Pictured: Adolf Silva (Spain) defies gravity at the step up. @EricPalmer
Stellenbosch, South Africa – A giant gap jump of 110 feet over a road is just one hair-raising feature that will greet the world’s best freeride mountain bikers at the adrenaline-fueled DarkFEST here next weekend.
The gnarly and technical mountainside trails at the Hellsend Dirt Compound near Stellenbosch host an international array of world class riders to showcase death-defying skills with the mountains around Helshoogte as the backdrop, making it a spectacular spot to watch the action from 21 April to Saturday 22 April.
Featuring South Africans Ike Klaassen, a well known Stellenbosch and Hellsend local, and Cape Town charger Theo Elangsen, the tradition of the event is to push for never-seen-before tricks on even more massive jumps, with improvements in height and distance year on year.
Rumours abound that some of the riders have world-beating mystery tricks up their sleeve. A clue to that lies in the work by the trail build crew – led by Clemens Kaudela from Austria, himself an invited rider – to extend the road gap jump from 90 feet to 110 feet, which makes it one of the world’s longest.
The event is a highlight on the world extreme sports calendar, with past editions garnering worldwide acclaim and thousands of enthusiastic spectators. The 2023 edition of DarkFEST promises to build upon this legacy, says creator and founder of the event, Sam Reynolds from the UK.
“We can’t wait to welcome the world’s best freeriders back to Stellenbosch for DarkFEST 2023, after what we witnessed last year from the girls, I definitely see them going full send next week. Every year, we push the limits of what’s possible, and the riders never fail to amaze us. We’re looking forward to bringing together another incredible line-up of riders and a new speedier line that boasts a gravity defying 110ft jump to showcase the best of the sport.”
Fans of extreme sports can mark their calendars to attend. Tickets available on Quicket. The public can access the grounds on Friday, 21 April and Saturday, 22 April. There will be merchandise stalls, music, access to the riders, and food and beverage on offer. Tickets at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/210395-darkfest-2023
Pictured: Adolf Silva (Spain) defies gravity at the step up. @EricPalmer
DarkFEST Men’s Rider line up:
Sam Reynolds (GB) Clemens Kaudela (AUT) Sam Hodgson (GB)
Kade Edwards (GB) Kaos Seagrave (GB) Ike Klaassen (ZAF)
Theo Erlangsen (ZAF) Bienvenido Aguado (ESP) Nicholi Rogatkin (USA)
Szymon Godziek (POL) Daniel Ruso (AUT) Elias Ruso (AUT)
Tom Isted (GB) Adolf Silva (ESP) Reed Boggs (USA)
Matt MacDuff (CAN) Graham Agassiz (CAN) Daryl Brown (GB)
Thomas Lemoine (FRA) Paul Couderc (FRA) Brett Rheeder (CAN)
Matt Jones (GB) Johny Salido (MX)
DarkFEST Women’s Rider line up:
Vero Sandler (GB) Casey Brown (CAN) Chelsea Kimball (USA)
Robin Goomes (NZ) Vinnie Armstrong (NZ) Harriet Burbidge Smith (AUS)
Vea Verbeeck (CAN)
DarkFEST is more than just a media event and competition – it’s a celebration of freeride mountain biking and the unique spirit that defines the sport.
Event Details:
Date: 17th April to 22nd April 2023
Venue: Hellsend Dirt Compound, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/210395-darkfest-2023/#/
For Media queries:
Contact: Ryan Payne
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 658 2127
E-Mail: ryan.payne@monsterenergy.com
