Competitive mountain biking is a world drenched in legend, tradition and idols, no matter whether you’re talking about downhill, freeride or any other discipline.
The sport has grown immeasurably in the past 10 or 15 years, and so much of that is thanks to the legends and heroes of the sport – the Steve Peats, Cedric Gracias, Rachel Athertons – who have drawn attention to the thrill and inspired new generations.
These legends have ridden lines to remember; produced unforgettable results under ridiculous pressure and made irreplaceable marks on the mountain biking timeline.
Of course, any list of the greatest lines ridden in competitive mountain biking is going to be subjective, but below you’ll find 10 moments that enthralled, bewildered or inspired beyond belief; or often achieved all three.
Have we missed out a mega moment that you would’ve included? Let us know in the comments below…
1) Danny Hart, Champery, 2011
You know the course. You know the run. You know the man. And you know the moment that would go down in action sports commentary history from the ecstatic Rob Warner – “How can Danny Hart sit down with balls that big?” he screamed, as the world joined him.
One of the greatest downhill world cup moments of all time, the British Hart was beating strong on a wet, filthy day in Switzerland. On one of the steepest tracks on the circuit, Danny dominated, winning by over 11 seconds, and chucking in one of the steeziest whips of all time in the process.