Red Bull Hardline is coming to Canada for the first time

After years of rumours, it’s finally happening: Red Bull Hardline is coming to Canada.

For the first time since the event launched in Wales in 2014, the sport’s most demanding downhill race will expand to British Columbia, with a new stop at Cypress Mountain set for October 17, 2026.

The invitation-only event will bring the world’s top male and female riders to Vancouver’s North Shore. Known for steep terrain, technical features and a long history of pushing progression, the venue marks a natural next step for the event.

“Red Bull Hardline has grown so much over the years and Cypress is the perfect place to push this to the next level and see the race grow even further,” says one of the founders, Gee Atherton.

A course to meet the hype

If Hardline has a reputation, it is simple: always bigger, steeper and more technical than anything on the World Cup circuit. That’s not gonna change in Canada.

The Cypress course is being developed with input from Canadian riders Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet. Early impressions suggest a track that leans heavily into the North Shore’s natural terrain while layering in signature Hardline features.

“After walking the future Red Bull Hardline track, I’m pretty intimidated but excited, I think this will be the best one yet,” Hemstreet said. “Everyone’s going to be so stoked, and the crowd is going to be huge. Bringing Red Bull Hardline to Canada is something everyone has wanted, and it’s super exciting it’s finally happening.”

As the press release states: “This unforgettable line will be incomparable to other downhill bike courses with elements borrowed from dirt jumping and BMX that are not allowed in the World Cup and other UCI races. These include massive jumps and gaps, steep drops of 10m plus, ‘rock gardens’, and steep descents.”

Early scouting has already revealed a natural fall line through the forest.

“Oh, you can kind of see it like naturally forming the track,” said Goldstone. “It makes sense from what these guys have flagged, and you can kind of see the features that are starting to come to life, so it’s really cool.”

From Wales to the world

Hardline began in the Dyfi Valley in Wales, created by Dan and Gee Atherton. It was a way to push beyond the limits of traditional downhill racing. Over the past decade, it has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the sport attracting freeriders, ex-racers and current UCI champsions. It combines race…