Adventure Park’s Redemption DH lived up to its name today at Crankworx, delivering one of the most physically demanding and technically punishing race days the circuit has seen.
After heavy rainfall battered the region earlier this week, trail builders worked relentlessly to make the course race-ready. The solution: a rerouted alternate line through the top third of the track: a slabby, rocky and brutally steep opening section that immediately tested commitment and bike handling. It was a week-long push behind the scenes, and by finals day, the course was not just rideable – it was race-ready. But “rideable” did not mean forgiving.
Crankworx Christchurch 2026 – day 3
The upper woods forced riders to fly over exposed rock and off-camber slabs, while the lower “motorway” – dry, fast and deceptively simple – turned into a leg-burning sprint. A persistent headwind meant riders had to pedal relentlessly through the final third of the track, crossing the finish line visibly gasping for air as fans roared them home.
It was savage. This was one of the hardest race runs I’ve ever done. I think to have that 1:20 minute sprint at the bottom is just crazy and so difficult.
Finn Iles
Under blue skies and in front of a sun-soaked crowd that has filled Christchurch Adventure Park all week, the Redemption DH Finals delivered both drama and dominance. Seeding yesterday saw Jenna Hastings and Luke Meier-Smith take the top spots; and today, both defended them.
Jenna Hastings Untouchable Again
The women’s race began with Sian A’Hern setting the early benchmark. Dropping first in the Elite field, she took command of the hot seat and held off challenges from heavy hitters like Sacha Mills and the newest Elite category addition Kate Hastings, proving once again she is a serious contender in this year’s Crankworx Downhill series.
It took fellow Elite newcomer Eliana Hulsebosch to dethrone her. In only her first season in the category, Hulsebosch crossed the line with more than 8.8 seconds in hand over A’Hern, placing a commanding statement that signals her arrival at the top level.
But the final word belonged to Jenna Hastings. Last year’s winner and yesterday’s top qualifier, Hastings attacked the course with precision through the rocky top and composure through the punishing sprint finish. She stopped the clock as the fastest woman on course, securing her third medal of the week after clinching Gold in the AirDH, Silver in the Pump Track Challenge presented by The Rock, and now another Downhill victory.
With this performance, Hastings moves into a comfortable lead in the early Queen of Crankworx standings after the opening festival of the 2026 season.
Luke Meier-Smith Victorious Over Global Competition
The men’s final was a clash of hometown pride and global Downhill stars.
Local standouts lined up against international heavyweights like Loïc Bruni and Finn Iles, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle. Bruni, third in Seeding, delivered a composed run but was ultimately beaten by his teammate Finn Iles, missing the podium by just 1.187 seconds and landing in fourth. Iles held the hot seat for much of the latter part of the race, looking every bit the seasoned contender and showing the fitness required for the brutal bottom sprint.
Then came Lachie Stevens-McNab. Feeding off the Christchurch crowd, last year’s victor crossed the line 3.963 seconds faster than Iles to take over the lead – a commanding performance that electrified the finish arena.
Dropping in last as top qualifier, Luke Meier-Smith showcased both mental and physical resilience on a track that punished hesitation. Fastest through every split, he held nothing back in the motorway sprint and stopped the clock as the overall fastest rider of the day, defending his Seeding position and taking a huge step in the battle for King of Crankworx.
Crankworx Christchurch Redemption DH podium:
- Luke Meier-Smith (AUS) – 4:23.888 // Jenna Hastings (NZL) – 5:16.021
- Lachie Stevens-McNab (NZL) – 4:26.979 // Eliana Hulsebosch (NZL) – 5:18.547
- Finn Iles (CAN) – 4:30.942 // Sian A’Hern (AUS) – 5:27.499
- Loïc Bruni (FRA) – 4:32.129 // Sabina Košárková (CZE) – 5:27.913
- Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) – 4:35.924 // Kate Hastings (NZL) – 5:29.161
Full results: crankworx.com/results
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