X Games #RealMTB Peoples’ Vote winner and judges’ runner up Brage Vestavik will be heading to Wales to do battle with the Hardline course.
We caught up with the Norwegian lunatic Brage Vestavik to chat all things Red Bull Hardline as he announces he’s joining the 2021 athlete line up.
Photos by Nathan Hughes/Red Bull.
Was it an easy decision to join the Red Bull Hardline roster for 2021?
Yes, Hardline has really been one of my favourite events these last few years. I just love the vibe of the whole
event and the gnarly DH tech and sends that are part of the track. The Hardline crew does an unreal job to
make the weekend so good.
I’ve seen they have been building and making some changes, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with
for this year. I’m a huge fan of Dan Atherton and his ideas, I know it’s going to be sick.
When I first heard Hardline was happening this year I was a little stressed that my ankle would not be healed
yet from my X Games crash, but I’m working on getting it to 100% and it looks like it will work out.
What did you learn from racing Red Bull Hardline in 2018 that you can bring to the 2021 event?
Last time I raced Hardline was in 2019 and I ended up in 4th place, which I was super stoked about. I think I
learned that it was possible for me to get up there with the big dogs. It was also wet and muddy during the
race, and I love riding in those conditions, so I’m kind of hoping for that again.
How do you prepare for an event like Red Bull Hardline?
Try to get some time on the downhill bike and feel good on it. Dig and build trails, to be ready for big hits. I need to get some more days of full DH laps so that I’m ready for that long gnarly race run at Hardline.
Is Red Bull Hardline any different to what you build for yourself at home in Norway?
The main difference is that the hill at Hardline is much longer and it’s many more features that are built straight after each other. Most of the stuff I’m building at home ends after one feature because it’s so flat here. But I think some of it is kind of similar, and I’m pretty sure I have got inspiration from riding Hardline all these years, to build new trails and big hits at home.
Hardline has for sure pushed my limits for what I build and how far I push it. Most of the stuff I built for X Games Real MTB was for the jib/trail bike as well, and I only rode that last drop from my video part on the DH bike. I’ve been building a lot at home these days for a new project and it looks like it will be more DH stuff, I’m stoked for that.
Will you make any bike setup changes for an event like this?
I don’t think I will be doing much setup changes. I’m riding my setup really stiff these days already, and I’ve
been riding a 27.5 DH bike lately, but I just built up a new GT Fury 29 that I think I will use at Hardline.
How different is Red Bull Hardline to your X Games line?
My X Games Real MTB video was more about features and creativity, and Hardline is more about being the
fastest down the hill. The gnarliness of both is similar, at least it will be if Hardline is wet and it’s raining.
What goes through your head as you get ready to drop into a race like this?
I’m just trying to chill and be ready for what is to come on the track. Not too chill, I’m still hyped, but calm,
ready for battle against the Welsh dragon.
Do you have any pre-race rituals?
Not really, I just like to listen to dope music, breathe and get my body warm for the long run.
