STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – All eyes were fixed on the Western Cape this past week as South Africa once again proved itself as the ultimate arena for extreme sports. Darkfest 2026, celebrating a decade of high-octane history, saw the world’s elite freeride mountain bikers descend upon the Hellsend Dirt Compound to tackle the biggest jumps ever constructed in the sport.
From 14 to 22 March, the Vuurberg Farm near Stellenbosch became a theater of gravity-defying progression. For its 10th anniversary, the event delivered its fastest and most daring edition to date, cementing South Africa’s reputation as the “Mecca” of big-air freeriding.
Built in the SA Heat
What makes Darkfest unique is the canvas provided by the South African landscape. The legendary jumps—including the newly debuted “Rocket” and the “Falcon Heavy”—were brought to life by C-dog and the local Trails Crew. Working tirelessly in the grueling South African sun, the crew hand-packed every lip and landing, transforming Stellenbosch dirt into a world-class architectural marvel that forced international riders to push their limits.
“I am absolutely blown away,” said Darkfest co-founder and pro rider Sam Reynolds. “To see how far we’ve come in 10 years is insane. A massive thank you to the Trails Crew for the blood and sweat they put into this dirt.”
Local Hero: Théo Erlangsen
Representing the Green and Gold among the thirty elite international stars was South Africa’s own Théo Erlangsen. As the top local rider, Erlangsen provided a vital perspective on what it means to host such a prestigious event at home.
“It really is the most insane set of jumps in the world,” Erlangsen remarked. “The jumps are so big and dangerous that you actually work together with everyone you ride with. It’s competitive in a sense, but you’re competing against yourself and the limits of the sport, not each other.”
The 2026 Hall of Fame
After a week of “absolute carnage” and progression, the riders voted for those who best conquered the Stellenbosch hills. While Alessio ‘Cornflakes’ Tonoli and Natasha Bradley were crowned the King and Queen of Darkness, every rider who dropped into the Vuurberg slopes left as a legend of the South African soil.
The Darkfest 2026 Awards:
- King of Darkness: Alessio ‘Cornflakes’ Tonoli
- Queen of Darkness: Natasha Bradley
- DeWalt Best Run: Tom Isted & Natasha Bradley
- Kenda Mind Bender: Elias Ruso (Double Flip on Falcon Heavy) & Robin Goomes (Flip Can on the Step-Up)
- Insta360 Best Clip: Matt MacDuff (Candy Bar Flip)
- Muc-Off Filthiest Style: Vero Sandler & Alessio ‘Cornflakes’ Tonoli
- Mavrix Moment: Vaea Verbeeck & Alessio ‘Cornflakes’ Tonoli
As the dust settles on the Hellsend Dirt Compound, one thing is certain: South Africa can host and set global benchmark for freeride mountain biking.
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