Asa Vermette Wins Red Bull Hardline BC at Cypress Mountain
Asa Vermette secured his third consecutive victory at the Red Bull Hardline, navigating the extreme course at Cypress Mountain to become the first rider to win across the Wales, Tasmania, and BC courses. Vermette dropped in early during the finals after a difficult seeding run, setting a blistering and unrivalled pace with a winning time of 3:30.061. Lachlan Stevens-McNab finished second, crossing 2.62 seconds off the pace, while Oli Clark took third place.
Course Features and Weather Disruptions at Cypress Mountain
The event marked the first time the extreme downhill mountain bike race was held on Canadian soil, utilizing a two-kilometre course starting at the top of Cypress Mountain’s Sky Quad chairlift where riders hit speeds exceeding 70 kilometres per hour. Co-founder Dan Atherton noted the track combined natural terrain and built features, sending riders through vertical drops of up to 10 metres and ending with a kicker launching competitors up to 30 metres in the air. Planning for the event and track construction began more than a year and a half prior, though overnight rain in the Friday forecast led organizers to move the competition a day earlier.
Injuries and Disqualifications Shape the Competition
Local freerider Steve Vanderhoek suffered a broken nose and a concussion during Wednesday practice after a heavy slam, sidelining him for the debut event. During the finals, Jackson Goldstone held a 1.7-second lead at the second timing split before crashing in an awkward uphill section, finishing in 15th place. Additional riders, including Felipe Agurto and Jakob Jewett, were disqualified after going outside course markings and failing to return to where they left.
Gracey Hemstreet Dominates the Women’s Race
In the women’s division, elite and junior Canadian national champions Gracey Hemstreet and Tayte Proulx-Royds advanced to the finals after tackling the massive Hardline BC features. Proulx-Royds suffered a rear flat immediately after landing the first jump, resulting in a DNF. Hemstreet experienced no such bad luck, executing a clean run to secure her fourth Hardline win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Bull Hardline BC
Where was Red Bull Hardline BC held?
The event took place at Cypress Mountain in British Columbia, utilizing a two-kilometre course starting at the top of the resort’s Sky Quad chairlift.
Who won the men’s and women’s titles?
Asa Vermette won the men’s race with a time of 3:30.061, while Gracey Hemstreet secured the women’s victory for her fourth Hardline win.
Why was the race schedule changed?
Organizers moved the competition a day earlier from its original Saturday slot due to an overnight rain forecast on Friday.
How long has Cypress Mountain agreed to host the event?
Cypress Mountain has negotiated a three-year agreement with BC Parks to host the Red Bull Hardline.
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