{"id":10368,"date":"2025-05-23T13:54:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T11:54:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/43ride.com\/en\/?p=10368"},"modified":"2025-05-23T13:55:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T11:55:23","slug":"rockshox-downhill-cairns-fires-up-the-weekend-at-crankworx-cairns-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/43ride.com\/en\/events\/2025\/rockshox-downhill-cairns-fires-up-the-weekend-at-crankworx-cairns-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"RockShox Downhill Cairns Fires Up the Weekend at Crankworx Cairns 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Friday at Crankworx Cairns launched the weekend in high gear with the RockShox Downhill on the legendary Worlds Downhill trail at Smithfield MTB Park. The course, groomed to perfection and running fast, tested athletes in iconic sections like Mick’s Drop, the RockShox Rock Garden, and the energy-draining motorway sprint to the finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tracey Hannah \/ photo: Clint Trahan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sian A’Hern Claim Gold Over Her Idol Tracey Hannah<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sian A’Hern, proudly racing with tha Australian flag on her sleeve as the current Downhill Champion, defended her top seeding with authority, clocking a winning time of 3:46.353. In a strong run, she defeated one of her long-time idols, Tracey Hannah, a rider she had never bested in competition before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve looked up to Tracey since I started racing bikes. I’ve always wanted to beat her. To always have been so close to her and finally beat her is insane. I’m just super proud of how I handled myself this week. I really enjoyed riding my bike. I just wanted to show what I could do on a bike, and I feel like I achieved that today.<\/p>Sian A’Hern<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Sian A’Hern \/ photo: Clint Trahan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Local rider Tracey Hannah, a legend beyond Cairns, showed her finesse and knowledge of the course despite limited training, claiming silver. Rounding out the all-Australian podium was Sacha Mills, who delivered a clean, controlled run to secure third.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Men’s Elite: Frew Finds Gold\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the men’s side, Jackson Frew broke through to claim his first Crankworx Downhill gold, capitalising on bold line choices and calculated risks, including a much-discussed gap through the final rock section. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I put everything into that run, and I took some risks that I really didn’t want to have to \u2013 especially in practice pulling that last jump.<\/p>Jackson Frew<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Jackson Frew \/ photo: Clint Trahan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Top-seeded Ryan Gilchrist, renowned for his pedal strength and versatility across disciplines, pushed hard in the final section, nearly closing the gap, but ultimately fell short by just 0.812 seconds. Jackson Connelly completed yet another Australian podium sweep with a strong ride for third.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RockShox Downhill \u2013 Top 5:\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Jackson Frew (AUS) – 3:17.965\u00a0\/\/ Sian A’Hern (AUS) – 3:46.353<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) – 3:18.777\u00a0\/\/ Tracey Hannah (AUS) – 3:51.493<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Jackson Connelly (AUS) – 3:21.218\u00a0\/\/ Sacha Mills (AUS) – 3:55.991\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Carter Sloan (AUS) – 3:22.232 \/\/ Jordy Scott (USA) – 4:03.593\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Joel Sutherland (AUS) – 3:22.388\u00a0\/\/ Bella Schofield (AUS) – 4:08.310\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    RockShox Downhill Cairns podium \/ photo: Clint Trahan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Full results:\u00a0click here<\/a>\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Today’s gold medalist Sian A’Hern, who placed eighth at the RockShox Downhill in Rotorua earlier this year where she recovered from being ill, is committed to stir up the Crankworx Downhill Series standings by attending the remaining three stops at Crankworx Summer Series SilverStar and the big finale at Crankworx Whistler. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More Crankworx, more Summer Series, more fun racing, and yeah, just more time on my bike. I’m just loving everything, all the disciplines, and just having fun.<\/p>Sian A’Hern<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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