Red Bull Foxhunt is a light-hearted play on the traditional yet highly controversial pastime of foxhunting but with the roles reversed. The foxes chase down the hunt in a downhill mountain biking race like no other. The event is open to anyone brave enough to enter, it has a mass and often chaotic start format, with the foxes unleashed soon after.
On February 11th, the Red Bull Foxhunt will hit the mountains of Cardona, Wanaka in New Zealand and the lineup of foxes will be enough to strike fear into the hunt. Red Bull athletes and world-leading downhill mountain bikers, Brook Macdonald, Jess Blewitt, Remy Morton and Harriet Burbidge-Smith will be released on the pack of 150 riders whose simple aim is to complete the 9.5km course and get to the finish line before being passed by the foxes.
Last year's Red Bull Foxhunt was in the Dromara Hills in County Down, Northern Ireland and saw Red Bull athlete and Foxhunt regular Gee Atherton alongside Greg Callaghan challenge a huge field of 300 riders. The race was won by Kelan Grant, with the winner of the last three Fox Hunts, Colin Ross 2nd and Glyn O’Brian rounding out the podium in 3rd. Roisin Hickey was the first female rider.
20-year-old New Zealand Downhill Champion and Red Bull athlete Jess Blewitt will be the first female rider to join the foxes. Jess was also the first female rider to be invited to Red Bull Hardline last year and she is beyond excited to be involved in Fox Hunt in her home country. Speaking to Red Bull she said, "I’m a massive fan of Cardrona and can’t wait to bring my skills to the track. It’s the perfect spot and will be a day to remember. We’re challenging riders to take on the course and try to get to the finish line before us. Brook, Remy and I will be bringing our A-Game".
Fellow New Zealander, Red Bull athlete and downhill mountain bike legend Brook MacDonald also added, "I’ve always wanted to get involved in Red Bull Foxhunt and can’t wait to chase down the riders. It’ll be pretty gnarly but will be an epic day that any downhill mountain biker will love."
With only 150 places available riders that want to take on the challenge are encouraged to register quickly, the entry fee of $95 includes full day shuttle uplifts and lift access for non Cardrona season pass holders, race jersey, race plate and entry to the official after-party. Grab a spot here at Red Bull Foxhunt and watch Gee Atherton destroying the entire race in the 2016 Foxhunt below.
