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Dare I say it, he will outperform Troy this year and I'm Brosnan's biggest fan.
That's a tough call.. Troy is typically one of the most consistent guys..
While I don’t expect kiefer to backtrack. It’s not uncommon for a guy like that to backtrack a bit after their breakout season.
Hope Troy doesn’t put too much pressure on himself. I know he can’t pop out a kid before every round but I feel like when the dude is happy and relaxed is when he is most dangerous. And I’d really like for him to have a competitive overall and a few more wins before he hangs it up. Been a favorite for a looooong time now.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/theo_erlangsen/3866863573310463551?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=cmRkdXQ2amE5bzBt
Jack Moir, Theo Erlangsen, and Brendan Fairclough are in Korea. Check the stories while you can!
@leehyun_271 is part of the build crew so keep an eye on his feed too. He had video of Brendog sending a section earlier.
Don't get me wrong, whenever troy is on course I'm going to wake my whole family up when I'm yelling at the TV at 2am watching it live.
But Keifer just has something about him, getting some young Bruni vibes. Looks like he is just out for a trail ride until you see the split go green.
Then add Fabian in his corner, a dialed bike and youth..... it's all coming up Millhouse.
2026 UCI Enduro Open category racing the exact same course as the World Cup riders, thats a great move from the shortened version they had previously.
Very much agree, basically it's the same race with just some new categories
big wigs in france via Fast AF - Col de Bes
He outperformed Troy last year with a good margin
Troy 6th vs Henri’s 10th overall in 2025 seems to contradict that thought.
Brosnan missed fewer finals (1). Kiefer missed more (5), but was often faster. Brosnan had 1 podium, Kiefer had 4 (5 top 5 vs 2). So If Kiefer had been a bit more consistent in making finals, he would have been way up in the overall.
Troy has always been a consistent guy.. Henri is still young and learning... Should be fun watching him progress this season..
Henri just had a DNS at MSA scewing his overall, he had 4 top 3's last year, troy would trade his 2025 season for Henri's in a heartbeat.
Hard MTB League qualifier roster announced
HARD MTB LEAGUE ANNOUNCES FULL RIDER ROSTER FOR 2026 QUALIFIER
38 Athletes from Across the Globe Set to Compete in Boise, Idaho on May 23
BOISE, IDAHO – Hard MTB League has finalized the rider field for the 2026 Open Qualifier, set for May 20–23 in Boise, Idaho. Thiry-eight athletes representing downhill, enduro, freeride, slopestyle, and cross-discipline backgrounds will line up to compete across four disciplines: Downhill, Tech Climbing, Raw Slalom, and Tech Rhythm.
The field reflects the breadth of what Hard MTB League was built to find: riders who don't specialize in one lane, but can hold their own in all of them.
"This is the most diverse, highest-caliber field we've put together," said Braydon Bringhurst, Hard MTB League Founder. "World Cup downhillers, freeride legends, enduro specialists, and rising talent — all on the same course, same day. That's what makes this format unique. You can't fake versatility. I am very thankful to every single rider that is coming out and willing to be part of this."
2026 QUALIFIER RIDER FIELD
Men
Alfie Stephens · Austin "Bubba" Warren · Bas Van Steenbergen · Ben Emeleus · Boston Bryant
· Cam Lukens · Cameron Joye · Cody Johnson · Cody Kelly · Connor Casler · Dakoda Osusky ·
Devin DeBruhl · Eddie Reynolds · Jonathan Simek · Kyle Strait · Luca Cometti · Lucas DeDora
· Max Clark · Merrick Otto · Mitch Ropelato · Nik Nestoroff · Phil Atwill · Rome Lakai Winnie
· Stephen Cooper · Tegan Cruz · Tommy Zula · Tristan Lemire · Wes Lukens
Women
Amy Shenton · April Zastrow · Ffion Pickstock · Jade Paikea Savage · Jordy Scott · Julie Colk ·
Kailey Skelton · Madeline (Maddie) Lloyd · Mayumi Wakefield · Mckenna Merten · Olivia
Silva · Sophie Allen
The 2026 field brings together riders from every corner of the sport. Defending champions Tegan Cruz and Kailey Skelton return to the start line, joined by freeride icons Kyle Strait and Bas Van Steenbergen, World Cup veteran Phil Atwill, enduro and multi-discipline athletes from across North America, and international riders whose travel to Boise is supported by the League's Global Travel Awards program.
