[[{“value”:”
2026 will mark the third year for Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, and it promises to be more outrageous than ever. Building on the breakout success of 2024’s inaugural event, and after nailing that difficult second album in 2025, the Hardline returns to its home in the ancient gondwanan forests of Lutruwita. This time, the world’s best downhill racers will be tested by a longer, more technical course, and there are a raft of changes for those in attendance, too.
While the main event is scheduled for February 7-8, the festivities kick off the weekend prior with Maydena hosting the latest iteration of its much-loved Gravity Fest event, packed with racing and riding for us mere mortals.
We caught up with Simon French from Maydena Bike Park to get the lowdown on what’s new for Red Bull Hardline Tasmania and what you can expect in 2026.
Related:
- Ignition MTB Fest returns to Falls Creek for a weekend of shuttles, bike demos and espresso martinis
- Thredbo MTB Park is back for another blockbuster season this summer
- Mount Buller’s Chairlift is back! | Northside Express to spin this summer
What is Red Bull Hardline Tasmania | A quick refresher on Hardline
Hardline Tasmania has solidified itself as a worthy counterpart to the hallowed grounds of the Welsh mountains, forged by the brothers Atherton over a decade ago. Rumblings about a Hardline down under were confirmed in late 2023, and the build teams at Maydena set to work crafting a completely new, near top-to-bottom race track through the unique and mind-bendingly beautiful mountains high above the township.
The first instalment saw race favourite Jackson Goldstone’s catastrophic meeting with a tree, ending his season prematurely with a nasty knee injury for his troubles. Meanwhile, Irishman Ronan Dunne stormed to victory like his life depended on it, and Gracey Hemstreet became the first woman to take the win with a sport-defining run. Perhaps most inspiring, though, was Louise Ferguson’s insane full top-to-bottom run, despite two massive slams en route down the hill.
Goldstone had unfinished business and returned in 2025 to fend off a blisteringly fast Asa Vermette on a warp-speed, dustbowl of a course. A rock-steady Gracey Hemstreet would put on another masterclass to bring home her second win on Aussie soil, making it look all too easy.
These are hard acts to follow, but fear not, because 2026 has a sleeve full of tricks, and it’ll be even more of a treat for spectators than ever.
Related:
- Big air, big crowds and big scenery | Red Bull Hardline Maydena through the lens of Kristina Vackova
Longer + Tougher | New additions to the course in 2026
Tasmania’s Hardline course has become known for its flat-out, take-no-prisoners velocity, but a brand new upper section will mix things up this year as French explains.
“The new top section of the course starts pretty much at the summit, and features some far more technical riding, with gnarly cliff lines and terrifying exposure,” he tells Flow.
This means a few of the top rock drops will no longer feature, and are replaced with some intense tech riding sections, reminiscent of the upper portion of the Welsh course.
“Rather than just extending the course up, we’ve actually replaced quite a significant portion of the track with something that’s quite different,” French says.
“There are a lot more rocks through this section that riders will need to be mindful of, and there are some really big new cliff drops to look out for. This’ll mean slower speed for some sections, creating a point of difference from years prior.”
The track now rejoins the previous course not far above the iconic Cliff Drop. But despite the tweaks, all the iconic features Tassie’s Hardline course is known for are still in play further down the hill, and they’re all very much reachable on foot — more on this later.
“Going down the course, those key features are still there, with classics like The Road Gap and Creek Gap, along with the huge finish line jump added for last year,” French explains.
The changes for 2026 have the potential to shake up racing, as line choice becomes more crucial. We’d wager this means the door is blown wide open in terms of possible winners. But the DNA of what made Hardline Tasmania an instant classic is still very much alive and well in this track, by the sound of things, and it’s going to be electrifying to see riders unravel the new mystery.
What can spectators expect at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania in 2026?
Remember what we said about the iconic features being reachable on foot? New for 2026, those blessed enough to attend in person will be treated to the option of top-to-bottom access to nearly the full Hardline course, utilising a limited shuttle service on race days. We recommend booking this as soon as possible, as spots will be snapped up quickly.
Thanks to trails running adjacent to most of the top portion of the course, spectators can easily access their preferred area of track to watch riders blur past at sickening speeds. There will only be a handful of restrictions in the interest of safety, including the section just down from the middle of the track, which will remain closed to spectators as drones will be flying.
“As long as you’re happy with a pretty rugged hike, this is going to be a great way to spectate. It’ll be a big day out,” says French.
Naturally, this is the remote West of Tasmania, and them thar hills are rugged and unforgiving; something to bear in mind if you’re considering heading up to the very top of the hill to see the action.
“Think strong boots, rainwear, plenty of water and more than a handful of trail mix for the long hike,” French says.
Ticketing options
Also new for 2026 will be the Priority Pass, allowing for preferential parking, access to a special finish bowl viewing area and bar, and faster entry into the venue. Note that, tickets for the Priority Pass are close to selling out, but the team is working on potentially releasing more.
Of course standard tickets are also available.
Welcome news for those who want to be there to see riders take a hard-earned victory lap, or just celebrate having made it down the toughest course on earth unscathed; there’s now a huge finish bowl too. This increases the viewing area for the end of the race, and that’s exactly where you’ll probably want to be when the final few riders come through. If last year was anything to go by, this is going to be absolute bedlam of the best kind.
“We’ve made a massive increase in spectator space at the finish, so there’s a heap more room to fit another couple of thousand people,” French says.
Of course, if you’re feeling a little lazy and would prefer to watch the action unfold in the idyllic surrounds of Tasmania’s lush mountains, bring a camp chair along and post up in the finishing area. Big screens will have you covered with all the racing action, Rob Warner and Eliot Jackson will keep you well-informed, and you’ll be mere meters away from refreshments.
