A week of friendship and jaw-dropping mountain biking action as South Africa’s top freeriders take Darkfest 2026 to the next level.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (24 March 2026) – The dirt was flying, hearts were racing, and friendships were stronger than ever at Darkfest 2026. The 10th edition of South Africa’s premier freeride mountain bike (MTB) event. Held from 14 to 22 March at the Hellsend Dirt Compound on Vuurberg Farm near Stellenbosch, the festival of jumps, flips, and pure adrenaline brought together over 30 of the world’s top freeriders for a week of unforgettable action.
“This is a very team-oriented event,” says Théo Erlangsen, co-founder and top South African rider at Darkfest. “Most times you know if a jump is safe by the time you take off the lift. Here, there’s still about a second of waiting in the air to see if you’re alright. It’s scary, intense, but that’s what makes it unique.”
Riders tackled insane hand-built jumps like the Rocket and Falcon Heavy, each crafted by C-dog and the Trails Crew under the blazing South African sun. Sam Reynolds, co-founder of Darkfest, couldn’t hide his excitement.
“I am absolutely blown away. To see how far we’ve come in 10 years is insane. The riders absolutely destroyed everything we built. A massive thank you to the Trails Crew for the blood and sweat they put in, and to our sponsors for believing in this wild dream.”
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After a week of spectacular tricks and flips, the riders took home the honours:
- King of Darkness: Alessio ‘Cornflakes’ Tonoli
- Queen of Darkness: Natasha Bradley
- Insta360 Best Clip: Matt MacDuff (Candy Bar Flip)
- Muc-Off Filthiest Style: Vero Sandler & Alessio ‘Cornflakes’ Tonoli
- Mavrix Moment: Vaea Verbeeck & Alessio ‘Cornflakes’ Tonoli
- Kenda Mind Bender: Elias Ruso (Double Flip on Falcon Heavy) & Robin Goomes (Flip Can on the Step-Up)
- DeWalt Best Run: Tom Isted & Natasha Bradley
Darkfest 2026 was about community and friendship. As Théo Erlangsen looks ahead to the South African national champs next week and the European summer season, this was also preparation. It’s week where the freeride spirit of South Africa shines, and the bonds formed.
Sources: Supplied
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