Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure as we unveil the final five riders who've secured their spots for the Natural Selection Bike Aotearoa! The Dream Ticket qualifier has revealed an incredible line-up, and we're about to dive into the exciting world of mountain biking.
On February 7, the Dream Track in Queenstown, New Zealand, witnessed an intense competition. With the stakes high, two men, two women, and a local Kiwi rider emerged victorious, completing the 27-rider roster for the main event. But here's where it gets controversial... these riders bring a unique blend of freeride, slopestyle, and downhill expertise, promising an unpredictable battle on the slopes of Mt. Dewar.
The Dream Ticket event was the last opportunity for riders to qualify, and it didn't disappoint. In a jam-packed session, athletes pushed the boundaries of the Dream Track, showcasing their skills on large jumps, technical features, and creative lines. The judges had a tough decision, but they selected the following riders to join the elite roster:
Women:
- Natasha Bradley (GBR)
- Shealen Reno (USA)
Men:
- Ondra Slez (CZE)
- Lukas Schäfer (GER)
Kiwi Men's Invite:
- Billy Meaclem (NZL)
Now, let's take a closer look at the full rider roster for Natural Selection Bike 2026. This diverse group of athletes will battle it out on Mt. Dewar, where a single top-to-bottom line awaits, offering multiple options and a thrilling combination of large features and technical terrain.
Women:
- Hannah Bergemann (USA)
- Kirsten Van Horne (CAN)
- Janelle Soukup (USA)
- Robin Goomes (NZL)
- Alma Wiggberg (SWE)
- Chelsea Kimball (USA)
- Vaea Verbeeck (CAN)
- Vinny Armstrong (NZL)
- Natasha Bradley (GBR)
- Shealen Reno (USA)
Men:
- Szymon Godziek (POL)
- Carson Storch (USA)
- Louis Reboul (FRA)
- Finley Kirschenmann (USA)
- Reed Boggs (USA)
- Johny Salido (MEX)
- Nicholi Rogatkin (USA)
- Cam Zink (USA)
- Brett Rheeder (CAN)
- Hayden Zablotny (CAN)
- Thomas Genon (BEL)
- Tomas Lemoine (FRA)
- Kaidan Ingersoll (USA)
- Paul Couderc (FRA)
- Ondra Slez (CZE)
- Lukas Schäfer (GER)
- Billy Meaclem (NZL)
Mark your calendars for May 5, 2026, as Natural Selection Bike Aotearoa goes global! The full event will be released on Red Bull TV, offering an immersive experience for mountain biking enthusiasts worldwide. Get ready for an epic showdown!
And this is the part most people miss... the beauty of mountain biking lies not just in the competition but in the community it fosters. So, whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, join the conversation below. What do you think about the rider lineup? Who are you rooting for? Let's discuss and celebrate the spirit of adventure together!
