Natural Selection Bike: The New Freeride Event Redefining Creativity a

Mountain biking has always been about more than the ride, it’s about freedom, creativity, and the chance to flow with nature. That’s exactly what Natural Selection Bike celebrates. This new freeride event isn’t just a competition, it’s a shift back to riding in sync with Mother Nature. Picture big mountain terrain meeting raw rider creativity on New Zealand’s stunning Mt. Dewar, overlooking Queenstown.

Natural Selection Bike might be new by name, but it is rooted in the legacy of the legendary Proving Grounds events, founded by Todd Barber, now COO of Natural Selection Bike. “We’re evolving freeride competition by letting nature guide us,” said Barber. “With Queenstown’s dynamic terrain and a commitment to sustainability, we’re showing what’s possible when we work with the land, not against it.” This isn’t your typical competition. Natural Selection Bike doesn’t stick to a script or man-made lines. Instead, the terrain blends untouched natural features with carefully enhanced elements shaped by the world-class team at Elevate Trail Building. Think rolling mountains, massive drops, and endless line choices, each one daring riders to push their skills and passion to the absolute edge. This is freeride at its purest.

For the Riders, By the Riders

Not only is Natural Selection Bike unique in its course, it is also opening a world of possibility to the athletes who compete in it. It's a chance for women and men riders to showcase their love for the sport through the display of their grit, artistry and appreciation for the earth they ride on. Local riders even get their shot at the spotlight through the Dream Track qualifiers. This event gives rising talent a chance to grab one of four coveted spots to compete alongside freeriding legends, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone bold enough to seize it. Natural Selection Bike isn’t about who crosses the finish line first, no, this competition is all about the story told as the riders flow with the natural terrain. It’s judged on a “CREDO” criteria: Creativity, Risk, Execution, Difficulty, and Overall Impression. Giving the athletes the chance to push their limits like never before. And when riders are pushing those limits, they rely on gear that won’t let them down. That’s why so many freeriders trust Tannus Armour for flat protection. With Tannus, riders can focus on their creativity and execution, knowing that their tires are as prepared as they are.

When and Where to Watch

Mark your calendars! The event will kick off on February 8-9 with the Dream Track qualifiers leading into the finals on February 15th. If you’re lucky enough to make it to Queenstown, tickets are available to watch the action live. For the rest of us, the event will stream on Red Bull TV and YouTube starting March 5, 2025 (March 6 for New Zealand).

Sustainability at the Core

For an event that is all about riders and nature working in unison, it only makes sense that the event would be a pioneer to its commitment to environmental sustainability. Partnering with TreeSpace, the organizers aim to reforest Mt. Dewar and ensure that all event operations produce zero landfill waste, everything will either be recycled or composted to achieve this goal. To top it all off, the event will be powered by a battery storage unit that is charged at a local hydroelectric facility. This sets a new benchmark for eco-friendly events, proving that freeriding and sustainability can ride hand-in-hand.

Mt. Dewar the Dream Venue

Mt. Dewar was carefully picked from a handful of locations by a select group of mountain biking legends. You can see their consideration and reasoning in this video.

What makes Mt. Dewar truly unique is its dual focus on thrill and sustainability. The course design leverages the landscape’s natural features while minimizing environmental impact. It’s a stage that is changing the sport as much as the competition itself. And we are beyond excited to see what history is made here at Mt. Dewar!

The Future of Freeriding

Whether you’re a die-hard mountain biking enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the tenacity of pushing limits, Natural Selection Bike is set to be a game-changer in the freeriding space. Here at Tannus, we’re beyond stoked to support what this event stands for. Natural Selection Bike is paving the way for what it means to make a sustainable event, by putting mother nature and the riders at the forefront of it all. It’s not just about competition; it’s about breaking boundaries, telling stories, and inspiring all of us to go further in our own passions and potential.

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