Crankworx history was made today as the first-ever Crankworx Full Tilt race brought a brand-new blend of speed, tactics, and technical prowess to the rainforest tracks of Smithfield MTB Park. Athletes navigated a uniquely designed course that blended tactical head-to-head racing with technical downhill features. The track featured multiple line options, tight berms, and a boulder-strewn rock garden that tested even the most seasoned riders. Tire blowouts, overshot landings, and more than one OTBs moment kept racers on edge through practice, qualifiers, and finals. Four gold medals have been awarded today, with Sabina Košárková grabbing two of them, standing next to young Australian Josh Jolly on the Crankworx Full Tilt podium, and Jayce Cunning on the Pump Track podium.
Women’s Final: Sabina Košárková Strikes Gold
In the women’s final, Sabina Košárková, Caroline Buchanan, and Jordy Scott went bar-to-bar in one of the most thrilling races of the day. Košárková, having clocked the fastest time in previous heats, claimed her choice of start gate and took full advantage. She led from the front with a powerful and controlled ride, holding off Scott staying hot on her heels. Buchanan, trailing in third for most of the race, unleashed a last-minute burst of speed, overtaking Scott on the very last roller to claim silver. It was a nail-biting finish that had spectators roaring.
Men’s Final: Another Gold for Josh Jolly
The men’s final was a battle between the rising and the reigning. Josh Jolly, competing in his first Elite Crankworx this week but familiar with the stage from his U17 appearances at Crankworx Rotorua 2022, showed what he’s capable of at his young age. As fastest in his group, he chose the optimal start gate and exploded out with confidence. On his heels was Jackson Frew, fresh off his first Crankworx Downhill win just a day earlier. Frew battled hard, and made his way through the rock garden to hold second. Having to back down due to Frew aggressively holding his line, Niels Bensink earned a well-deserved bronze medal after delivering tight bar-to-bar racing all day.
Crankworx Cairns Full Tilt – Top 6:
- Josh Jolly (AUS) // Sabina Košárková (CZE)
- Jackson Frew (AUS) // Caroline Buchanan (AUS)
- Niels Bensink (NED) // Jordy Scott (USA)
- Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) // Sacha Mills (AUS)
- Bas Van Steenbergen (CAN) // Cassie Voysey (AUS)
- Tegan Cruz (CAN) // Martha Gill (GBR)
Full results: click here
Crankworx Cairns Pump Track Challenge
As the sun set over the tropical rainforest, the lights went on and the racing shifted to chainless action at the Crankworx Cairns Pump Track Challenge. A Crankworx staple, this race saw some tight battles throughout all heats, with Czech rider Sabina Košárková and Jacye Cunning emerging victorious.
My day was awesome! Taking the double win was something I wished for, but I really couldn’t expect it. And yeah, racing Caroline in both disciplines is something insane because I looked up to her when I was younger and she was racing BMX.
Sabina Košárková
The women’s gold-medal match-up saw a familiar pairing. For the second time today, Sabina Košárková defeated Caroline Buchanan by a margin of just a fraction of a second. Jordi Scott won the small final against Sacha Mills, securing her second bronze medal of the day.
On the men’s side, Jayce Cunning repeated his victories from the 2022 and 2023 Crankworx Cairns Pump Track Challenge, in extremely tight racing across heats. Fighting for the gold medal, Josh Jolly lost against Cunning by the skin of his teeth, ending the day with his third Elite Crankworx medal after winning the Official Australian Whip-Off Championship earlier this week and Full Tilt this morning. Current King of Crankworx and Pump Track World Champion Ryan Gilchrist won the small final against Niels Bensink, rounding out a fully Australian podium.
Pump Track Challenge Cairns – Top 5:
- Jayce Cunning (AUS) // Sabina Košárková (CZE)
- Josh Jolly (AUS) // Caroline Buchanan (AUS)
- Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) // Jordy Scott (USA)
- Niels Bensink (NED) // Sacha Mills (AUS)
- Jackson Frew (AUS) // Elleni Turkovic (AUS)
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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