Hattie Harnden Secures First UCI Downhill Win for Belt-Driven Bikes

The victory, achieved on a frame developed by Gamux, validates the performance of the Gates Belt Drive system in one of the sport's most demanding environments. While traditional chain-driven systems have long dominated the downhill circuit, Harnden’s performance showcased the reliability of belt technology, which eliminates common mechanical failures such as dropped chains or skipped gears. The win involved a cohort of 20 riders testing the system’s limits on the brutal terrain of Haute-Savoie.

Harnden noted that the consistency provided by the drivetrain allowed her to maintain focus throughout the run, a critical advantage in a sport where milliseconds decide the outcome. For Gates, this achievement serves as a proof-of-concept for the durability and responsiveness of their power transmission solutions. Chris Sugai, General Manager of Mobility at Gates, credited the result to a collaborative engineering effort aimed at proving that belt systems can exceed the punishing requirements of professional downhill competition.