The stage is set for the second-ever Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, and after an intense day of qualifying, it’s the young riders who have come out on top. Asa Vermette (USA) clocked the fastest time in the men’s field, while Gracey Hemstreet (CAN) set the pace for the women—both proving they’re more than ready to take on one of the toughest downhill courses in the world.
With massive jumps, rock gardens, and huge drops, Hardline has once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most extreme downhill MTB events around.
The Next Generation Takes Charge
More than 30 elite riders hit the extended 2.9km Hardline course at Maydena Bike Park for seeding runs, where heat, dust, and brutal terrain tested both their skill and endurance. The 2025 track is longer and faster than last year’s, featuring an 80-foot gap jump and a 10m+ vertical drop—elements designed to separate the fearless from the fast.
Vermette, who has been making waves in the downhill scene, narrowly edged out last year’s Hardline winner Rónán Dunne (IRL) with a time of 3:19.174, just fractions of a second ahead of Dunne’s 3:19.247. Jackson Goldstone (CAN) rounded out the top three in 3:22.177, proving once again that this new generation of riders is pushing the limits of downhill racing.
In the women’s field, Gracey Hemstreet threw down a commanding run, qualifying over 30 seconds ahead of the next competitor. Erice van Leuven (NZL) and Vaea Verbeeck (CAN) are also set to take on the course, making this one of the most stacked women’s fields in Hardline history.
Top 10 Seeding Results
🥇 Asa Vermette (USA) – 3:19.174
🥈 Rónán Dunne (IRL) – 3:19.247
🥉 Jackson Goldstone (CAN) – 3:22.177
4️⃣ Connor Fearon (AUS) – 3:23.656
5️⃣ Troy Brosnan (AUS) – 3:24.374
6️⃣ Bernard Kerr (GBR) – 3:25.051
7️⃣ George Brannigan (NZL) – 3:26.493
8️⃣ Dan Booker (AUS) – 3:26.970
9️⃣ Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (NZL) – 3:27.167
🔟 Laurie Greenland (GBR) – 3:27.982
Fastest Women’s Qualifier:
Gracey Hemstreet (CAN) – 4:02.576
For the full seeding results, head to redbull.com.
Final Race Day Details and How to Watch
The 2025 Red Bull Hardline Tasmania Final kicks off on Saturday, February 8 at 2:00 PM AEDT, with live streaming available for free on Red Bull TV and Red Bull Bike YouTube. Expect huge jumps, high speeds, and chaos as the top riders battle for the Hardline crown.
Saturday, February 8 – Final Race Schedule
Event Village & Expo Open 8:00am – 8:00pm
Practice 9:30am – 12:00pm
Racing 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Awards Ceremony 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Tassie Food Trucks & Live Music @ Event Village 6:00pm – 8:00pm
For those in Tasmania, a limited number of tickets are still available for spectators who want to catch the action in person.
The Hardline Challenge
With fastest qualifier Asa Vermette looking to claim his first Hardline win, defending champion Rónán Dunne hunting for back-to-back victories, and a stacked field of world-class riders, the 2025 Red Bull Hardline Tasmania final is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown.
Will experience win out, or is this the year the next generation takes over? Tune into AMBmag on Instagram and find out.
