Reigning champions return to defend titles at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania

Red Bull Hardline Tasmania has locked in its defending champions and unveiled a revamped course designed to test riders at lightning speeds exceeding 80km/h.

Jackson Goldstone, of Canada competes during seeding of the Red Bull Hardline Tasmania 2025 at Maydena Bike Park on February 07, 2025 in Maydena, Australia. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)

Red Bull Hardline Tasmania challengers will need to knock off the reigning champions after the pair lock in their return to next year’s competition.

Canadians Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet will be back at the Maydena event in February to defend their titles.

The first seven international riders were locked in on Wednesday for the world’s most daring downhill competition.

Those include Red Bull Hardline’s 2025 podium winners Asa Vermette, Troy Brosnan, Charlie Hatton, Rónán Dunne and Lou Ferguson.

Further riders are set to be announced with a full line up of the world’s best men and women mountain bikers to tackle the gruelling Maydena Bike Park in the third Australian edition.

The 2026 course will also undergo a major revamp to return to its downhill racing roots with a new top section built to test the rider’s technicality at the lightening speed of over 80km/h.

Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlet said events such as this added to Tasmania’s international reputation as home to premier mountain bike networks.

“The best of Tasmania will be beamed to people across the globe when the top riders in the world, along with thousands of spectators, descend on Maydena Bike Park in February. Red Bull Hardline has secured a place on the must-do list for hundreds of competitors and we can’t wait to host them again,” Ms Howlett said.

Spectator tickets are available for purchase online at redbull.com/hardline

Originally published as Reigning champions return to defend titles at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania