Amaury Pierron wins the UCI Downhill World Cup opener in Lourdes

Red Bull Hardline Tasmania: a history making event Ten years following the debut of the inaugural Red Bull Hardline in Wales, founder Dan Atherton proudly commemorated the race's first expansion beyond Wales with a remarkable event in Tasmania. This spectacular occasion, which launched the 2024 downhill MTB race season, not only underscored the competition's status as one of the most demanding in downhill mountain biking but also celebrated significant milestones, including the first participation of female athletes. Historic Event: The First Women to Complete a Hardline Nineteen-year-old Canadian Gracey Hemstreet made history as the first woman to complete a full top-to-bottom run at the Red Bull Hardline. Delivering a flawless descent, she clocked in at 3:56.586, kicking off the event's broadcast with her outstanding performance. The other female competitor, twenty-seven-year-old British rider Louise Ferguson, faced challenges with two falls during the final that kept her from clinching victory. Nonetheless, she showcased incredible bravery by finishing the course and tackling every obstacle head-on. Finishing over a minute behind Hemstreet, Louise also earned significant praise for her remarkable spirit, marking a historic moment in mountain biking. The Men's Race: Ronan Dunne Dominates, Scare for Goldstone In the men's competition, Ronan Dunne excelled on the Hardline course, clinching victory with a margin of nearly two seconds. His new Mondraker setup was a game-changer, enabling him to outperform three-time Hardline champion Bernard Kerr by 1.876 seconds. George Brannigan rounded out the podium, finishing just behind Kerr in a closely contested race. Jackson Goldstone, a top contender, experienced a harrowing fall in the initial segment of the course, which prevented him from completing his run. Goldstone, who was setting a remarkable pace, lost control of his Santa Cruz on a rocky stretch and was thrown over the bars, his head perilously nearing a tree. The crash, occurring at high speed, left onlookers and fellow competitors who had finished their runs in shock. Thankfully, the young Canadian talent managed to rise uninjured from this alarming incident, much to everyone's relief and happiness. Rankings Women 1st. Gracey Hemstreet: 3:56.586 2nd. Louise Ferguson: +1:11.826 Men 1st. Ronan Dunne: 3:08.145 2nd. Bernard Kerr: +1.876 3rd. George Brannigan: +2.876 4th. Matteo Iniguez: +4.902 5th. Connor Fearon: +5.324 6th. Laurie Greenland: +6.032 7th. Sam Gale: +6.555 8th. Sam Blenkinsop: +6.576 9th. Theo Erlangsen: +7.662 10th. Gaetan Vige: +7.699 11th. Brook Macdonald: +8.462 12th. Baxter Maiwald: +9.927 13th. Adam Brayton: +10.363 14th. Thibault Laly: +10.582 15th. Kaos Seagrave: +12.687 16th. Vincent Tupin: +13.302 17th. Jim Monro: +14.380 18th. Dennis Luffman: +17.342 19th. Johny Salido: +28.195 20th. Remy Morton: +37.462 21st. Matt Jones: +45.962 22nd. Reed Boggs: +51.417 23rd. Thomas Genon: +1:11.771 Dan Booker: DNF Jackson Goldstone: DNF Conclusions The 2024 Red Bull Hardline Tasmania will go down in history as a groundbreaking event, not only for its technical demands but also for championing the inclusion and success of women in such a prestigious competition. These accomplishments celebrate not just individual triumphs but also the sport's evolution, showcasing a competition that relentlessly expands the boundaries of what's achievable in downhill mountain biking. For further information on the outcomes and updates from the event, EurekaBike suggests visiting the official Red Bull Hardline website or keeping up with the latest on Red Bull TV and YouTube! Image Credits: Red Bull

Gaia Tormena, at only 21, has already etched her name in the annals of mountain biking history. Her journey in the sport began in her early teens, fueled by a passion for cycling and an innate talent for navigating rugged terrains. Born in the Aosta Valley, a region renowned for its challenging mountain landscapes, Tormena found the perfect training ground to hone her skills. Dominance in the eliminator discipline The Cross Country Eliminator discipline in mountain biking, where explosiveness and agility are paramount, has been Tormena's forte. She excels in this high-octane, short-format race, which requires cyclists to sprint over a short, obstacle-laden course. Tormena's ability to combine speed with technical prowess sets her apart from her competitors. The journey to Indonesia: World Championship glory In 2023, Tormena's journey took her to Indonesia for the World Mountain Bike Eliminator Championships. The event was a showcase of the world's best, and Tormena was up against seasoned competitors. Her victory here wasn't just a testament to her physical abilities but also her mental fortitude. Tormena's strategic approach to each race, understanding her opponents' strengths and weaknesses, played a crucial role in her triumph. Rivals on the track One of Tormena's notable rivals is Marion Fromberger, a formidable athlete in her own right. Their rivalry has been marked by close contests and mutual respect. Tormena's ability to consistently outperform Fromberger and other top competitors like Dara Latifah highlights her exceptional talent. European Championship: a testament to consistency Tormena's victory at the European XCE Championships in Sakarya, Turkey, was a display of her dominance in the sport. Winning her fifth consecutive title, she proved that her world championship victory was no fluke. The European Championship posed different challenges, with varied terrains and a highly competitive field, yet Tormena's adaptability and resilience shone through. Training and preparation: the key to success Tormena's training regimen is rigorous and tailored to the demands of mountain biking. She spends countless hours on the trails, mastering every turn and jump. Her preparation also involves mental conditioning, as the sport requires quick decision-making and a high level of focus. Inspiration for young athletes Tormena's success serves as an inspiration for young cyclists, especially girls, who aspire to take up the sport. Her journey underscores the importance of dedication, hard work, and a love for the sport. The future of mountain biking As Tormena continues to set new standards in mountain biking, her career trajectory looks promising. With her talent, determination, and the support of the cycling community, Tormena is poised to achieve even greater heights in the coming years.