The vibes were high as Skyline Rotorua welcomed Crankworx fans back with the Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships. The crowd was roaring while the riders were frothing and running back up to the top of the course to get more laps in. This was also arguably the largest women’s Whip-Off field in Crankworx Rotorua history.
Canadian Elite Women, Georgia Astle and Kirsten Van Horne made their debut appearance on a Crankworx Whip-Off podium, coming in second and third place respectively. Crankworx Whip-Off veteran, Vinny Armstrong won first place with her signature style of carving up the lip and floating through to look effortlessly sideways.
I kept running back up because it was so fun, and I just wanted more. This is the biggest women’s field we have had in Rotorua; I think. I love just training with my mates, and we are all such good friends and it’s good fun like hyping each other up.
Vinny Armstrong
Second Crankworx Whip-Off event, and second time on the podium for Edgar Briole, but this time, he took top step for Elite Men. No strangers to a Crankworx Whip-Off podium, UK riders Kaos Seagrave and Kade Edwards put on a show for the fans – getting so sideways, some might be suffering from mild neck strain. Seagrave took home the silver medal, and Red Bull rider, Kade Edwards threw it down for the fans snagging himself third place.
Here’s what a few of the podium getters had to say about the Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships and the course:
Insane course, good people and I’m feeling good.
Edgar Briole
The jump was sweet. It was kind of like a chiller version of the Innsbruck Whip-Off jump. In my opinion, I think it is the perfect Whip-Off jump. It’s super floaty on the way up, and then it’s nice and easy set down to bring the whips back. I really liked this course!
Georgia Astle
It was sick, I was a bit stressed at the start because it was a bit wet from yesterday. We had a couple laps in and the boys did some work to it and did an amazing job. We just had one of the sickest times just throwing some whips with your mates.
Kaos Seagrave
Results – Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships
- Edgar Briole (FRA) // Vinny Armstrong (NZL)
- Kaos Seagrave (GBR) // Georgia Astle (CAN)
- Kade Edwards (GBR) // Kirsten Van Horne (CAN)
Full results: crankworx.com/results/
Crankworx Rotorua Air Downhill returns and is up next on the docket. From Friday, March 25th onward, the remaining pro final events will be live broadcast on Red Bull TV.
Follow @Crankworx and @CrankworxRotorua socials for updates on Crankworx Rotorua as they come, and stay up to date with all things Crankworx: Crankworx.com.
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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