Darkfest 2024- Women Riders Shredding!

Words by Beka:

Darkfest 2024 is currently underway in Stellenbosch, South Africa at Hellsend Dirt Compound. From February 3rd through February 10th, the world’s best freeriders converge to ride some of the biggest features ever made – and we are beyond stoked to watch this year’s ladyshred unleash their epic talent that helps fuel the women’s freeride movement.

Currently held in South Africa, Darkfest was originally created in 2013 by UK-based rider Sam Reynolds. In 2017, Darkfest was added to the official roster of FEST Series events (fest-series.com) – a lineup of mountain bike events that steps away from corporate and promoter-style productions to allow creative control and oversight directly from the riders themselves. Monster Energy is a major sponsor for Darkfest, but so far Sam Reynolds and his list of invite-only freeriders remain in the driver’s seat in terms of the event’s creative control.

2022 marked the first year women were included at Darkfest, featuring five lady-shredders. That year showcased Robin Goomes and Casey Brown as the first women in history to land the 90 foot gap jump built on the freeride compound. The 2023 event included a lineup of seven women, which continued to strengthen the women’s freeride movement. In 2024, eight women have been invited – and we can’t wait to see the epic skills they’ll be unleashing there.

The women’s lineup for Darkfest 2024 includes returning riders Vaea Verbeeck (CAN), Chelsea Kimball (USA), Robin Goomes (NZ), Harriet Burbidge-Smith (AUS), Vinny Armstrong (NZ), and newcomer Gemma Corbera (ESP). Seasoned Darkfest riders, Vero Sandler (GB) and Casey Brown (CAN), were invited to return this year, however both are sidelined with injuries. Keep your eye out for these riders in upcoming events this year, including the Crankworx Slopestyle World Championship – a global competition that, for the first time ever, has included a women’s category for 2024- (Check out Crankworx article).

Currently, Darkfest is not broadcast live. However, regular event updates and progress videos are posted on the Darkfest Instagram (Instagram.com/darkfest_mtb), and a slew of event highlights are featured on the Monster Energy Youtube page (youtube.com/@MonsterEnergy), plus each rider’s respective instagram. Check out 2023’s highlights to get an idea of just how sick this event really is – and you’ll see why we are so stoked to watch the lady-shred Darkfest 2024.

For more information, check out their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkfest_mtb/ or watch the sends on: