Thursday in Whistler marked an intense and action-packed lead-in to what’s forecast to be a wild weekend, both on and off the track. With an atmospheric river set to hit BC’s coast tomorrow, the home of Crankworx – famous for its lush rainforest – delivered a full day of high-caliber competition before the weather rolls in.
Specialized Dual Slalom – Precision Meets Power in the Boneyard
The Specialized Dual Slalom unfolded in the heart of the Boneyard on a purpose-built course that tested even the most seasoned elite athletes. Tight gates, a big gap jump, and sharply carved berms demanded razor-sharp precision, with riders balancing caution against the need to carry speed and momentum.
2024 Queen of Crankworx Martha Gill once again met Jordy Scott in the gold-medal matchup. Scott carved out an early lead in run one, then extended her advantage in run two to secure not only the day’s gold medal but also the overall Crankworx Dual Slalom Series title. In the small final, Julia Lofqvist Traum claimed bronze after dominating run one and capitalizing on Alaina Henderson’s unfortunate crash in run two.
The men’s gold-medal duel saw Dante Silva hold his advantage over fellow American Austin Warren, sealing the win in the final run. Local favorite Tegan Cruz brought the Whistler crowd to life, expanding his lead over Sam Blenkinsop to secure bronze. Blenkinsop’s path to the small final included eliminating reigning King of Crankworx Ryan Gilchrist in the quarterfinals – though Gilchrist still clinched the overall Crankworx Dual Slalom Series title.
With these results, the 2025 King & Queen of Crankworx are now confirmed: Jordy Scott takes the Queen’s crown after an incredible season battling Crankworx newcomer Sabina Košárková and former royalty Martha Gill and Caroline Buchanan. Ryan Gilchrist repeats as King following another dominant year, racking up five gold medals and a total of eight podiums thus far. While points are still up for grabs in Saturday’s RockShox Canadian Open DH and Sunday’s Ultimate Pump Track Challenge, both riders have built an insurmountable lead. The coronation will close out the festival after the Ultimatum Pump Track Challenge on Sunday night.
Specialized Dual Slalom Whistler podium:
- Dante Silva (USA) // Jordy Scott (USA)
- Austin Warren (USA) // Martha Gill (GBR)
- Tegan Cruz (CAN) // Julia Lofqvist Traum (USA)
Full results: crankworx.com/results
Outdoor Research Trick Showdown – A Wet but Wild Debut
Originally scheduled for Friday night, the Outdoor Research Trick Showdown – the newest addition to the Crankworx Whistler lineup – faced a challenging inaugural outing. Modelled after an NBA-style format with heats and no repeat tricks, the competition was shifted into a jam-style showdown as rain swept in. A stacked roster of Slopestyle and Freeride heavy-hitters still delivered a flurry of jaw-dropping moves before worsening conditions brought the event to an early close for rider safety.
Judged by Outdoor Research athletes TJ Schiller, Damon Iwanaga, Georgia Astle, Kirsten Van Horne, Bas Van Steenbergen and Carson Stoch; Robin Goomes took gold with an incredibly clean backflip, while David Godziek wowed with a Cashroll Barspin to secure his top spot.
Dirt Diaries – Storytelling Under the Whistler Skies
Capping off the day, Dirt Diaries drew a committed crowd to Whistler Olympic Plaza, unfazed by the drizzle. This annual video competition blends storytelling, creativity, and mountain bike culture into four to six minutes of cinematic magic.
Whistler-based freeride mountain biker, photographer, and filmmaker Hailey Elise impressed the jury with her vision, earning the title of 2025 Dirt Diaries Champion.
What’s Still to Come
The 2025 edition of Crankworx Whistler is far from over. Tomorrow brings the debut of the Bosch eMTB Challenge, taking riders onto some of Whistler’s most iconic trails. Once the storm clears, Saturday will feature the RockShox Canadian Open DH Elite Finals, rescheduled to prioritize rider and helicopter safety. The festival will close in true Crankworx style on Sunday with Red Bull Joyride and the Ultimate Pump Track Challenge.
Fans can catch the action for free on site in Whistler or watch live on Red Bull TV. The current schedule can be found on crankworx.com/schedule. Keep an eye on @crankworx for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, rider interviews and the latest updates.
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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