As a new decade of mountain bike competition starts to take shape, Crankworx is excited to announce the launch of CWNEXT, a new, youth-focused category of competition across the Crankworx World Tour.
CWNEXT will include categories for young men and women, in the following age classes: 13-14, 15-16, 17-18.
Registration opens today at 1 p.m. (PST) for CWNEXT categories in the following events at Crankworx Rotorua 2020 (March 1-8):
- 100% Dual Slalom Rotorua
- Rotorua Air DH presented by Bosch
- Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by Gull
- Rockshox Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by Torpedo7 (the first time a category other than pro will be run for this event)
CWNEXT categories will be run at all stops across the Crankworx World Tour in 2020.
Crankworx Rotorua 2019 / photo: Jay French Crankworx Rotorua 2019 / photo: Jay French Crankworx Rotorua 2019 / photo: Jay French
Prior to CWNEXT, young athletes would either register for Kidsworx events, or a select offering of junior categories in various Crankworx disciplines. CWNEXT was created to bridge the gap between Kidsworx and Crankworx competition, bring youth racing under one umbrella, and provide a development path for young athletes. Whether riders want to improve their skills as amateur racers, or have their sights set on becoming the King or Queen of Crankworx one day, CWNEXT will provide a pro-style level competition and organization for youth participants at Crankworx.
More and more athletes are gearing their training toward the rigors of what it takes to compete at a Crankworx World Tour stop. Athletes like current Queen of Crankworx Vaea Verbeeck are focusing on the physical and mental preparation needed to take on multiple events in different disciplines, and on different bikes, sometimes all in one day. This is inspiring the next wave.
This year in Whistler we saw 16-year-old local Jakob Jewett rise to the occasion at the RockShox Ultimate Pumptrack Challenge. There are so many other young riders waiting for their moment to shine. CWNEXT will give an entire crop of athletes, who have grown up alongside the festivals, the opportunity to develop into seasoned competitors.
– Darren Kinnaird, Crankworx World Tour General Manager
I’m really happy to hear about this new platform. It is exactly what we need and it will be so cool to see our sport growing firsthand. It makes a huge difference to have mountain biking on athletes’ radars from a young age. It never occurred to me to try riding mountain bikes until my late teens when I bumped into people who were mountain bikers. I found my love in this sport and it has brought so many positive things into my life. I wish the same for others out there.
– Vaea Verbeeck, Queen of Crankworx 2019
The world has its eyes on Crankworx. The excitement, culture, environment, passion, and competitive environment all help to fuel our industry. Without continuous improvement, we’d never progress. It’s this kind of leadership with CWNEXT that truly sets Crankworx apart from other events. Kids of all ages are our future, and we have a responsibility to provide meaningful outlets for their growth and ours.
– David Zimberoff, Vice President of Marketing at SRAM
Details of how to register for events with CWNEXT categories at Crankworx Rotorua can he found here: crankworx.com/rotorua/athlete-info
Along with CWNEXT categories, today marks the opening of registration for all Pro and 19+ categories at Crankworx Rotorua 2020.
About Crankworx World Tour
About Crankworx World Tour
Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series. The Crankworx World Tour brings together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines. Crankworx World Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.
Official website: crankworx.com
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