Hard MTB League tests riders across four disciplines in a single unified competition — Downhill Gnar, Tech Climbing, Raw Slalom, and Tech Rhythm — in a spectator-friendly format where all the action stays visible. The format rewards complete riders, not specialists. Downhill skill matters. So does climbing. So does rhythm and technical precision on the slalom course. The athlete who can put it all together walks away with a spot in the Hard MTB League Finals (October 21–24, 2026) and a shot at the $125k+ prize purse.
About Hard MTB League: Hard MTB League is the ultimate test of complete mountain biking ability. Founded by professional rider and filmmaker Braydon Bringhurst in 2023, Hard MTB fills a void in the sport by crowning riders who can do it all—climb, descend, jump, and navigate technical terrain at the highest level. While traditional competitions force specialization into strict disciplines, Hard MTB League celebrates versatility, pushing modern trail bikes and their riders to the absolute limit in a spectator-friendly format where fans witness every moment of the action. The league debuted as a Pro Invitational in 2024, showcasing elite athletes alongside community events that welcome riders of all abilities. Hard MTB League is the next evolution of competition—where the most complete all‑around rider shows what mountain biking is truly capable of.
For more information about the 2026 Hard MTB Challenge series, visit www.hardmtbleague.com/pressroom and follow @hardmtbleague on social media.
Media Contact: Scott Hart at Hard MTB League scott@hardmtbleague.com
Phil Atwill is an AWESOME addition to hard league
Henri missed the finals in Poland, Val di Sole, Andorra, Les Gets and dns’d MSA. Podiumed when he was on it though and agree a W is coming.
It's almost like they went "let's make a competition Phil Atwill would win and then see if he wants to fly over from Greece."
I love watching him ride and I think he's a great get for the series. I was already planning to watch but now I'm extra curious to see how Phil, Luca Cometti, Kyle, Eddie, and Tegan (as well as everyone else but those are the first names that jumped out) adapt to the courses and figure it all out.
Stoked!!
Plus umbrella gate for Keifer at Loudenvielle!
Hardline BC confirmed for Cypress Mountain on October 17!!! So stoked for this!
link to their site for hardline BC and PR below - https://www.redbull.com/ca-en/events/red-bull-hardline-british-columbia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RED BULL HARDLINE SET TO MAKE CANADIAN DEBUT ON OCTOBER 17, 2026
Cypress Mountain, British Columbia to Host the World’s Toughest Downhill Mountain Bike Race
April 9th, 2026 – Vancouver, Canada: For the first time ever, known as the world’s toughest downhill mountain bike race, Red Bull Hardline, will debut in Canada at Cypress Mountain, British Columbia. This invitation only competition will see the world’s top male and female riders come to Vancouver’s North Shore, often hailed as the birthplace of freeride mountain biking. This world class location is known for its steep and technical terrain and will see some of the boldest riders from around the world compete for the first title of Red Bull Hardline British Columbia on October 17th, 2026.
Although a new location is added this year, Canadian riders are no strangers to Red Bull Hardline, highlighted by local athletes Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet. Gracey recently set records marking back-to-back victories at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania and makes her the first woman ever to win two Red Bull Hardline events, after making history as the inaugural women’s champion in 2025. While Jackson claimed his first title of Red Bull Hardline in 2022 and more recently won the 2025 UCI Downhill World Cup Overall title.
