Vermette, Hemstreet win Hardline

Asa Vermette and Gracey Hemstreet were declared champions of Red Bull Hardline Tasmania after finals were cancelled because of adverse weather, with seeding times from the previous day used as the official results. Vermette led the men’s field with a 3:15.805 seeding run, edging Ireland’s Ronan Dunne by 2.132 seconds; Troy Brosnan claimed third. At 18, Vermette became the youngest rider to win two Hardline events, adding to his victory in Wales last year. Hemstreet topped the women’s seeding with a 4:08.534 run, finishing ahead of Britain’s Louise Ferguson by 4.844 seconds.

Organizers halted the finals when heavy rain and unsafe conditions made the course’s extreme features—large gaps, exposed rock gardens and high-speed jumps—too dangerous to race. Several riders had struggled during practice and seeding, with at least one high-profile crash in practice affecting starting form. Event officials and course crews cited rider safety in the decision to cancel, and confirmed that the timed seeding session provided a fair, comparable measure to determine placings once continuation became impossible.

The decision sparked mixed reactions within the mountain-biking community: some praised the prioritization of safety, while others questioned whether seeding—typically a placement session rather than a final—should determine winners when finals cannot run. Organizers and riders noted that weather variability on Tasmania’s exposed terrain complicates scheduling and course management.

The results list showed a deep field posting competitive times: notable finishers included Bernard Kerr, Aaron Gwin and Jackson Goldstone in the men’s top ranks, while the women’s field was highlighted by strong runs from returning competitors. Medical and support teams remained on hand as the event wound down, with no major injuries reported beyond those occurring in practice.

Red Bull and event organizers are reviewing conditions and protocols after the cancellation. They reiterated commitments to rider safety and course integrity, while acknowledging the disappointment for athletes and fans after a week of high-intensity practice and buildup.