It's almost showtime for those of us eagerly awaiting the official broadcast of NST Bike 2026 this week. The Natural Selection Tour brings top-tier, world-class riders from all over the globe, riding their way through some of the world's most insane natural terrain for a spot on the elusive NST Bike podium. This year was an extra special one for us, too, and not only because Mons Royale showed up as Official Next-to-skin Partners of Natural Selection Tour across Bike, Snow and Ski. The real cherry was that this year's Bike event took place just over the hill in our very own Queenstown, New Zealand. It's quite the backyard.
And yet, while it's almost time to watch our ripper athletes (cough, Mons-sponsored Kiwi rider Robin Goomes) ride their hearts out, for those said ripper athletes, game time was a few weeks back. And the only thing that beats watching the NST Bike broadcast live with a beer in hand and mates by your side at your nearest Mons Royale watch party, is being at the ride live. Like photographer Rachel Hadfield.
We chat with her more about her experience on the NST Bike trails in Queenstown below.
Hey, Rachel. You've just gotten back from photographing the Natural Selection Tour Bike event. What were some of your highs and lows from the event?
Hm, highs and lows of documenting NST Bike... There are so many highs, but what stands out for me is watching all those sunrises from that beautiful hill, drinking coffee with your friends and just the energy before the day starts. It's something special. The only real low is that you're in this amazing bike destination with no time to actually ride your bike.
What's one behind-the-scenes element of NST Bike that you think most people wouldn't know?
One of the behind-the-scenes elements you may not know about Natural Selection Bike is just the sheer volume of people who give up their time. For example, Alina, she gets up here first thing in the morning, makes us all coffee, works half a day and then heads down the hill to her normal job.
We've got the New Zealand crew that gives up a big chunk of the year to make this happen. Then we have the American crew who fly over and they just run such a tight ship. Everyone's sort of working behind the scenes to make this happen. It's never about money. It's all for the love of the bikes and love of the athletes and just wanting to see this event be a success in such a beautiful location.
What's your favourite part of photographing Robin Goomes?
I love photographing all the ladies, but especially Robin Goomes. She's just so real and sort of down to earth for how much of a baddie she is on a bike. I mean, we all know she rips, but she's also quite funny. So it's always a good time hanging around while she's sessioning something.
What's your favourite part of competition day at NST Bike?
My favourite part of competition day for me would be documenting the finish corral. I always put my hand up for this job because I just love the people aspect of bikes as much as I love the action. I love watching everyone, you know, the guys, the girls cheering each other on, the interactions, the reactions, and just the energy of it all. Definitely my favourite part of competition day.
What's your go-to pocket snacks for a full day on the tools?
My favourite snack to have in my EVOC camera bag would be these things called Skinny Dipped Almonds. For you non-New Zealanders, they're basically chocolate-covered almonds, and they are delicious.
Watch the NST Bike Broadcast
Thanks, Rachel. Stay tuned for Natural Selection Tour results and live viewings happening exclusively on Red Bull TV. Times below, or head to your nearest Mons Royale Watch Party to cheer in the NST riders with your mates.
PT: Tuesday 5 May, 11am
ET: Tuesday 5 May, 2pm
CET: Tuesday 5 May, 8pm
NZT: Wednesday 6 May, 6am
