Podium at Red Bull Hardline for Nukeproof Axess Racing
RedBull Hardline Tasmania 2026 was the first race for the newly formed Nukeproof Axess Racing Team, with Louise Furguson and Millie Johnset competing in this ‘invitation only’ event on one of the worlds hardest downhill tracks.
Arriving in Tasmania, the riders and support crew debuted new kit from Team Sponsors, with carbon fibre Nukeproof Dissent frames, the latest Leatt clothing and protection, SRAM drivetrains and brakes, RockShox suspension and Schwalbe tyres. With events like this, you have to have complete faith in your equipment as an injury here can put you out for the season before it even starts, as witnessed in 2024 with Jackson Goldstone.
This was Millies first Hardline event, Louise is a previous Hardline winner (Wales 2025) and had raced Tasmania in 2025 but these tracks evolve year on year with new features so no Hardline is ever the same.
It was an exciting week with Louise Ferguson and Mille Johnset both lining up for the women’s field. Mille started strongly and was leading the way early in the week, but unfortunately suffered a heavy crash on the final jump at the end of Day 1, resulting in a broken collarbone. She remains positive and focused on recovery, with full confidence she will be ready for Round 1 of the 2026 World Cups.
Arriving in Tasmania, the riders and support crew debuted new kit from Team Sponsors, with carbon fibre Nukeproof Dissent frames, the latest Leatt clothing and protection, SRAM drivetrains and brakes, RockShox suspension and Schwalbe tyres. With events like this, you have to have complete faith in your equipment as an injury here can put you out for the season before it even starts, as witnessed in 2024 with Jackson Goldstone.
This was Millies first Hardline event, Louise is a previous Hardline winner (Wales 2025) and had raced Tasmania in 2025 but these tracks evolve year on year with new features so no Hardline is ever the same.
It was an exciting week with Louise Ferguson and Mille Johnset both lining up for the women’s field. Mille started strongly and was leading the way early in the week, but unfortunately suffered a heavy crash on the final jump at the end of Day 1, resulting in a broken collarbone. She remains positive and focused on recovery, with full confidence she will be ready for Round 1 of the 2026 World Cups.
Perfect launchpad
Lou approached the event with a calm and calculated mindset, drawing on her growing experience at Hardline events. Run by run, she built confidence and worked methodically through the course.
On qualifying day, Lou delivered an outstanding ride, becoming the only female rider to complete every jump on the Hardline Tasmania track. With strong winds affecting conditions, Gracie Hemstreet from Norco chose to ride around the final jump, while Lou committed to sending it — the same jump where her teammate Mille had crashed earlier in the week. Lou finished 2nd in qualifying, setting herself up well for finals.
Finals day was ultimately cancelled due to deteriorating weather and safety concerns, meaning the qualifying results stood as the final classification. This secured 2nd place overall for Lou at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania 2026.
As a team we are incredibly proud of both riders and of how dialled the Nukeproof Axess Racing setup is heading into the 2026 season. Hardline Tasmania proved to be the perfect launchpad for an exciting year. For team updates, you can follow nukeproof_axess_racing on instagram.
On qualifying day, Lou delivered an outstanding ride, becoming the only female rider to complete every jump on the Hardline Tasmania track. With strong winds affecting conditions, Gracie Hemstreet from Norco chose to ride around the final jump, while Lou committed to sending it — the same jump where her teammate Mille had crashed earlier in the week. Lou finished 2nd in qualifying, setting herself up well for finals.
Finals day was ultimately cancelled due to deteriorating weather and safety concerns, meaning the qualifying results stood as the final classification. This secured 2nd place overall for Lou at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania 2026.
As a team we are incredibly proud of both riders and of how dialled the Nukeproof Axess Racing setup is heading into the 2026 season. Hardline Tasmania proved to be the perfect launchpad for an exciting year. For team updates, you can follow nukeproof_axess_racing on instagram.
