The inaugural Natural Selection Bike event is set to take place at Mt. Dewar in Queenstown, Aotearoa New Zealand, from February 8 to 15, 2025. This exciting competition will culminate in the finals on February 15, showcasing the skills of the world’s top freeride mountain bikers.
Tickets for the finals are now available, and the event will be broadcast on Red Bull TV starting March 5. This year’s competition will feature a select group of elite riders, including those who qualified through Natural Selection’s Proving Grounds events, as well as four local competitors chosen during the Dream Ticket event at the renowned Dream Track in Queenstown on February 8.
Venue Details
The competition will be held at Mt. Dewar, a newly designed venue that merges freeride, slopestyle, and big mountain riding. Riders will encounter a variety of natural and enhanced features that will challenge their skills and creativity. Todd Barber, Managing Director of NST Bike, expressed excitement about finding the perfect location after two years of searching. He noted that the venue combines natural terrain with added features to allow riders to showcase their unique styles in a groundbreaking competition.
Rider Lineup
Natural Selection Bike will host up to 30 of the best freeride mountain bikers from around the globe. Invitations will be sent out in mid-December, with rider announcements made on the @naturalselectionbike Instagram account throughout the winter.
Notable participants from previous Proving Grounds events include Emil Johannson, Robin Goomes, and Carson Storch. Additionally, local male and female riders will have the opportunity to qualify during the Dream Track event.
Commitment to Sustainability
In line with Natural Selection’s commitment to sustainability, this event will prioritize eco-friendly practices. The organizers have partnered with Treespace to support one of New Zealand’s largest native reforestation projects on Mt. Dewar. The goal is to minimize environmental impact while celebrating nature. The event aims to be New Zealand’s leading ultra-low emission sporting event, ensuring all spectator waste is recycled or composted.
Todd Barber emphasized their dedication to sustainability by stating their pride in collaborating with Treespace and aligning with local environmental initiatives.
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