Crankworx Rotorua, the opening event of the 2024 Crankworx World Tour, roared to life in March, delivering an adrenaline-fuelled spectacle of world-class mountain biking. The festival, which featured captivating action, Kidsworx activations, and a historic Slopestyle event, marked the beginning to this monumental season. Next, the ultimate experience in mountain biking will touch down in hot and sunny Cairns for its unofficial Paradise Edition before heading to Europe for Crankworx Innsbruck and coming back to its birthplace Whistler in July.
Reflecting on Crankworx Rotorua’s 10th Anniversary
The 10-year anniversary of Crankworx Rotorua was a triumph for local athletes, with Kiwi riders dominating across categories. In an impressive display, Aotearoa athletes secured 14 spots in a total of 13 Pro podiums, including a memorable all-Kiwi female podium at the RockShox Taniwha Downhill. This Downhill event kicked off the festival in the picturesque Whakarewarewa forest, where spectators rallied behind their local heroes. After moving to Skyline Rotorua for the remainder of the festival, the action culminated in the Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, where Kiwi rider Robin Goomes made history by becoming the first woman to claim Gold at a Diamond Level Slopestyle Event. For detailed results of all Crankworx events, click here.
Royal Standings – King & Queen of Crankworx
Coming out of the first Crankworx festival of the year, the race for the King and Queen of Crankworx titles begins to take shape. The Queen of Crankworx standings are currently led by Martha Gill, Shania Rawson, and Kialani Hines. Meanwhile, 2023 King of Crankworx and Rotorua-local Tuhoto-Ariki Pene leads the men’s standings, followed by Ryan Gilchrist and Jakob Jewett. These athletes are ones to watch as they are prepared to shake things up across multiple disciplines in the upcoming Crankworx Cairns, Innsbruck, and Whistler festivals.
Full King and Queen of Crankworx Standings here.
Next Stop: Crankworx Paradise Edition in Cairns
With the full lineup of events being confirmed, the excitement continues with Crankworx Cairns, set to deliver a week packed with adrenaline, gravity-defying action and plenty of party. This year’s Party in Paradise promises awe-inspiring performances across all mountain bike disciplines, as well as additional events and musical highlights throughout the festival week. The program includes live performances by Australian rock bands Spiderbait, Worm Girlz and the Beddy Rays, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park. With further musical and DJ performances throughout the week, the itinerary also features a Braap Off, Mountain Bike Jam Session at the Cairns Skatepark, and the staple Crankworx Cairns Pump Track Challenge, set to take place after the sun set over Queensland. Tickets for Crankworx Cairns are available here.
Athletes To Watch
While the official preliminary rider lists are yet to be published, fans can already anticipate a thrilling competition. With Caroline Buchanan, last year’s Pump Track winner and Queen of Crankworx, Martha Gill, and Shania Rawson already confirmed, the race for the coveted crown is to enter the next round at Crankworx Cairns.
The Crankworx Cairns athlete roster also boasts the world’s best Slopestyle athletes in both the men’s and women’s categories:
- men’s category: Emil Johansson, Dawid Godziek, Nicholi Rogatkin, Erik Fedko, Lucas Huppert, Tom Isted, Paul Couderc, Max Fredriksson, Timothe Bringer, Ben Thompson, Griffin Paulson, Jake Atkinson, Max Langille
- women’s category: Robin Goomes, Harriet Burbidge-Smith, Caroline Buchanan, Shealen Reno, Patricia Druwen, Alma Wiggberg
In addition to this remarkable lineup of international athletes, Australian fans can look forward to local favourites, including last year’s Pump Track victor Jayce Cunning, Mick Hannah, Jackson Frew, Baxter Maiwald, and Wade Turner among others in the men’s field. For the women, Harriet Burbidge-Smith, Caroline Buchanan, Ellie Smith, Cassie Voysey, and Tracey Hannah are among the confirmed Aussie athletes to dazzle the crowds at Crankworx Cairns.
This year’s Crankworx World Tour and the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship are set to captivate audiences across Crankworx Cairns, Innsbruck, and Whistler. Spectators on site and those tuning into the Red Bull TV live stream can expect unparalleled race action across a variety of disciplines, showcasing some of the world’s most outstanding mountain bike destinations.
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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