Craig Evans dug deep to win 2017 Red Bull Hardline in a thrilling day’s racing where the high-quality field faced slippery conditions on Dan Atherton’s daunting MTB downhill course.
The Sheffield rider was not the favourite heading into Sunday’s action with fastest qualifier Adam Brayton and defending champion Bernard Kerr looking the more likely for victory.
However Brayton crashed out in the final section, while Kerr made too many mistakes to finish two seconds behind Evans with course creator Atherton charging down for a gallant third.
“I didn’t think I was going to win at all, so it’s a crazy feeling. I had bits where I was smooth and I had bits where I was a bit wild but I managed to hold on to it until the bottom. So yeah, buzzing.”
Craig Evans
The latest incarnation of the downhill mountain bike beast over the hills of Dyfi Valley in North Wales combined gap jumps, giant slab rolls and tight wood sections.
Riders were caught out by the slippery, steep rocks just before the massive road gap with many slipping pedals and some coming off altogether.
“This year’s Red Bull Hardline was definitely the toughest it’s ever been, from the moment we started building the course we’ve been battling the weather. But all the riders who came have been amazing. It’s been such tough conditions on the course, but they all pushed hard all week and everyone rode awesome. Crossing the finish line for my final run, I’ve never felt such relief and the fact that I was third made it even better.”
Dan Atherton
David McMillan performs at Red Bull Hardline in Wales, UK on September 24, 2017 // Boris Beyer / Red Bull Content Pool // P-20170925-01307 // Usage for editorial use only // Please go to www.redbullcontentpool.com for further information. //
David McMillan performs at Red Bull Hardline in Wales, UK on September 24, 2017 // Boris Beyer / Red Bull Content Pool // P-20170925-01319 // Usage for editorial use only // Please go to www.redbullcontentpool.com for further information. //
Graeme Mudd performs at Red Bull Hardline in Wales, UK on September 24, 2017 // Sven Martin/Red Bull Content Pool // P-20170924-01994 // Usage for editorial use only // Please go to www.redbullcontentpool.com for further information. //Winners celebrate at Red Bull Hardline in Wales, UK on September 24, 2017 // Sven Martin/Red Bull Content Pool // P-20170924-01982 // Usage for editorial use only // Please go to www.redbullcontentpool.com for further information. //
