T H E U LT IM AT E E XP E R I ENCE IN MOUN TA IN BIKIN G
O FFICIA L EV E NT G UID E
FEATURES
Jump for joy
For the first time ever, Red Bull Joyride is open to both women and men
Screaming Downhill
The Garbanzo DH is back, joining the RockShox Canadian Open DH and Air DH as Crankworx Whistler’s fastest offerings
7 Welcome letter
From the Managing Director of Crankworx World Tour
14
Photographers and filmmakers take centre stage at Crankworx
Catch Deep Summer and Dirt Diaries at Whistler Olympic Plaza
28
Aspire, connecting emerging athletes, underrepresented communities and industry leaders
Grow Cycling Foundation hosts new event
16
For the kids
Kidsworx 2024 returns with Pump Track while adding Dual Slalom for the first time
30 King & Queen 2024
Ryan Gilchrist leads men’s field; Martha Gill and Jordy Scott neck-and-neck among women
On the cover: DESIGN: Lou O’Brien Creative / PHOTOGRAPHY: Adam Price, Jake Paddon and Clint Trahan
Crankworx Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler are grateful to be based and operate on the unceded shared territory of the Lilwat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation and the Sḵwx wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, and respect and actively commit to a deep consideration of their history, culture, stewardship and voice.
Crankwrox Whistler Pump Track 2023
CLINT TRAHAN
DARREN KINNAIRD Managing Director, Crankworx World Tour
DEAR CRANKWORX FRIENDS & FAMILY,
Welcome back to Crankworx Whistler! I am beyond excited to have you join us in the heart of beautiful Whistler, BC, for the ultimate celebration of mountain biking, community, and spirit.
Crankworx Whistler is more than just a festival; it’s a reunion of riders, fans, and families who all share a love for the sport, and the vibrant culture and stunning nature surrounding it. Whether you’re here to compete, cheer, or simply soak in the fantastic atmosphere, we’re thrilled to have you with us for what’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
We are privileged to host Crankworx Whistler on the traditional, unceded territory of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. We deeply respect the connection these Indigenous peoples have with this land and are grateful for their care and stewardship over the centuries. Their cultural heritage is a vital part of the spirit of this place we all love.
This year’s festival is all about celebrating comebacks and new beginnings. I’m especially proud to see the world’s best female Slopestyle athletes riding the Red Bull Joyride course alongside their male counterparts. We’re also thrilled to bring back the Garbanzo DH, a favorite among athletes, which will be one of three Downhill events at the festival. And of course, Crankworx staples like the Ultimate Pump Track Challenge, Outdoor Research Speed & Style, Specialized Dual Slalom, and the Official Whip-Off Championships presented by POC – this year in a new location - are all back in action.
With a full lineup of Kidsworx and CWNEXT events, we’re excited to welcome the next generation of mountain bike athletes to the Crankworx family. We’re committed to creating a friendly, inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the best that mountain biking has to offer. And don’t miss the two Adaptive Downhill races, making their second appearance at this action-packed festival. In addition to an impressive sport schedule, the Grow Cycling Foundation hosts Aspire, inviting a fresh take on the traditional conference setting with panel discussions and networking sessions for athletes, their families, and underrepresented communities. We’re also excited to welcome back SponsorshipX which will explore “The Future of Brand Champions” in a three-day conference in the heart of Whistler.
To the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, the Province of British Columbia, our local businesses and community members, a huge thank you for your ongoing support and hospitality. I’d also like to express my gratitude to our sponsors Red Bull, SRAM, Maxxis, RockShox, Outdoor Research, Specialized, POC, Swatch, GoPro, Pinkbike and Trailforks, and many more, who help put this festival on, year after year. Your enthusiasm and dedication are what make Crankworx Whistler so special.
So, let’s get ready for a week filled with stoke, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to the riders, the fans, and the amazing community that make Crankworx Whistler an extraordinary celebration of mountain biking!
Darren Kinnaird Managing Director, Crankworx World Tour
JUMP FOR JOY
Shealen Reno Women’s Joyride Session, Crankworx Whistler 2023
ALEXA CHRISTENSEN
BY DAVID SONG
The next chapter in the colourful and scintillating novel of Crankworx is about to be written, and it includes the kind of plot twist we can all get behind.
