versatile to win anywhere. When you realize that these guys (and girls) are often separated by 10ths or 100ths of a second, you realize how talented they are and how much risk they take. Go ride any World Cup DH track and you will see by yourself.
  • 2 3
 @cool3. hmmm, yeah I've heard of MSA Rolleyes
Apart from that you haven't really said anything different to what I did
  • 3 1
 I just read your comment before and your completely wrong about f1. The top f1 riders are incredibly skilled and are the best drivers in the world. Richard hammond froom top gear who is an experienced driver to say the least, couldn't even make it around the track in an f1 car. However I do agree with you when you said a true race track shouldnt be able to be ridden by anyone b-mack.
  • 1 0
 Not once did I say that F1 drivers were not skilled! I just said a lot of it depends on who has the better car- hence Rosberg had a crap race last weekend
  • 46 4
 Red Bull DH series?..wide open Vid access, Moto jumps, Extreme Knar section,..fastest timed sections and best, combined style section wins...Ummm..YES PLEASE!!!
  • 28 1
 Damn! What a teaser! I want to see about 50 riders race that course with 3 hours of coverage.
  • 25 0
 the riders taking a stand against the UCI bike park downhill circuit, long live raw downhill in its' purest form!
  • 23 4
 Insane Shit ! This Format is the Future of our Sport. Freeride Elements and Racing together. Cant get no better than this. Next Time more Riders please
  • 15 0
 that track is like the alps - just goes on and on. And we struggle to get 2min plus tracks in the UK believe it or not
  • 5 2
 maybe handbuilt race tracks but there are downhill sections that go on for ages in the UK, and i've only ridden there once. I rode down a fell in cumbria that was 15+ minutes of descending
  • 1 0
 Which fell, Skiddaw?
  • 2 0
 nah something much smaller, it was near dockray maybe about 15 minutes driving from keswick. next year I want to ride a lot there though, it's sick.
  • 15 1
 absolutely unreal. Make sure you watch Dan's POV, so that the level of your misery is abundantly clear to you, Mr. Average.
  • 5 0
 I like the couple of involuntary yelps Danny makes !! , the track is the real deal ....
  • 1 0
 where do i find that?
  • 2 0
 Its on the front page
  • 7 0
 The "OSHIT!" from Dan Atherton as he nearly comes up short on that gap jump had me in stitches. Nice to see pros make miscalculations sometimes, if only to remind us that they don't actually live on Mount Olympus.
  • 2 0
 thanks, i thought you were talking about danny Hart's vid, his is good too and also lets out a few squeals lol

here: dirtmountainbike.com/news/danny-harts-helmet-cam-red-bull-hardline.html

@yxbix @jops @hermichut @angry-sasquatch
  • 12 0
 shouldve shown it live on redbulltv!
  • 7 0
 Pinkbike has been pretty boring this last week, but this video actually made me a bit more pumped than rampage did.. This is fucking sick, I've never seen riders shred this hard.
  • 6 1
 It was an awesome experience to be involved in the build and marshalling for this event. Army Cycling www.facebook.com/armycycling heldped Dan out with a dig team and watching his vision of where a line can run and just how BIG it can go was insane. And it was sunny in Wales!!!!
  • 6 1
 Next level track, amazing. Nice work, Red Bull should create their own race seriee.
  • 5 0
 was this event ever aired at the time? how am I/are we only seeing and hearing about this now? such an incredible track!
  • 4 0
 Yeah, I don't really get why there wasn't more hype. It was certainly deserving of more.
  • 11 0
 Great to see some quality footage but the weird edited Warner commentary after the fact wasn't needed imo... There's a nice wee article in this month's Dirt mag about it too mentioning some strict 'secrecy', but I still don't understand why this wasn't broadcast then?! If it's supposed to be a genuine evolution of the DH race then why attract a big sponsor, film it with frigging helicopters and then... wait 2 months to tell the world about it?
  • 6 1
 Danny Hart kicking up dirt at 2:10
  • 4 0
 Well done Gareth Brewin. Big ups man that's a solid result in that company on that track.
  • 1 0
 Was it just me or did the commentary really not fit the event? They kept making it sound like everyone was just there to push themselves and have fun, but every run sounded like world champs. Sick none the less, that road gap was insane.
  • 4 1
 Red Bull does so much for MTB and other awesome sports,even F1 !!!
f*ck the UCI off and let them run all aspects of MTB,UCI can have Le Tour Smile
  • 2 0
 that's the gnarliest track i've ever seen in terms of technicity and the size of the balls it requires to ride. Enough said, UN GRAND BRAVO MR Atherton. You should design the WC track, i would be so happy!
  • 2 0
 Who is Danny riding for next year ? this edit proves Giant made a mistake because he clearly has massive balls and he's great to see ride. What's not to like about Danny Hart ?
  • 1 0
 RedBull SUPER PRO DH CHAMPIONSHIPS... Only the top 20 to 40 riders. That would be an epic series. Many riders are out riding the current UCI tracks, there needs to be a place for progression. This is just the beginning of the revolution.
  • 5 1
 Holy shitballs...talk about stepping it up a level, that's insane!
  • 3 0
 Are they going to leave the track the way it is right now? Are the man made features staying there?
  • 1 1
 I doubt it, its probably already torn down
  • 6 1
 Photo Epic please
  • 6 1
 hold my beer......
  • 4 0
 If it took place in September why we waited so long to see footage
  • 2 0
 Reckon the reason it was secret and 2 months ago was so that Joe Public couldn't ID where it is and be off trying the road gap on their own and killing themselves
  • 5 2
 what a bunch of twats, i could ride that on a hardtail. i'm KIDDING! that was amazing.
  • 3 3
 Thank you Red Bull!

