Natural Selection Bike returned to New Zealand  for 2026. The event blends together different disciplines and lets riders interpret the terrain in their own way.

A man flies through the air on his mountain bike

23 of the world’s most exciting riders descended upon the wild ridgelines of Mt. Dewar in Tāhuna Queenstown. The 2026 course featured expanded options, new shaping, and more creative lines. The ridge features, exposure, cliff bands, and signature hand-built elements which remain central to the venue’s identity.

“Mt. Dewar provides a rare combination of natural features and creative building potential. This season’s refinements will allow riders to showcase their creativity, style and skill in new ways,” says NST Bike Managing Director Todd Barber.

A man rides off a shark fin jump on his mountain bike

What makes the event unique is its two-run combined format and the ability to choose from several different line options on each of those two runs. The rider is awarded a score out of 50 for each run with a combined total score out of 100.

A man performs a huge trick on a mountain bike
Louis Reboul performs a trick on his mountain bike
A man flies upside down on his mountain bike

Burgtec athletes Louis Reboul and Finley Kirschenmann took part in the event. With Finley taking home 3rd place and an award for the most stylish rider.

A man pushing his bike up a mountain
A man celebrates after completing a competition run on his bike
A picture of 3 men on the winners podium at Natural Selection Bike
A young man pictured with a trophy

The event itself took place in February but every detail and result remained fully embargoed until it premiered on Red Bull TV on May 5th.

Natural Selection Bike @naturalselectionbike

Louis Reboul  @louisreboul  Finley Kirschenmann  @finleykirsch