This world class event was conceived in 2014 by Dan and Gee Atherton to create the world's most challenging downhill mountain bike race, pushing beyond the limits of traditional World Cup tracks. Situated in the Welsh Dyfi Valley, the event originated from the brothers' desire to race on "gnarlier" terrain, featuring massive gaps, steep rock gardens, and technical, natural features. After celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, it added a second race in Australia at the iconic Maydena Bike Park in Tasmania.
Canadians Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet have already been working closely with the Atherton brothers to design the Red Bull Hardline course design at Cypress Mountain. This unforgettable line will be incomparable to other downhill bike courses with elements borrowed from dirt jumping and BMX that are not allowed in the World Cup and other UCI races. These include massive jumps and gaps, steep drops of 10m plus, 'rock gardens', and steep descents. “After walking the future Red Bull Hardline track, I’m pretty intimidated but excited, I think this will be the best one yet.” said Gracey Hemstreet. “Everyone’s going to be so stoked, and the crowd is going to be huge. Bringing Red Bull Hardline to Canada is something everyone has wanted, and it’s super exciting it’s finally happening.”
While Red Bull Hardline British Columbia will make its debut in 2026, Red Bull Hardline Wales will return in 2027 with a completely new track, continuing the event’s evolution and building on more thana decade of progression. This Canadian race will be the third location that Red Bull Hardline has expanded to, showcasing why Canada is one of the best places to continue pushing downhill mountain biking. Dan Atherton expressed his enthusiasm after his first scout of the location in the fall of 2025: “Red Bull Hardline has grown so much over the years and Cypress is the perfect place to push this to the next level and see the race grow even further.”
Red Bull Hardline British Columbia will debut at Cypress Mountain on October 17, 2026. For more information, visit redbull.com/hardline and join the conversation with @RedBullCanada. You can also rewatch Red Bull Hardline races on Red Bull TV or Red Bull Bike YouTube.
About Red Bull Hardline
Hard by name, hard by nature, Red Bull Hardline isn’t for the fainthearted. Hailed as the toughest and most progressive downhill mountain bike race in the world, Red Bull Hardline returns to Tasmania and the hills of Dyfi Valley in the north of Wales in 2025. The intense course, built by Dan Atherton, combines tricky technical downhill features with huge freeride-style jumps. Red Bull Hardline is two stand-alone events. It is not a series.
I probably haven’t been up Cypress in 15 years and of all the days to randomly go up there to teach my son to drive stick in the parking lot…. lol
Do any Welsh or Tassie people have a ballpark on prices to spectate? Do I need to reserve early? Trying to drag my ass out there
Posted up a podcast with Matt Thompson and Steve Wentz discussing Masters World Champs DH this year. Matt won his class and Wentz Top 10'd. Old people unite
Check Matt's insta post here - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWhDvTVDv6U
Can't wait to listen. Matt and Steve are always a great listen. Matt said his "race craft was REAL rusty," so I'm obviously excited to listen to and savor his suffering, mistakes, and foibles.
The Vancouver hardline is going to be bonkers. You can take a city bus to Cypress. Compare this to tassie or even the wales site where you had to either make a big flight or drive a long way. They could literally have every inch of the course covered with people if they want.
What a treat for us west coasters. Never could pull the trigger on flying to watch a WC on the east coast, now we have WC Whistler and a hardline in the same year.
Fresh B Practice is live! - https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/daks-setup-getting-out-there-vitals-b-practice-podcast
With how much stuff has launched the past week, I honestly don't remember what we talked about last Thursday when we recorded. I just remember it being fun catching up 👍
PR from Whoop about World Cup rider career numbers
9th April 2026 – The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is less than a month away and all 40 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams and riders have been confirmed for what’s set to be a thrilling 14-round season.
But amongst the new team line-ups and kit reveals, lies another set of key updates to spotlight: the UCI International Elite Numbers and a brand-new way to present and celebrate the overall leaders throughout the season.
