Riding the Edge: Kirsten's debut at Red Bull Hardline
Hi, I’m Kirsten Van Horne, a 23-year-old freeride mountain biker from Nelson, BC, Canada. This summer I had the chance to do something I never imagined: ride at Red Bull Hardline in Wales. It was intimidating, emotional, rewarding — and unlike anything I’ve done before. Buckle up - let's go!
From Slovenia to Wales + new Bikeday
The Hardline invite came out of nowhere. Tahnee Seagrave messaged me asking if I’d be interested in riding just over a week later. At the time, we were in Slovenia at Flat Out Days, a full 22-hour drive away from Wales.
On the way, we made a crucial stop at the Ghost Headquarter to pick up my new Poacha Pro (size medium). The playful small I’d been on was perfect for jumps and bike park laps, but with the speed, tech, and airtime of Hardline, I needed something more stable. From the first laps at Dyfi Bike Park, I knew this setup was made for the job.
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First Impressions: Track Walk
I’d watched Hardline before, but seeing it in person was a whole different story. The track walk was equal parts awe-inspiring and terrifying.
A few things hit me straight away:
The trail crew’s work is world-class — every feature is massive but beautifully built.
The bedrock slabs were way slicker than they look on video.
I set myself some goals: bottom jumps, the On/Off, and the Road Gap.
I also made peace with leaving The 90s and Flat Drop for another time.
By the time we made it down, I felt like I’d just seen a ghost. Hardline wasn’t just a bigger version of what I was used to — it was a completely different beast.
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Practice Days: Finding My Feet
Day one was pure survival mode. I didn’t touch the big features, but I followed some of the girls through tech sections, trying to get a feel for the terrain. My bike felt solid, but my confidence needed work.
Day two started rough with a crash on the first rock slab. Luckily I walked away fine, but it shook me. Still, I ticked off the Dirty Ferns stepdown and the Out Of The Woods jump, which helped turn the energy around. Riding alongside Vaea, Cami, Hannah, and Louise made the whole experience less intimidating. Having other women there, all pushing themselves, made a huge difference.
By Friday, I knew it would likely be my last day on course. That added pressure, but also motivation. I sessioned the stepdown, then with a tow from Harry Malloy, I finally sent the On/Off. That feature had looked terrifying, but once I hit it, it felt perfect.
The day ended with a moment I’ll never forget: sending the 70-foot Finish Line Jump just as practice closed. It wasn’t the cleanest run, but the rush of pulling it off was unreal. I was buzzing, fired up, and more motivated than ever.
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The Heartbreak: Sitting Out
That’s why it stung so much when I found out I wouldn’t be riding the following day. After finally finding my rhythm and pushing through the nerves, I felt ready to go bigger — ready to take on more. But with limited practice slots and safety always the top priority, myself and two of the other women were sidelined for race day.
I understood the decision, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I wanted another chance to line things up, to push further, to keep building on the momentum I’d found. Instead, I had to sit back, proud of what I’d achieved, but left hungry for more.
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Race Day Energy
Sunday brought the big show. Overnight rain made the track slick, but the riders handled it like absolute champs. Watching the girls push the level higher — especially Louise Ferguson — was inspiring. The crowd was electric, and by the end of the day, despite the exhaustion, the after-party was full of good vibes and community spirit.
Reflections on Hardline
Hardline pushed me in ways no freeride event ever has. I’d never raced downhill before, so just being there was a huge step outside my comfort zone. There were moments of fear, moments of doubt, and moments of pure exhilaration.
Most importantly, I left with gratitude — for the women who paved the way here, for the support from friends and crew, and for the chance to be part of such a historic event. I didn’t tick off everything I wanted, but I know I’ll carry this fire into whatever comes next.
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