In a first for for competitive cycling and Gates Belt Drive, Hattie Harnden of AON Racing has secured the first-ever UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Series victory on a belt-driven bike, putting Gates Belt Drive technology and Gamux frames on top of the podium at Les Gets, France.
Gates first set up a special €100K purse in late 2025 challenging manufacturers to test, implement, and ultimately race belt drive technology on the World Cup circuit. The four teams to initially take on the challenge were Aon on Gamux frames, Atherton Racing, MS-Racing, and Intense Factory Racing.
The win is a significant proof point for belt-drive technology in one of cycling’s most demanding environments, where drivetrain durability, responsiveness and consistency can make or break a race. It also earned Harnden the €100K purse.
The race brought together elite riders from across the globe to push the limits of performance on the world’s toughest terrain, with 20 riders equipped with the high-performance Gates Belt Drive system. This milestone validates what Gates has long championed, belt drives not only meet but exceed the punishing demands of elite downhill racing. It signals a broader shift in performance cycling, one in which clean, low-maintenance, and ultra-durable belt drives are poised to become the future of drivetrain technology.
“Downhill racing can be brutal on riders and equipment, so to be the first rider to win on a belt-drivenbike is honestly pretty exciting,” said Harnden.“The Gates Belt Drive delivered smooth consistency without dropped chains or skipped gears, letting me focus completely on the run. In a sport where every second matters, that can make all the difference. This win reflects the hard work and belief of the entire team, and it’s a moment we’re all proud of at AON. Hopefully, it’s just the start of what we can do with this bike.”
Chris Sugai, General Manager of Mobility at Gates said, “Victories like this don’t happen in isolation.This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort across the industry. We want to recognize the mechanics, engineers, and support crew who worked relentlessly to ensure this bike performed at its peak. Special thanks to Gamux for developing a frame that harnesses the power of Gates Belt Drive, proving that engineering innovation leads to game-changing results.”
For the cycling industry, the implications go beyond one race. Twenty riders competed at Les Gets equipped with Gates Belt Drive systems, demonstrating how the technology is expanding into high-performance applications alongside its growing presence across commuter and micromobility platforms.
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