Red Bull Hardline roared back into Dyfi Valley, Wales this past weekend delivering one of the most intense and unforgettable events in downhill mountain biking. The world's toughest course lived up to its reputation with high winds, slick conditions and features that test even the most elite riders. Amid the chaos, it was 18-year-old American phenom and FOX athlete Asa Vermette who stole the show—laying down a fearless run to take the win and become the youngest Hardline champion in history. 
Vermette came into the weekend confident by qualifying first. On race day, he backed it up with a blistering time — cleaning massive gaps, blind landings, and steep chutes with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. His bike setup included the FOX 40 fork up front and a FOX Float X2 rear shock, a combo designed to handle exactly this kind of high-speed, high-impact terrain.
“It felt kind of sketchy,” he said shortly after crossing the finish line. “I was all over the place, but I’m stoked.” 
Hot on his heels was Charlie Hatton, the reigning World Champion, who put down a composed and technical run that placed him in the hot seat until Vermette’s run. Riding on home soil, Hatton looked completely dialed, floating through the hardest sections with surgical precision. While it wasn’t enough to hold off Vermette’s charge, Hatton proved once again that he’s one of the most consistent and confident riders on the circuit. 
Ireland’s Rónán Dunne rounded out the podium in third with one of the grittiest performances of the day. After a DNF in seeding due to a flat tire and a rough start to the season (including a serious liver injury), Dunne rolled into finals with something to prove. He pushed hard through every feature, powered by a FOX 40 / DHX2 combo, and earned his spot with a run that was both aggressive and composed. “I’m just stoked I got it down,” he said. “Conditions were wild.” 
Off the bike, the event atmosphere was electric. Fans lined the course from top to bottom, braving unpredictable weather to watch the world’s best send it over 70-foot gaps, massive drops, and sheer rock faces. Behind the scenes, riders and mechanics were deciphering the conditions all weekend — tuning suspension setups, managing tire pressure, and adjusting lines in real time as the course evolved. With rain earlier in the week and drying winds on race day, conditions were constantly changing, making the right setup, especially suspension, critical. 
Hardline 2025 wasn’t just a race—it was a declaration. Asa Vermette’s breakout win, Hatton’s home-soil performance, and Dunne’s redemption ride defined a weekend where talent met terrain head-on. And with all three podium finishers trusting the FOX 40 fork, and either the FOX Float X2 or FOX DHX2 rear shock, the results spoke volumes about what it takes to perform on the most demanding course in the world. Whether coil or air, FOX’s World Cup-proven suspension helped these athletes push the edge and come out on top. 
