The Year Red Bull Hardline Was Cancelled: What Really Happened? | Pinkbike Racing S2 E2

Being a World Cup racer isn't just about racing the best of the best at the international series. Riders also cut their teeth on regional races, as well as fighting for bragging rights at their National Championships, and that's not all. For the last decade the best of the best have been invited to compete at the hardest race track in the world - Red Bull Hardline. Pinkbike Racing's Thibault Laly is one of those riders. What happens at the event that pushes downhill further than any other? And how do riders reconcile their desire to succeed with huge risks of potentially catastrophic injury?
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[@tibolaly]

Hardline was such an exciting time this year, even if we didn't have the chance to race. I am keen for next year!!!

[@Marionetax]

You’re a legend buddie! Next year… it’s gonna be sick!

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

You'll do well next time. 🤘

[@Outpox]

T'es le meilleur, continue !

[@derekbaker8791]

It was amazing just to see all the behind the scenes footage. The stoke and support level between MTB racers is so rad! And PB this episode was brilliantly done!

[@Pogo69]

It was actually pretty good watching from home, despite the disappointment of no racing.

[@BenCathro]

We almost got a showdown between Thibault and Bernard in the rain and wind 😂

[@alaninman4474]

I think we're all running out of superlatives for these films 🤯 each one feels like a mini movie in its own right. Bloody amazing, I can't wait for the rest ❤❤

[@darnokregrer3575]

"Thibault is a sender" - Amaury Pierron, Season 1 🤘

[@Sai-tb1xt]

nothing hypes you up for the coming season during winter than this effin show keep it coming

[@tibolaly]

Yeeeeess man!

[@daswienerle3018]

Really interesting how divided the riders were, especially how Kade was completely against running

[@boringuserhandle]

If Kade is saying it's not safe, feels like people should be taking that seriously

[@TravisRexMiller]

Or Gee. Dude is insane and knew it wasn’t safe.

[@derekbaker8791]

@@TravisRexMiller Exactly this. If Gee doesn't feel safe (and his level of "safe" is interesting lol!)....

[@sandymtb]

Bernard came off badly in this. He’s been moving mad recently, dating a teenage member of your team and now he’s laughing at Kade when he is saying the track is unsafe and might kill people

[@tomnutting3836]

@@sandymtbharsh and judgemental when you don’t know the man and saw a tiny clip of edited footage.

[@thsaintful]

What a team of beautiful people you guys have built, and then to show it in such good videos. Absolutely wonderful.

[@EarthlyEden1]

Looking forward to Redbull Hardline in Tasmania (Feb 2024). Wyn TV put up a preview of the track being built.

[@pinkbike]

Us too!

[@tibolaly]

I would love to go to Tasmania ahah!

[@jamescleeton8440]

Another fantastic film. How you build the tension and drama while keeping genuine is something special.

[@SavageAudits]

Soppy

[@tomnutting3836]

Sleeper Co relentlessly putting out legendary content!

[@jonathangodfrey1]

Fantastic video, best thing I have seen in ages! Well done everyone ✌️

[@hectorhernandez1664]

It’s an absolute crime that every single one of these episodes are not in the millions of views. As long as pinkbike keeps making these I’ll keep watching

[@tibolaly]

Thanks man

[@brianmagee5847]

Gutted for TBo. This was a big event for his season. Beautiful coverage! Great job and wonderful film!

[@quasistoner]

Thibault, Lalyche TV, ce mec est tellement sympa, fun, cool, intelligent et talentueux. Source d'inspiration pour moi, comment je l'adore ! Et le Duke (Pete), une crème ce mec, le coeur sur la main. Hâte de vous retrouver aux Gets les potes ! Et merci Pink Bike pour la vidéo 🤘 Vivement l'épisode sur Michel (Wyatt)

[@tibolaly]

Merci beaucoup Mec!!!!

[@juliandlamb]

Another gripping long form production, Pinkbike has no peer for MTB suspense and drama. Bravo team and thank you.

[@stirfrybry1]

There is nothing I found more exciting and ego-building than downhill in the hardest terrain possible. The feeling after conquering some intensely hard and dangerous terrain makes every moment spent training worth every second

[@TheRotundRider]

Was gutted for Thibealt at Hardline. Really enjoyed this alternate view of what was happening behind the scene. Awesome video.

[@howarddavies136]

I enjoy riding, absolutely zero interest in being a spectator. This documentary was epic viewing though! So well filmed, eduted and produced. PB content is next level.

[@SuperOrcy]

when Fairclough is saying "this seems a bit crazy" you have to wonder if its not just a bit too insane to ride. Kerr came with a mission to ride and win, and would have died on a race run just to prove that it was safe to ride.

[@tbrowniscool]

There was a HUGE chance someone broke their neck... It's hard to really imagine how fucking hardcore this is on video. Glad it got cancelled this.