UCI INTERNATIONAL ELITE NUMBERS: HOW THEY WORK AND WHAT THEY REPRESENT
Introduced at the start of last season as part of a broader set of reforms across the sport aimed at helping teams build greater value, career numbers were brought in to add a sense of legacy to the competition. They help strengthen rider identities, bring fans closer to the athletes, and are quickly becoming an integral part of each WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round, making it easier to spot at a quick glance who’s battling it out at the front of an Endurance race or laying down an impressive race run in the Gravity formats.
Only Elite riders who had earned the privilege by winning a round of their respective UCI World Cup (Cross-country Olympic, Cross-country Short Track, Downhill or Enduro) were invited to select a UCI International Elite number (2–999). Ahead of the 2025 season, riders were ranked in order based on the number of UCI World Cup wins in their respective formats, with the rider with the most wins getting to select their number first.
As the 2025 series played out and riders picked up their first UCI World Cup wins, they were also rewarded with getting to choose their career numbers, as seen with Slawomir Lukasik (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team) selecting 5 in the UCI Enduro World Cup or Gracey Hemstreet (Norco X adidas Race Division) picking 17 in the UCI Downhill World Cup. Cross-country rider Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing) also selected the number 321 after his first UCI World Cup win at the 2025 season finale in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada.
WHO GETS TO USE THE NUMBER ONE PLATE?
While there are 998 potential numbers for riders to choose from, the number 1 plate is reserved for the current leader of each format’s UCI World Cup standings. In the instance where the rider leading the series also has a unique career number, the number 1 plate will supersede the career number.
In a change from past seasons when overall leaders wore a distinct red or green number 1 jersey depending on the format, this year’s leaders will continue to race in their standard team kits or UCI World Champion, Continental Champion or National Champion jerseys but with the number 1 added.
In addition to this, overall leaders will be presented with a commemorative number 1 plaque during the podium ceremonies. This update is designed to maximise visibility for teams and enhance their brand building opportunities throughout each event.
THE FULL LIST OF CAREER NUMBERS
DOWNHILL
Men
2. Loris Vergier (COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF by Riding Addiction)
3. Troy Brosnan (Canyon DH Racing)
4. Amaury Pierron (COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF by Riding Addiction)
5. Danny Hart (Norco X adidas Race Division)
6. Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
7. Aaron Gwin (Frameworks / TRP)
8. Ronan Dunne (Mondraker Factory Racing DH)
9. Benoit Coulanges (Scott Downhill Factory)
11. Reece Wilson (AON Racing)
13. Greg Minnaar (Norco X adidas Race Division)
15. Matt Walker (Trek - Unbroken DH)
17. Jordan Williams (Specialized Gravity)
18. Luke Meier-Smith (Giant Factory Off-Road Team – DH)
22. Rémi Thirion (Giant Factory Off-Road Team – DH)
23. Laurie Greenland
25. Martin Maes (Orbea / FMD Racing)
29. Loïc Bruni (Specialized Gravity)
51. Thibault Dapréla
66. Andreas Kolb (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
88. Alex Fayolle
99. Finn Iles (Specialized Gravity)
100. Oisin O’Callaghan (Trek - Unbroken DH)
256. Samuel Blenkinsop
Women
4. Camille Balanche
7. Myriam Nicole (COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF by Riding Addiction)
11. Valentina Höll (Commencal Schwalbe by Les Orres)
12. Marine Cabirou (Canyon DH Racing)
17. Gracey Hemstreet (Norco X adidas Race Division)
57. Tahnée Seagrave (Orbea / FMD Racing)
81. Eleonora Farina (MS-Racing)
96. Nina Hoffmann (Santa Cruz Syndicate)
Wonder if we'll see Greg back in between the tape.
This is cool...should be a lot easier to watch practice videos and know who we are looking at! Will you all update when the rest of the field fills-in?
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