Red Bull Hardline thrills as downhill cycling stars shine

Knocking an incredible four seconds off his qualifying time and fending off all 26 additional riders on track, the 21 year-old showed grit and determination on the world’s most challenging downhill MTB course.

Rising to the pressure stunningly and following his Red Bull Hardline Tasmania victory in February 2024, Ireland’s Ronan Dunne was marked as the man to beat. Handling the tension brilliantly, Dunne posted green splits at every time check and dipped under the finish arch to the roar of the crowd.

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Ronan Dunne in action at the Red Bull Hardline. Picture by Bob Benyon.

Dunne said: “I’m buzzing to be the double champ - I can’t believe it. That round was really sick. You can hear the crowd the whole way down, it was pretty wild.”

Three-time champion Bernard Kerr was a worthy adversary, pushing the track to his absolute limit and coming in just behind Dunne with a time of 2:24.327.

Junafer Munez in action at the Red Bull Hardline. Picture by Bob Benyon.

After his impressive qualifying run, Colombia’s Juanfer Munoz put on another stellar performance to take third place with a time of 2:25.234. After his stylish qualifying run, it was all business in the finals for Munoz, substituting his no hander over the road gap for full attention and maximum speed.

Rounding out the top five were fourth place qualifier Charlie Hatton who did the world champs stripes proud, finishing just outside the podium in 2:26.256.

Frenchman Matteo Iniguez improved markedly on his qualifying position putting in a clean run to take fifth place on the day with an admirable time of 2:27.502.

Bernard Kerr in action at the Red Bull Hardline. Picture by Bob Benyon.