[@thebono2415]

Kerr said it’s actually safer because riders will actually ride slower and safer and not ride balls to the walls

[@lamefart]

​@@thebono2415then he's definitely wrong. When Kade, Brendog and Gee Man said it was dangerous then would you doubt them? It's BK's hunger for redemption vs the safety of others. Risking life and limbs for some bragging rights in an unsafe and uncontrollable situation is asinie. If it wasn't stormy then fine. He only went down during the lull, it wasn't even a continuous run.

[@montefuller4260]

BK is the man!!! No question!

[@mattaston5467]

Was in dify for a week before the race to ride some local off-piste and I can safely say the weather on the run up to the race was awful!! Was gutted to not to be able to attend the race but I do believe it would have been dangerous to run with the amount of water and wind, amazed they got as much practice in as they did! To next year 🤞🤞🤞

[@mkoneuk2012]

Great Video 🎉❤!

[@M3PH11]

when brendog is stood at the start gate going "are we being stupid? This aint gonna on is it?" you know you have a problem

[@nikolabursac1437]

Awesome spirit from the Main charakter. Maybe you should become a freeracer ore even a freerider for pink bike. Stoked on youre riding spirit

[@John_D2]

Just hope the weather is better next year.

[@xflow]

Great video! And really fantastic music. What's the background track starting at 4:00?

[@LeeHadley]

Tracks deadly on a sunny day, props to the guys that were prepared to ride it 💀☠️💀

[@alvaro6125]

this videos are so cool like you see it and you see how much effort it has cost to make it its amazing.

[@cosmikroger5049]

First on road gap! 💪 Vivement la saison prochaine 😎

[@tibolaly]

Yessss!!

[@markbrown9803]

Rampage next for Thibault!

[@ashleytombs]

Like many of us I was so gutted that hardline got canceled this year but The safety of the riders is absolute paramount hitting The cannon step up The absolute beauty 40ft after the 2 100ft doubles and the road gap is hard enough add the very strong winds on that day you will be seeing the pearly gates quicker than you think if it wasn’t for the wind the Event would’ve still gone ahead they’ve raced in fog rain cloudy conditions before can’t be hitting features this big and strong winds so the organizers done the right thing bring on 2024 and bring on your boy BKs 4 win

[@tomnutting3836]

It’s so easy to forget that Thibault is a legit badman 🙌

[@tibolaly]

YEAH BOY AHAH

[@Jimmyrush89]

Kade is a legend getting Bernard told 🤣👊🏼

[@francisdee9955]

2 Hardlines next year😍

[@jonathangraham1524]

The title of this video was so long that I didn’t even realize it was Pinkbike racing because the last part of the title was cut off

[@Danny_Transition_Patrol]

Shame we missed out, but safety comes first, hopefully be sick next year.

[@88Frank]

Thibau is the ultimate fomo athlete 😂 If someone is thinking about it, he's doing it. Wont be out done!

[@Grisseman82]

Who is the facilitator in the tent, the guy doing the vote?

[@growlith6969]

If you are putting on an event like this then you really have to ask yourself what the worst weather is going to be like, and then make B lines accordingly. On one hand you don't risk crippling or killing a rider, and on the other hand you don't waste the time of everyone who came to race. You put on the race. Safely.

[@stevenpalmer3891]

It's called hardline for a reason..... not easyline 😂

[@zac9155]

these guys aren’t bumbling down any hills

[@chuckhunter77]

Yellow Velo Gang 🤘

[@nathangilbert9943]

T and b.k fucken legends 🤙🏾

[@rarelycomments]

It was the right decision, there's always next year.

[@turdwarbler]

Hardline was brilliant this year until the final day. For me BK top to bottom run in the wind and rain made him the defacto winner in 2023. His run was just bloody amazing.

[@lamefart]

His run was staggered and during the calm parts but after that "run" the weather turned for the worse. Saw it on others vlogs..

[@BCmtb]

How about why was formation canceled? Seems obvious hardline was from rain but no obvious reason for formation

[@hazbutler]

It should just be the same rider list next year, anyone who opts out opens a space for a new rider.

[@lucadayer6076]

your the best

[@preachey]

Weather always seems to be an issue with Hardline - is there a better time of year they could run it, or is this just how Wales is all the time?

[@howarddavies136]

Wales is wet, but this year is an El Niño year and Britain has been absolutely drowned.

[@justhere4theoldskool]

If you can see the hills, it's about to rain. If you can't see the hills, it's raining.

[@toria-j]

We had a couple of months of awesome weather just before Hardline - I was laid up with a bad ankle so spent most of it in the sun. In certain conditions, the weather forecasts can be unreliable, around the hills - raining all day in one valley, dry the next over.

[@jsgratton7873]

LE LANDING IL EST MOU YA DLA PIERRE EN HAHA LETS GOOOOO HARDLINE U GUYS ARE FUCKING CRAZYYYYYYYYY

[@csread]

God came down and stopped it, to ensure Jackson Goldstone is still the champ

[@rodmcfarlane1349]

Ratboy: “I’m an old scared dad” Me: “I guess I should sign up for hardline if it’s for old scared dads…”

[@michaeldelarosa1604]

Why not delay a day or two?

