Biker's lucky escape after fall on Powys Red Bull gorge jump

The incident happened as the event, which is held near Dinas Maddwy on the Gwynedd-Powys border, was being prepared.

According to Aberdyfi Search and Rescue the rider the rider “lost control and became separated from his bike” whilst attempting gorge jump of over 70 feet on May 24.

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Almost unbelievably the rider appeared to suffer no immediate injury other than “a brief loss of consciousness”.

The rescue team were concerned he may have potentially injured his spine and used specialised equipment to take him to hospital.

A spokesperson for Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team said: “Shortly after 6:00 p.m., Team call-handlers were made aware of an injured Mountain Biker near Dinas Mawddwy

“Part of the course preparations leading up the Red Bull Hardline extreme mountain bike event, the rider lost control and became separated from his bike whilst attempting 22m gorge jump.

“A heavy landing resulted in a brief loss of consciousness but remarkably the rider had no apparent injury. He was however experiencing some neck tenderness and was handled with due caution as a result.

“With the potential for spinal injury in mind an attempt to winch the man out by helicopter was attempted, but abandoned as the threat of downwash to the ramp infrastructure posed a risk to rescuers and helicopter alike.

“The casualty was attended by a qualified paramedic employed by the event and Team assistance was requested for solely for extraction.  This was conducted by wheeled stretcher down a steep forest track and casualty handed over to a Welsh Ambulance Service crew.

“Everyone was safely off the hill by 9:20 p.m. ​

​“The gap jump was subsequently removed from the final course format.”