For Crankworx Whistler 2024, female Slopestyle riders will get down and dirty in Whistler’s Boneyard for the very first time. Talents like Caroline Buchanan, Robin Goomes and Harriet Burbidge-Smith are set to engage alongside their male peers Emil Johansson, David Godziek, Timothé Bringer and more.
Red Bull Joyride is already known as the Super Bowl of the mountain biking world, drawing crowds of 35,000 or more on a regular basis. That’s about twice the attendance of your average NBA or NHL game, and with Earth’s most gifted women coheadlining, this year’s event has a chance to break some records.
“Since 2015, Crankworx has been committed to promoting gender equality through equal prize money, shared podiums, and equal opportunity for men and women, understanding that integrating slopestyle would be the most challenging,” said Crankworx managing director Darren Kinnaird. “It has been exhilarating to see the women compete at the pinnacle of the sport in this year’s Crankworx World Tour festivals.
“They continue to push boundaries, confidently conquering big courses and delivering solid runs that impress both the crowds and their male counterparts alike. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in the sport over the past few years, reaching a point where women can showcase their talent and passion on equal footing with men.”
Over $500,000 in prize money is shared equitably between ladies and gentlemen. This year’s Joyride champions will earn lifetime entry to future Crankworx Slopestyle contests, and they’ll all be going for gold on the exact same track regardless of gender.
“Today’s progressions and runs make it seem like the women have been doing [Slopestyle] for years,” remarked two-time Queen of Crankworx, Caroline Buchanan. “It is so exciting and inspiring, and I am honoured to be a part of this point in mountain bike history.”
Representatives of Whistler Blackcomb (WB) are likewise over the moon to help facilitate this long-awaited paradigm change.
“It is hugely significant and amazing that [ladies’ Joyride] is finally happening,” said WB bike school manager Anna Boyd. “Women performing at this level have been working so hard to get access to these events. This is a proud moment for Whistler Blackcomb. Crankworx has helped with many firsts and we are stoked to be involved in this one.”
BE WHAT YOU CAN SEE
Mountain biking, like most other so-called extreme sports, has been male-dominated for a long time. Crankworx has been doing its part to facilitate positive change, with a women’s Jump Jam debuting in
TOP: Harriet Burbidge Smith, Slopestyle Crankworx Innsbruck 2024
BOTTOM LEFT: Natasha Miller, Harriet Burbidge Smith and Robin Goomes, Crankworx Rotorua 2024
BOTTOM RIGHT: Alma Wiggberg, Crankworx Innsbruck 2024
CLINT TRAHAN
2018 and Speed & Style opening up to both genders a year after that. Yet there’s no denying Slopestyle’s unique appeal and unmatched viewership, nor the hurdles associated with pursuing equality on that front.
“It was particularly challenging to integrate women into the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship because the pathways to get them to that level have not been established yet,” Kinnaird explained. “Additionally, a shortage of competitive opportunities made it very difficult for women to gain the experience and recognition needed to excel in the long run.”
The good news is: female riders have been speaking out with their skills.
Buchanan stomped the inaugural front flip by a woman in 2021 at Audi Nines in Germany, while Goomes and Patricia Druwen each have backflip combinations in their arsenals. More recently, Alma Wiggberg has been taking her 360s—and the rest of her sport—to another level.
Career pathways for women have also diversified tremendously. At one time, riders were forced to specialize in single disciplines like Downhill or cross-country, but today’s world encapsulates a myriad of options like freestyle, Dual Slalom, Pump Track, Enduro and so on. Excel at more than one, and you’ve got a shot at lucrative overall accolades like the Queen of Crankworx title.
Buchanan thinks that gender representation continues to matter a great deal.
“I have always found it hard to be what you can’t see in sport,” she commented. “Young girls now have so many options to find their love and passions in different areas of mountain biking—it’s exciting. Representation was what I struggled with growing up, so to see the ladies progressing the sport, forging a career path and inspiring the next generation is everything.”
Boyd couldn’t agree more. She took her daughter to the noncompetitive Slopestyle session at last year’s Crankworx Whistler, where they saw all kinds of ladies tackling massive ramps. It’s a sight they won’t soon forget.
“Apart from never seeing women hit jumps that size in a live setting,
the thing that stood out was how much the athletes supported each other, celebrated each other’s achievements and pushed each other. It’s about so much more than what you learn from competing or winning an event,” Boyd remembers.
“Now, having [Joyride] showcased to the world of mountain biking gives all the female riders something to aspire to. They see people like them on those huge features and know that girls can do anything.”
