Louise Ferguson Makes History at Red Bull Hardline.
Photos credit: @moonhead_media
There are moments in mountain biking that shift the landscape—when skill, style, and courage collide in unforgettable ways. Louise Ferguson just gave us one of those moments.
This past weekend at Red Bull Hardline Wales, widely known as one of the most demanding and dangerous downhill races in the world, Louise didn’t just show up—she made history. She became the first-ever female rider to qualify for the event, compete in the finals, and take home the overall win. A feat that demands not only supreme technical ability but unshakable mental strength.
And she did it all aboard her INTENSE M1.
Word from Lou Ferguson
‘’It has been the most incredible week ever. So It’s hard to put the words together to explain. The biggest battle has been with myself and not the track. Finals almost didn’t happen because I struggled to stand up for myself. I’m super lucky others believe in my ability more than I do sometimes and pushed for me to get one more run before seeding 😌 I’m really proud that when I got the chance to ride, I rose to the challenge. It’s something so special that I won’t forget, to put my worries to one side to complete my first full run in the wet after riding in the dry all week. Also knowing it was my only opportunity to get to finals, no warm up just straight to the top of that track at 7:30am. It took a lot for me to do that. It proves I need to back myself more, even when I’m scared. Getting to finals wasn’t just for me. It was for all the women at hardline and hopefully all the women watching who ride and know that if they want to do this then it’s entirely possible. I am beyond grateful to get to do that and pushed my self belief at the same time’’
Photos credit: @moonhead_media
Red Bull Hardline: Not for the Faint of Heart
If you’re not familiar with Hardline, think of it as downhill racing’s ultimate test. Designed by former World Cup rider Dan Atherton, the course is a brutal blend of high-speed technical sections, massive gap jumps, rock-strewn descents, and heart-stopping features that even the best in the world tread carefully.
Simply qualifying for Hardline is a statement. Competing in the finals? That’s elite. Winning it? That’s legendary.
Photos credit: @moonhead_media
Lou’s Inspires
Red Bull didn’t miss the moment either—naming Louise Ferguson as “Rider of the Week”. An honor that reflects not only her historic win but her undeniable impact on the sport. Her performance inspired thousands and broke down barriers for women in competitive downhill racing.
Her riding style? Fearless. Fluid. Focused. She hit lines that have shaken even the most seasoned pros, pushing boundaries and rewriting what’s possible on two wheels.
Photos credit: @moonhead_media
The M1: A Bike Built for Big Moments
Louise’s weapon of choice, the INTENSE M1, was born for races like this. Purpose-built for gravity-defying performance, the M1 combines precision engineering with World Cup pedigree. From full-gas descents to hair-raising drops, the M1 proved once again it’s more than a bike—it’s a platform for greatness.
Photos credit: @moonhead_media
The Future is Now
Louise Ferguson’s win isn’t just a milestone; it’s a signal. A signal that the future of downhill is faster, fiercer, and more inclusive than ever. With riders like Louise at the helm, the next generation has a powerful new role model to look up to.
From all of us at INTENSE: Congratulations, Lou. You didn’t just ride Hardline—you redefined it.
