Crankworx Rotorua 2025 wrapped up with high-speed head-to-head action at the Specialized Dual Slalom, as athletes tackled a brand-new, repurposed Speed & Style course at Skyline Rotorua. The challenging terrain and uncertain bike choice made for an intense day of racing, pushing riders to their limits. Caroline Buchanan Takes Gold Over Jordy Scott In the women’s final, former Queen of Crankworx Caroline Buchanan faced Jordy Scott in a dramatic battle. Scott held a 0.237-second advantage going into the second run, but Buchanan’s acceleration in the final flat section proved too strong, allowing her to clinch victory. Adding to her remarkable win, Buchanan was forced to race on an unfamiliar bike after her Dual Slalom bike was stolen just a…
Author: Tomas
On an action-packed day, the second round of the Crankworx Downhill Series took place this afternoon at Skyline Rotorua, marking the return of Elite Downhill racing to this renowned venue. After two years at Whakarewarewa Forest, the RockShox Kārearea Downhill challenged riders with a brand-new course, delivering steep descents, tight corners, and loose, unpredictable conditions. Kiwi talents Jenna Hastings and Lachie Stevens-McNab proved their dominance once again, repeating their gold medal performances from the Redemption Downhill in Christchurch earlier this season. RockShox Kārearea Downhill 2025 Jenna Hastings, coming in as the top-seeded rider, laid down a flawless and aggressive run,…
The Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, the opening event of the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC), delivered an electrifying showcase of progression and high-stakes competition under clear and calm skies. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the event was moved to this morning due to strong winds in the forecast. After extensive consultations and careful consideration of multiple scenarios, athletes unanimously opted for an electrifying new competition format: a high-stakes two-run elimination battle. This strategic shift not only raised the intensity but also gave all riders the opportunity to perform on the big stage of the SWC. For the men,…
The Crankworx Rotorua Pump Track Challenge lit up Skyline Rotorua as fans packed into the arena under the night sky. The energy in the crowd was electric, especially as Kiwi athletes took to the track in this chainless head-to-head showdown. No stranger to the Crankworx World Tour Jackson Frew won his first ever Pump Track gold medal, while his female counterpart Laura Smulders is a brand-new face to the Crankworx family. Crankworx Rotorua Pump Track Challenge As Round 2 of the 2025 Crankworx Pump Track Series, the stakes were high, with riders pushing their limits on the technical and fast…
The second day of Crankworx Rotorua 2025 is in the books, bringing a mix of intense competition, high-flying whips, and last-minute schedule shifts as the festival adapts to changing conditions. Electric Energy at the Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships As the sun set over Skyline Rotorua yesterday, the Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships brought the crowd to its feet. Riders sent their biggest and best whips under the lights, vying for the top spot with style, amplitude, and consistency. At the end of the night, it was Kirsten Van Horne (CAN) and Eddie Reynolds (USA) who walked away with the win, impressing the judges with their…
The 2025 Crankworx World Tour is officially underway, as Crankworx Rotorua kicked off five days of adrenaline-fuelled action at Skyline Rotorua with the AirDH, returning the festival to a single epic venue for the first time in years. With world-class athletes, passionate fans, and a stacked schedule including the RockShox Kārearea Downhill, Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, Pump Track Challenge, and Specialized Dual Slalom events ahead, the stage is set for another historic year of competition. Spectators can witness the action live on-site, while fans around the world tuned in via Red Bull TV to catch the biggest events. …
The inaugural Crankworx Summer Series Christchurch came to a breathtaking close today with Gold Cup Slopestyle. Being the first-ever Gold Level event sanctioned by the FMBA (Freeride Mountain Bike Association) in New Zealand, it marked a milestone moment for freeride mountain biking in Aotearoa. After a week of battling strong winds that disrupted practice sessions, today’s conditions were perfect – sunshine and no wind, allowing riders to showcase their full potential on a brand-new Slopestyle course at Christchurch Adventure Park. Originally, a qualification round was scheduled for Saturday, intended to narrow the men’s field to 15 riders. However, to give athletes more time on the course to dial in…
