Excitement grows ahead of Red Bull Hardline show at Maydena

‘Sick’. That’s how champion Australian mountain bike free-rider Remy Morton summed up the building atmosphere at Maydena Bike Park, ahead of the Red Bull Hardline event.

Remy Morton performs during practice at Red Bull Hardline in Maydena Bike Park. Picture: Graeme Murray

“Sick”.

That’s how champion Australian mountain bike free-rider Remy Morton summed up the building atmosphere at Maydena Bike Park, where the world’s best male and female riders have gathered for the international Red Bull Hardline event.

Morton, a Queenslander now based in New Zealand, said he had visited Maydena on a few previous occasions, but what he had seen of the new track built especially for the event was truly impressive.

Not only does the new course boast numerous hair-raising jumps suitable for only the world’s best, but linking tracks that are also not for the faint hearted.

Matt Jones performs during practice at Red Bull Hardline in Maydena Bike Park. Picture: Graeme Murray

“The jumps don’t actually scare me too much, it’s more the tracks in between which do not get shown as much but are pretty full-on to ride,” Morton said.

“Altogether, the track is very difficult.

“Generally in a downhill race there are jumps, but not at this scale.

“And that’s what makes Hardline special, being a mix of freeride events and a racetrack.

“And this brings a variety of riders in.

“Some of the freeride dudes have more experience with jumps but not so much of the other stuff. So it’s a good combo.”

Morton said that the last time he was in Maydena, the new track was still bushland, so it was impressive what had been achieved in a short time ahead of the event which is being held outside the UK for the first time in its 10-year history.

Remy Morton practices at for the Red Bull Hardline at Maydena Bike Park. Picture: Graeme Murray

The 25-year-old said that he had been able to complete around eight practice laps in the past few days, sharpening his skills for when the two-day competition kicks off on Friday.

“I’ve ticked everything off now so I’m pretty happy,” he said.

“You’re always a bit scared the first few times, so it’s quite nice going up now and not being too worried.”

Morton said the unique nature of the event, which includes a communal “glamping” village for athletes, had resulted in an atmosphere that was more relaxed and less competitive than a usual big-time meet.

And whatever lessons he can gain from riding against the best in the world will be a bonus, he said.

Remy Morton, right, relaxes during Red Bull Hardline in Maydena Bike Park. Picture: Dan Griffiths

“It’s pretty sick having such a cool atmosphere where there’s no real competition and where everyone is so supportive,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it all, but am more here to just have a good time riding with everyone, have the whole experience, and get amongst it.

“But I am really excited for the race, and I think it will be awesome for all the spectators to watch.

“They have really pulled together a good build here.”

David Perez Nanni at Maydena Bike Park. Picture: Graeme Murray

Red Bull Hardline is considered one of the world’s toughest mountain bike events, drawing thousands of spectators every year and reaching a global audience of 40 million viewers.

The Tasmanian event represents the first time it has been held outside of the Dyfi Valley in Wales, with Maydena Bike Park managing director Simon French and his team spending the past three months building and preparing.

Up to 15 locally based staff were employed during the construction phase, with another 5 signed up to deliver a sellout event which will attract more than 5000 spectators.

Athletes pose for a photograph at Red Bull Hardline in Maydena Bike Park. Picture: Dan Griffiths