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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Steven Morris

‘It’s super-important’: women take on world’s toughest mountain bike track

Nathan Hughes Red Bull Wales
Jess Blewitt stands on a platform above a gravel road and against a background of a lush green valley
Rider Jess Blewitt standing on the platform of the Road Gap feature on the Hardline course. Photograph: Dan Griffiths/Moonhead Media

Snaking down a Welsh mountain, featuring nerve-jangling jumps and screeching turns, the Hardline course is reputed to be the toughest downhill mountain bike track in the world, a severe test of body and mind for the boldest riders.

Until now it has been a male preserve, but this year a group of women from the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Argentina have joined the men hurtling through the forest at up to 40mph (64km/h), determined to show that this toughest of tracks is not just for the boys.

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