DarkFEST returns for another adrenaline-fueled edition from 17 to 22 April this year, filled with another rendition of massive jumps and high-octane action.
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Some of the world’s best freeride mountain bikers will push the limits of their sport on the biggest jumps, drops and gaps at the Hellsend Dirt Compound in Stellenbosch.
This year, DarkFEST promises to build on its globally acclaimed legacy, featuring an even larger line-up of riders and bigger jumps than ever seen before.
‘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,’ says Sam Reynolds, creator and organizer of the event. ‘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.’
Here is the impressive rider line up for the 2023 DarkFEST edition:
Men
- Sam Reynolds (GB)
- Kade Edwards (GB)
- Theo Erlangsen (ZAF)
- Szymon Godziek (POL)
- Tom Isted (GB)
- Matt MacDuff (CAN)
- Thomas Lemoine (FRA)
- Matt Jones (GB)
- Clemens Kaudela (AUT)
- Sam Hodgson (GB)
- Kaos Seagrave (GB)
- Ike Klaassen (ZAF)
- Bienvenido Aguado (ESP)
- Nicholi Rogatkin (USA)
- Daniel Ruso (AUT)
- Elias Ruso (AUT)
- Adolf Silva (ESP)
- Reed Boggs (USA)
- Graham Agassiz (CAN)
- Daryl Brown (GB)
- Paul Couderc (FRA)
- Brett Rheeder (CAN)
- Johny Salido (MX)
Women
- Vero Sandler (GB)
- Casey Brown (CAN)
- Chelsea Kimball (USA)
- Robin Goomes (NZ)
- Vinnie Armstrong (NZ)
- Harriet Burbidge Smith (AUS)
- Vea Verbeeck (CAN)
Tickets are available on Quicket. The public will be able to access the grounds to watch their heroes in action on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. The event will also have merchandise stalls, music, and access to the riders, as well as food and beverages on offer.
- When: Monay, 17 April to Saturday, 22 April
- Location: Hellsend Dirt Compound, Stellenbosch
- Tickets: Quicket
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Picture: Adolf Silva (Spain) defies gravity at the step up. / Eric Palmer, supplied