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    Sunday, March 9
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    Kiwi Riders Jenna Hastings and Lachie Stevens-McNab Dominate at the RockShox Kārearea Downhill

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    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.

    Laurie Greenland / photo: Clint Trahan

    RockShox Kārearea Downhill 2025

    Jenna Hastings, coming in as the top-seeded rider, laid down a flawless and aggressive run, securing gold with a commanding 6.259-second lead over Switzerland’s Camille Balanche. Despite a challenging lower section that forced her onto the slower B-line, Louise Ferguson claimed third place, rounding out the women’s podium. 

    Jenna Hastings / photo: Clint Trahan

    Women’s Top 5 Results: 

    1. Jenna Hastings (NZL) – 3:17.651
    2. Camille Balanche (SUI) – 3:23.910 
    3. Louise Ferguson (GBR) – 3:26.000
    4. Lisa Bouladou (FRA) – 3:28.688 
    5. Jess Blewitt (NZL) – 3:30.018 

    In the men’s race, local Rotorua rider Lachie Stevens-McNab thrilled the home crowd with a lightning-fast run to claim victory by a full 0.603-second margin over fellow Kiwi and former King of Crankworx, Tuhoto-Ariki Pene. The battle for third was fierce, with Matt Walker finishing just over three seconds behind Pene, followed closely by Yeti teammates Richie Rude and Ryan Gilchrist.

    Lachlan Stevens-McNab / photo: Clint Trahan

    Men’s Top 5 Results: 

    1. Lachie Stevens-McNab (NZL) – 2:50.949 
    2. Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (NZL) – 2:51.552 
    3. Matt Walker (GBR) – 2:54.330 
    4. Richie Rude (USA) – 2:54.884 
    5. Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) – 2:56.746 
    RockShox Kārearea Downhill podium / photo: Clint Trahan

    Full results: click here

    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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