You give so much to this sport. You gave us Rampage. You tried to give us 6 up DH racing before Pinnacle made a pigs ear of it. Now you give us Hardline (two months late, whats with that?)

I appreciate the progression you bring to the sport. I appreciate the publicity you bring to the sport. But mostly I appreciate the ability you single handedly give us, to say "HA! IN YOUR FACE PONCY ENDURO BIKES!"
  • 3 1
 Would have guess Fairclough would have done better since this is a little like rampage.., but huge bummer on his slip up.
  • 4 0
 huevos grandes.....
  • 2 0
 Big eggs? Lol
  • 3 0
 huge eggs..haha
  • 4 0
 Needz moar Claudio
  • 1 0
 agreed a helmet cam of claudio would be so epic just imagine what he would say while sending the massive road gap hahahahahhaha
  • 3 0
 So proud of Loic, so young and so much talent ! Keep it up bro!
  • 2 0
 after watching the video I was like..... I used mi bike to jump of a sidewalk today you know
  • 3 0
 Wales, beautiful track and location!
  • 2 1
 Anyone notice dan's time! 2 seconds off the win! Up yours all the people who give him a hard time... Legend of the cycling world.
  • 1 0
 I thought that too. Just because he's switched from DH to Enduro hasn't made him soft....here's the proof.
  • 3 0
 not in any way attempting to detract from Dan Aths riding. But he did build the course. Hart looked as though he hadn't seen it before the practice runs.
  • 3 1
 This is like Rampage for the Downhill discipline.
  • 2 1
 Super sick track, congrats , danny! that roadgap.........booya! Really great to hear robwarner again!!!! 5months til W.C
  • 3 0
 Need s more publicty
  • 1 0
 This is awesome. Why do they have qualifiers though? They only have 9 riders. Also is that date correct?
  • 2 1
 List seems kinda short. There are some fast freeride guys out there. Why weren't they invited?
  • 2 0
 World Cup and fest series combined
  • 2 0
 Now that's pro shit...fuuuuuuuk
  • 1 0
 Gee needs to return to rampage, with dan digging for him(tho im sure he could throw down pretty hard there too)
  • 2 0
 They should have brought Semenuk to this event!!!
  • 3 2
 i think this is one of those things that if it repeats, its going to just keep on getting better and better
  • 2 0
 insane! next year it will be called the HartLine :-)
  • 2 0
 Was sick to be there watching. Some next level sized features!
  • 1 0
 So tired if seeing flats...i hope they all run the 2chamber procore etc system for wcup season!
  • 4 2
 Dear UCI, Are you taking notes? Cause you should be!
  • 2 0
 I'll call this Rampage Racing.
  • 2 2
 At this rate, pretty soon the UCI World Cup will just be relocated to the Rampage site and they'll call it good
  • 1 0
 the track look real and also fun, so i guess it's real fun riding it. xD
  • 1 0
 Want More!! this is fucking sick!
  • 2 0
 Looks like a hard line.
  • 3 2
 i thought danny is no longer part of the giant team?
  • 2 0
 This race took place in September
  • 1 0
 Good work to all involved. This is true progression.
  • 3 1
 DANNY STAY ON YOUR BIKE!
  • 1 0
 Gee on flats in the dry? Must have been pgnarly!
  • 2 0
 The Fest series of DH
  • 2 1
 fairclough only 7 seconds back after getting laid out!
  • 2 0
 derp that was quali's nvm
  • 1 1
 Such an amazing course, and crazy features.Would love to see more like this.
  • 1 1
 Rob's quote.... "If freeride jumped into bed with downhill, than this is its devil child" ! Haha so so true..........
  • 1 0
 Red Bull has got sick idea !
  • 1 0
 What bike was Danny using?
  • 1 0
 Can't imagine why they call it redbull 'hardline'
  • 1 0
 Can't stop watching this, it's S*it hot!
  • 1 0
 Dan should desing WC tracks.
  • 1 0
 im having a muscle spasm in my right ass cheek
  • 1 0
 SOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGG???????
  • 1 0
 they need to lost the commentator god he pisses me off
  • 1 0
 Well that was amazing!…..
  • 1 0
 why there is not more pro in this ? its amazing
  • 1 0
 (spoken in that Jaws cop's voice)

"you're going to need a bigger bike"
  • 1 0
 How can danny even sit down with OO like this big!!!
  • 1 0
 Nice work Athertons. Where is Rachel, she could ride this.
  • 1 0
 Who doesn't like devil spawn!
  • 1 0
 BEST REDBULL EVENT OF ALL TIME
  • 1 0
 Epic
  • 1 0
 Sick
  • 1 1
 Wich bike is danny hart riding
  • 4 0
 he is still on the giant, he wont change until the end of the year.
  • 1 0
 Very cool concept
  • 1 0
 World cup meets the fest
  • 1 1
 Red bull is my choice of energy drink!
  • 1 0
 Now, imagine adding CG !
  • 1 0
 yeaaa more freeride!!!
  • 1 0
 Song ??
  • 1 0
 MOAR!
  • 1 0
 wow. speechless
  • 1 0
 Thats whats up
  • 1 0
 thought the POV footage was whatever, but this puts it into perspective... Bad ass
  • 1 0
 way sicker............so sick
  • 1 0
 Exactly
  • 1 0
 What a course!
  • 1 1
 MORE OF THIS PLEASE, and for next year do the red bull open wide!!
  • 1 0
 Gee on flats...
  • 1 0
 Sweet Baby Jesus....
  • 1 1
 Normal course with a big drop?
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