Red Bull’s 400-Man ‘Fox Hunt’ Is Absolute MTB Mayhem

Written by Adam Ruggiero Nov 03, 2016 9:08 a.m. ET

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400 red hounds, one world-famous white fox, and 3.5 miles of unreal downhill bedlam.

The Red Bull Fox Hunt dove into its fifth year with 400 amateur riders anxiously gathering in Rostrevor, Ireland, to “hunt” their prey: former World Downhill Champion Gee Atherton.

Predictably, with a 400-person mass start along a mountain and everyone vying for the same piece of narrow, rutted real estate, several wrecks ensued.

But for the first time in the event’s history, the “fox” managed to podium. Atherton beat out 399 other racers to finish second behind rider Colin Ross.

Want even more pulse-pounding fox hunt? Check out Atherton’s POV cam from the event.

Adam Ruggiero

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Adam Ruggiero is the Editor in Chief of GearJunkie and host of the GearJunkie Podcast. He cut his teeth as a freelancer, and then news reporter for the site in 2015.

Along with founder Stephen Regenold and Editorial Director Sean McCoy, Ruggiero graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism. He was the recipient of the 2022 Outdoor Media Summit “Editor of the Year” award, and regularly co-hosts the industry’s “Gear Guide” at both summer and winter Outdoor Retailer trade shows.

In addition to accurate and impartial news reporting, and compelling, original storytelling, his interests include camping in all climates and conditions, track cycling and bikepacking, all forms of fitness, the resplendent majesty of coffee, and sports of every kind.