As we celebrate this Throwback Thursday, let’s highlight some significant milestones in women’s mountain biking history that occurred in February.
February 1989: Kathy Lynch’s Mountain Biking Debut
In February 1989, New Zealand’s Kathy Lynch entered her first mountain bike race in an intermediate category. Impressively, her lap times matched those of the women’s expert category winner. Encouraged by this performance, she competed in the expert category in subsequent races, quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor.
February 2024: Women Compete at Red Bull Hardline in Tasmania
February 2024 marked a historic moment as women were included in the Red Bull Hardline event in Tasmania, Australia. Six female riders—Hannah Bergemann, Cami Nogueira, Tahnee Seagrave, Louise-Anna Ferguson, Harriet Burbidge-Smith, and 19-year-old Gracey Hemstreet—participated in this challenging competition. Notably, Gracey Hemstreet made history by becoming the first woman to complete a full run at Red Bull Hardline, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
These milestones underscore the remarkable progress and contributions of women in mountain biking, inspiring future generations to push the sport’s boundaries.