Boggle Your Eyes: Kade Edwards Hardline FPV Drone One-Shot

Hold on to your pants. This is boggling – and gives you loads of moments where you see just how gnarly the Hardline course is, even on the bits in between the obvious giant obstacle bits. Here’s the full PR before we get to the video. Or skip to the end and 2:14 in the vid if you’re impatient.

THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE COURSE IN ONE EPIC SINGLE TAKE RED BULL HARDLINE FPV DRONE RUN

When the world’s toughest downhill mountain bike course meets one of the world’s best drone pilots. Forever pushing the boundaries, the epic top-to-bottom FPV drone course video shows there’s no better way to perfectly capture this rollercoaster of a downhill course, from classics like The Cannon, Step Up and Road Gap, to the newer elements of the lilypad and the massive doubles.

Following Red Bull athlete and bike handling extraordinaire Kade Edwards down the world’s toughest downhill track, drone pilot Ralph Hogenbirk was able to keep pace with Kade in full flight, perfectly capturing his signature style set against the picturesque backdrop of the Dyfi Valley.

Drone pilot, Ralph Hogenbirk said: “This was a crazy project and we’re super happy with the result! I’ve always loved watching Red Bull Hardline, and I knew our drones could give a sick new perspective at this event to show the skill of these riders. But didn’t know if it was even possible to follow them from top to bottom, and it definitely wasn’t easy. I had to push my drones to the limit and stay 100% focused all the way down to make it work!”

Red Bull Athlete, Kade Edward said: “It takes a lot of trust to have someone following you so closely with an FPV drone. The Red Bull Hardline course is unlike any other downhill track on the planet, and I was able to just concentrate on my riding with the drone flying behind me. With the tough conditions on the track and weather closing in, full concentration was really needed!”

Pulling off a feat like this isn’t without its challenges. The toughest roadblock emerged in the tight, twisting forest section, where speed fluctuations and signal disruptions were frequent. 

With a meticulously coordinated three-person team comprising an FPV drone pilot, Mavic drone operator for signal relay, and a signal stability spotter, the Dutch Drone Gods achieved the breathtaking one-take shot – navigating the narrow corridor of trees at the top of the course with wind gusting up the mountain, to tackling the sharp twists and turns ahead of The Road Gap, all whilst being in perfect unison with Kade’s flat-out riding. 

The collaboration showcases Kade Edwards unique style on two-wheels and pushes technological boundaries to follow the huge freestyle jumps and extremely technical course that makes Red Bull Hardline the gnarliest downhill mountain bike track in the world, all filmed in one continuous run.

While you’re here…

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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