In classic Crankworx fashion, Crankworx Summer Series Christchurch kicked off the 2025 season with a Super Saturday. The highly anticipated Redemption Downhill and Christchurch Pump Track Challenge roared into action, hosting nail-biting finals at Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP). As the opening round of the Crankworx Downhill and Pump Track Series, both events established the tone for what promises to be an electrifying year of racing. Redemption Downhill Challenges Athletes at Round 1 of Series Set against the backdrop of the Christchurch Port Hills, the Redemption Downhill course challenged riders with a technical upper section demanding precision and skill, followed by flowing lower portions where momentum and pedal power came into…
Following a successful expansion into surf last year, Swatch Nines returns in 2025 with three signature events spanning the worlds of SNOW, SURF and BIKE. With a 17-year heritage in action sports, Swatch Nines is an unconventional event series that specializes in creating safe yet jaw-dropping playgrounds to explore and celebrate the boundaries of human talent and imagination. Here’s what to know at a glance: Swatch Nines Snow | 7–12 April 2025 | Schilthorn, Switzerland Back for a third edition in this spectacular setting in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Snow event once again invites top ski and…
The legendary event and cycling season opener is relocating part of its venue within the Italian town of Riva del Garda. This new location will bring the festival closer to the lakefront for a greener setting and more local flair. When the previous venue recently became unavailable, the organizers of the Bike Festival Riva del Garda 2025 took action and, in collaboration with the Municipality of Riva del Garda, secured a new, attractive location near the lake. Exhibitors, visitors and race participants will once again be able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the event right on Lake Garda—this time…
SHIMANO announces its 2025 eyewear collection, the new lineup reinforces Shimano’s commitment to providing cyclists with premium eyewear that combines performance, comfort and environmental responsibility. Shimano expands its lineup of premium eyewear with three new models that combine advanced optics with precision engineering to help riders perform at their best. Featuring sleek, modern designs with lightweight and durable construction, the new S-PHYRE SL, EQUINOX, and PULSAR eyewear deliver the ultimate in speed, style, and functionality for optimal performance in any riding condition. RIDESCAPE Lens Technology Shimano’s proprietary RIDESCAPE lens technology includes three lens options that are tuned for different riding…
Pivot Cycles unleashes a dynamic duo of trail bikes that set a new standard for versatility and performance. The all-new Trailcat SL and Trailcat LT are built to elevate every ride, whether you’re chasing flowy singletrack or tackling steep, technical descents. With refined geometry and expertly tuned suspension, the Trailcat lineup empowers riders to take on any trail with confidence. Trailcat SL: Refined & Ready The Trailcat SL was built to excel on every inch of the trail, this bike combines XC-inspired efficiency with confidence inspiring trail capability. Its 120mm of finely tuned dw-link suspension effortlessly converts pedaling power into…
For Tayte Proulx-Royds, the off-season is all about staying sharp and having fun—and the Process 134 is her ultimate tool for both. This video takes you into Tayte’s world, where XC precision meets enduro toughness. From tight, flowy climbing trails to technical, rough descents, the Process 134 proves it’s as versatile as the athletes who ride it. Whether you’re chasing national XC or enduro championship titles (like Tayte), training for your first UCI DH World Cup (also like Tayte?!), or simply leveling up your everyday ride, the Process 134 is ready to deliver.
SHIMANO and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) are proud to announce the continuation of their long-standing partnership. The renewal is made as the organisations celebrate working together for more than 25 years and both the UCI and Shimano look forward to working closely together for another four-year period (from 2025 to 2028). As in the past four years, Shimano will continue to hold the status of UCI World Cycling Partner, in addition to being the UCI’s official Neutral Service Partner at the UCI World Championships for various disciplines. The Shimano Neutral Service mechanics and drivers – easily recognizable thanks to…