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 ability to throw clean, confident whips time and time again. Andy Lehmann (GBR) and Janelle Soukup (USA) claimed silver, while Dan Booker (AUS) and Emma Olofsson (SWE) rounded out the podium with bronze.
Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships podium:
- Eddie Reynolds (USA) // Kirsten van Horne (CAN)
- Andy Lehmann (GBR) // Janelle Soukup (USA)
- Dan Booker (AUS) // Emma Olofsson (SWE)
Full results: click here
RockShox Kārearea Downhill – Seeding is Done – Finals Up Next
Local superstars Lachie Stevens-McNab and Jenna Hastings are on the best way to continue their winning streak from Crankworx Summer Series Christchurch with #1 Seeding result for tomorrow’s RockShox Kārearea Downhill.
What’s Next: Key Schedule Updates
With shifting weather conditions affecting course access earlier in the week, adjustments have been made to ensure fair competition and maximum ride time for athletes.
Crankworx Rotorua Pump Track Challenge
On as scheduled! Elite Finals go down tonight (Friday, March 7) at 6 PM NZDT. Expect tight battles, fast berms, and all-out sprints for the top step of the podium.
Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza
With wind delays impacting practice throughout the week, qualifications have been canceled to allow riders a full day of training today.
New Competition Format:
- Finals kick off Saturday, March 8, at 8:45 AM NZDT.
- Eliminator format: All riders will get a first run. The top half of the field will advance for a second run to improve their score.
- This format ensures all competitors receive a fair opportunity on the big stage while keeping the competition within the best weather window.
RockShox Kārearea Downhill (Group A)
Saturday is stacked, with a massive day of Downhill action on the way:
- Training: 10:30 AM – 12 PM
- Finals: 12:45 PM
- Broadcast Finals: 3:15 PM
With the first two days already delivering huge moments, the weekend promises to turn up the heat. Stay tuned as Crankworx Rotorua rolls on and find the up-to-date schedule online
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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