Who is racing? | The 24 rider roster
Refined to 24 riders, the invitation-only event promises to focus on race athletes while eschewing some of the freeriders of past years.
As of today, Red Bull has announced the full lineup.
| Aaron Gwin | Gee Atherton |
| Asa Vermette | Rónán Dunne |
| Kaos Seagrave | Théo Erlangsen |
| Bernard Kerr | Jackson Goldstone |
| Charlie Hatton | Troy Brosnan |
| Dan Booker | Sam Hill |
| Luke Meier-Smith | Brook McDonald |
| Darcy Coutts | Connor Fearon |
| Edgar Briole | Matteo Iniguez |
| Gracey Hemstreet | Lou Ferguson |
| Mikayla Parton | Jess Blewitt |
| Kade Edwards | Matt Jones |
While all of the big names from last year are returning, we’re stoked to see a strong local contingent, with Troy Brosnan, Dan Booker, Sam Hill, Darcy Coutts and Connor Fearon returning and Luke Meier-Smith making his Hardline debut!
Planning your Hardline trip | Here’s what you need to know
While the racing is the headline event, Maydena has planned out a week of good times at the bike park. Don’t just come for Hardline, there’s also Gravity Fest, Phat Fridays, an expo, social events, live music, and some special surprises on the agenda.
Seeding and Race Day
Defined as ‘seeding’ rather than qualification for Hardline, and taking place on February 7, racers will take to the course to lay down a run against the clock. All athletes capable of making a full, continuous effort from top to bottom in practice are eligible to race in finals.
Following that seeding day, athletes run through the course and complete what is essentially a race lap, which dictates their starting order for the main event on February 8. Subject to weather conditions and a host of other factors, racing is scheduled to take place from 2pm on that day.
Hardline’s unique format means that riders are not separated by age, nor are any delineations made between men or women. Make it down the track in full, and you’re thrown into the mix for racing.
Got The Itch? Join in the fun Hardline fun at Gravity Fest
If all this talk of racing has you fired up, step into our office. Gravity Fest and a special edition of the park’s long-running Phat Friday will start on January 30, prior to the full week of Hardline fun. So bring that bike with ya!
Expect live music at the bike park, and downhill racing on Maydena’s classic DH track, The Natty. Race practice will kick off on January 31, while the racing proper will take place on February 1.
Kids Fest Enduro racing will go down on January 31, while February 1 will see the Kids Fest DH Racing.
Not Racing? | Here’s what else is on at Hardline Tasmania 2026
Throughout all of this, the bike park will remain open with regular shuttles running from January 29 to February 6. However, the Lower Mountain uplift will be offline from February 7-9, and Summit shuttles from February 7-8. The eastern aspect of the bike park — essentially from Pandani to Midline, as well as Dirt Surfer — will be closed from February 2-8.
There’s also the huge expo area with major brands from across the world in attendance, featuring prize giveaways and all manner of activations across the week.
February 6 promises an exciting new addition to the event schedule, with a day of live podcasting in the lead-up to the main event shenanigans, the host for which will be confirmed soon, according to French.
As the warm-up act for the pod, there will be a Jump Jam event over on Maydena’s new freeride zone with awards for biggest whips, best style, best trick and more. The event will be open for everyday senders to enter alongside some of the world’s best riders. Plus, there will be an on-hill bar and DJ, so the spectating will be primo.
Dharco will also be hosting a Party Lap social ride. The route is TBC; however, it will start at the summit and take in the Park’s best intermediate flow and jump trails, finishing at the Jump Jam.
There’s also an evening with the best-known shooter in the game, Mr Sven Martin, for the aficionados of fine mountain bike photography. Naturally, you’d be silly to miss this one, which will sit alongside a full programme of evening events currently being finalised.
If you’re feeling a bit weary from all the adrenaline and excitement, the Maydena team may have just the medicine. We’re told they’ll have a Wilderness Wellness spa, sauna and cold plunge running for event week and beyond, so keep an eye on their website to book a slot when it goes live.
Getting to Maydena and where to stay?
About 90 minutes from Hobart, Maydena is pretty isolated, and with everything on the schedule, you’ll want to plan for a few days out there. With few services nearby, planning ahead will be crucial.
“Last year there were over six thousand spectators, and ticket sales have been strong so far, so they would hope to see more than that this coming year,” French says.
Getting to and from the race venue at Maydena has been streamlined along with accommodation, no matter where you’re staying across the week.
“Camping will be available at National Park this year, and will include a bus to and from the venue. Similar to previous years, buses will run in and out of Hobart throughout the event,” French tells Flow.
We’re hearing National Park township will have a limited allocation of 200 camp spots, but if you miss out, then your ticket will also grant some discounts for hotels in Hobart.
Time is of the essence. Tickets, race entries, camp sites, shuttles, and everything else is selling fast. Head over to the Maydena website to book your spot.
Photos: Brett Hemmings / Red Bull, Nick Waygood / Red Bull Content Pool, Graeme Murray / Red Bull Content Pool, Ryan Finlay / Maydena Bike Park
The post What to expect at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania in 2026 | Everything you need to know about Hardline Maydena appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.
“}]]
[[{“value”:”2026 will mark the third year for Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, and it promises to be more outrageous than ever. Building on the breakout success of 2024’s inaugural event, and after nailing that difficult second album in 2025, the Hardline returns to its home in the ancient gondwanan forests of Lutruwita. This time, the world’s
The post What to expect at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania in 2026 | Everything you need to know about Hardline Maydena appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.”}]] Read More Flow Mountain Bike
#flowmtb #mtb