The 20th anniversary of Crankworx Whistler rolled into another day of high-octane action under a blazing summer sun. Today’s spotlight was on the Air DH, sending riders down the world’s most famous bike park jump line, A-Line, for a full-throttle test of speed, skill, and style.
Air DH: Iconic Jumps and Tactical Speed
The Crankworx Whistler Air DH is one of the festival’s signature events, taking riders down Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s A-Line – a trail renowned for its perfectly sculpted jumps, high-speed berms, and flow. While it rewards confidence and creativity in the air, victory comes down to strategic momentum and clean landings.
Anneke Beerten’s Emotional Retirement Lap
First-ever Queen of Crankworx Anneke Beerten returned to the course where she helped shape the festival’s legacy a decade ago. In a moving farewell, Beerten took her final run down A-Line with a celebratory “party train” in tow, featuring Harriet Burbidge-Smith, Robin Goomes, Casey Brown, and others – a fitting tribute to her storied career.
Hastings and Rude Take Top Honours
In the women’s elite race, New Zealand’s Jenna Hastings lit up the course with a 4:43.461, securing her second Air DH gold this season after also taking the win in Rotorua earlier this year. American rider Taylor Ostgaard earned silver in her debut Crankworx podium finish, while last year’s silver medalist Amy Morrison claimed bronze, just 0.029 seconds back.
On the men’s side, Richie Rude continued his dominance, backing up his Garbanzo DH win with another gold – this time clocking 4:15.719. Teammate Tyler Waite took silver, while local rider Dane Jewett secured bronze, adding to his medal haul for the week.
Crankworx Whistler Air DH podium:
- Richie RUDE (USA) – 4:15.719 // Jenna HASTINGS (NZL) – 4:43.461
- Tyler WAITE (NZL) – 4:18.509 // Taylor OSTGAARD (USA) – 4:47.747
- Dane JEWETT (CAN) – 4:18.817 // Amy MORRISON (USA) – 4:47.776
Full results: crankworx.com/results
Deep Summer Photo Challenge Brings Art to the Spotlight
Tonight, creativity took centre stage as the Deep Summer Photo Challenge lit up Whistler Olympic Plaza. Six talented photographers presented slideshows shot over just three days of the festival, weaving together the action, culture, and landscapes of the Sea to Sky region. In partnership with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the evening is a celebration of storytelling, community, and the artistry that thrives alongside the sport. Hailing from Barcelona, Hector Saura takes the win at the 2025 Crankworx Whistler Deep Summer Photo Challenge. A rider, photographer, and creative with deep roots in the mountain bike world, Hector’s journey began as a dirt jumper before an injury steered him toward the camera. Since 2013, he’s been capturing mountain biking through his own distinctive lens, highlighting the overlooked stories, places, and people that shape the sport. His 2025 Deep Summer slideshow blended raw action, rich culture, and heartfelt community moments – earning him top honours from the judges.
What’s Next at Crankworx Whistler
Tomorrow night, the Official Whip-Off World Championships presented by POC will showcase style and amplitude in the Boneyard. Still to come this week:
- RockShox Canadian Open DH – riders tackling the iconic 1199 trail in Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s Creekside Zone
- Outdoor Research Trick Showdown – the ultimate mix of style, skill, and creativity
- Red Bull Joyride – the crown jewel of Slopestyle, drawing the best in the world to throw down in the Boneyard
- Head-to-head racing in the Specialized Dual Slalom and the Ultimate Pump Track Challenge, with valuable points on the line for the King & Queen of Crankworx standings
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
Media: facebook, instagram, twitter, youtube, flickr