[@Sheppy99]

One of my favorite events! I hope Jess bows out next year. I'd rather see her race all season than get injured again!

[@alexh.4068]

THIBAULLLLT

[@robertkoleczko3987]

That's normal people! Own balls, big like bowling balls, but the same moment you see, they still get " afraid" 🤣😂👍‼️

[@natethegreat3624]

You guys need to address what you said on the podcast

[@danieljames4584]

🙃🙃🙃😁😁😁

[@leonpeckson]

Half a continent to the east and the boys are tearing each other apart with machine guns and mortars. Here boys from many nations are happily riding their bikes together and finding that a common challenge forges a bond of solidarity even among competitors. How incomprehensible the times can be.

[@brian6speed]

As far as I'm concerned Bernard is the 2023 Hardline Champion.

[@MarioXcore1]

20:01 rat boy is unbothered

[@Rawkus919]

Whos keen for Tassie?

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

It rained.

[@tommotube]

Pretty sure unravelled is spelt with two L's

[@bhew7409]

Should have let the mad lads race, it is called HARDline. In my humble opinion BK's T to B made him the (my) winner!

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

BK got hurt last year did he not? The guys were right, you don't know WHO is going to get the shit end of the gusts during a 30 rider event. The guy in front of you could have a perfect run and the next guy could be blown into the trees off the road gap. Of course guys want to ride it but as an event there is a reason more than half said no. You don't get to choose when to go...

[@bhew7409]

@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_ last year BK had a low speed crash in the woods at the top, got back on finished, then cried because he lost (very much not a winner lol). I still think they should have let the few who were up for it go. Having said that Gee said no and Gee's... Well Gee 🙃

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

@@bhew7409 I think they should have let people take runs if they wanted but not for any kind of official race. It sucks but it is what it is! Next year will be off the chains!

[@abepto]

Bernard Kerr won that race. 🔥

[@jonathanhunter6150]

Bernard was getting bashed poor mate

[@olavsantiago]

Too many bumbles in this video!

[@PawnSacrifice]

Another great episode. Thibault is clearly such a great rider, really hope it starts coming together in the world cups for him, hope we see more of him in this season of PBR, over the next (fingers crossed) 20 episodes. Quick question on this season, given Thibault was doing the managing, what was Cathro up to? We see his everyman doing it all public image but is he really out back somewhere, being a diva, counting those sweet sweet Pinkbike dollars while he waits for his helicopter to take him away from the normos?

[@thezonemtb]

When are you going to address the statements that Henry Quinney and Mike Kazimer made about people they feel aren't worthy of posting videos?

[@kingflynxi9420]

Why should they? An off hand hyperbolic comment isnt worthy of controversy, its just typical british humour lol.

[@thezonemtb]

They should understand that a large part of their subscribers don't appreciate douchebag elitist comments and attitudes. And I don't think it was humor on their part. Then when you have more than KZbinr with a high subscriber count calling them out they may want to recognize it may cost them subscribers. So ultimately money.

[@danieljames4584]

@@kingflynxi9420 yeah sometimes when ya slightly put ya foot in ya mouth, sometimes best to leave it there just for a while, save winding people up again

[@lamefart]

​@@kingflynxi9420 typical Brit humour? It wasn't funny. That was opposite of your typical self deprecating Brit humour😆

[@9livesMtb]

Great video..annoying atmospheric 'music"..come on fellas it isnt netflix...😂😂😂😂

[@abepto]

Kade its not a racer! Its a freerider influencer, this is hardline, HARD LINE!!! Bernard Kerr its the 2023 champion!!

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

Wtf are you talking about Kade has raced his whole life and still races UCI DH. LOL.

[@aaronkatz5487]

Even if only 2 people want to race let them.

[@aaronkatz5487]

I mean at hardline specifically not at UCI events or races in general

[@andymoss4285]

Regarding Perez losing the place to Charles: he has to look at the bigger picture. The bigger picture is p2 in the championship. If he has defended and caused a collision, dropped down the field then got a 5s penalty and ended up behind Hamilton that would be a serious potentially career ending problem.

[@heytchap]

The music, especially around 21 minutes is really too much and you can’t hear their conversations or anything but the music. Great video but man, the music is too much, too loud, and goes on too long.

[@user-lg8mk7dv3i]

It downpoured rain and was too dangerous to race so it was cancelled.. the end. Your videos REALLY suck lately

[@heavyfuzz9675]

Summer 2023 was one of the worst in the UK. It was a washout, coming from a Brit that’s saying a lot.

[@McLOVIN_456]

Wow, i felt all that intensity through my television. I even get sad, and could feel the pain inside my chest, when they cancelled the race. 💔🥲