‘CRAZY, EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER’
The inaugural Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) for ladies took place on March 24, 2024 in Rotorua, and Goomes earned the honour of being its first gold medallist. Judges awarded the Kiwi 90.75 points for her impressive first run.
With victory in hand, Goomes and runner-up Harriet BurbidgeSmith made a celebratory jaunt down course rather than try to score higher in their second attempt.
“The plan for run two was just to clean that [first] ride up, but instead, Haz [Burbidge-Smith] and I stayed in our positions. Haz was saying that if she stayed in second, she was happy to just party-train down,” said Goomes in a press release. “Honestly, that’s the dream: having fun with your friends.”
When asked to describe the watershed day using just three words, Goomes added: “crazy, emotional rollercoaster.”
Burbidge-Smith’s 85.5 points was nothing to scoff at, and Buchanan proved she’s got plenty left in the tank by scoring 80.25 and a bronze medal. 17-year-old Vancouverite Natasha Miller came within a hair’s breadth of the podium (79.50), but proved that the Slopestyle talent pool is deeper than ever.
“There are no limits, which is exciting,” said Buchanan. “The next Emil [Johansson] on the women’s side is going to be celebrated and I truly think we will be able to witness cash rolls, flairs, 360 combos and tail whips from the ladies within the next two years of slopestyle.”
Who knows: it may even happen sooner than that. The only way to find out is to watch.
Buckle up.
Robin Goomes, Crankworx Rotorua 2024 CLINT TRAHAN
PHOTOGRAPHERS FILMMAKERS
TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT CRANKWORX
Catch Deep Summer and Dirt Diaries at Whistler Olympic Plaza
BY ALYSSA NOEL
It’s fair to say you haven’t fully experienced a Whistler summer until you’ve sat shoulder-to-shoulder with 4,000 other people on the Whistler Olympic Plaza lawn to take in Deep Summer and Dirt Diaries.
As Crankworx’s artistic offerings, Deep Summer showcases the work of six photographers (five selected and one wildcard entry) who spent three days capturing images while Dirt Diaries beams short films from six filmmakers onto the big screen.
While the tried-and-true competitions have been earning hoots and hollers from crowds since 2012, this year, Deep Summer will be a little different.
“For the first time ever, we opened applications for consideration to participate in the Deep Summer Photo Challenge,” explained Jacquie McLean, project manager for both events. “By opening applications … we aimed to widen our reach and offer every photographer the chance to step into the arena and showcase their talent and passion for the bike industry, not just the ones known to the Crankworx team.”
This year, that includes Hannah Childress, an outdoor industry photographer and videographer; Swiss-born Joel Ducrot; Joe Wakefield, a photographer from Squamish-by-way-of England; Brazilianborn, Whistler-based Júlio Campos; and Welsh photographer and videographer Samantha Saskia Dugon.
The lineup for Dirt Diaries, meanwhile, includes Squamish-based sports filmmaker and photographer Ashley Stewart; adventurer and photography enthusiast Griffin Elsley; 2016 Dirt Diaries runner-up Ed Masters; Quebec-born director Laurent Bilodeau; Liam Wallace, a B.C.based filmmaker and photographer; and Lil’wat Nation videographer Sandy Ward.
“The Dirt Diaries video competition has historically been focused on those that are well established in the industry or have quite a lot of experience in filming and/or producing content. In contrast, the Deep Summer competition has been focused on up-and-comers and intermediate photographers and providing them an opportunity to showcase their work to an audience of over 4,000 people and industry stakeholders,” McLean said.
“Ultimately, for both competitions, we are looking for a balanced, diverse mix of creatives with outstanding storytelling capabilities who will each bring something different to the competition; we want to curate an excellent show for the audience with a high caliber of quality content.”
Another unique aspect of the events is their wide appeal to both those entrenched in the mountain bike world and those outside of it. That’s thanks to appealing art–and of course the fact that they’re competitions.
“These competitions capture the essence and excitement of the sport, allowing even those who don’t ride to experience the thrill and passion of mountain biking,” McLean said. “Through compelling visuals and storytelling, they bring to life the adventures, challenges, and exhilaration that define Crankworx, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. These events showcase the artistry and creativity within the biking community, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the sport among all festival-goers.”
On the photographer and filmmaker side, Deep Summer and Dirt Diaries have become a career goal, as many competitors have shared on stage over the years.
“When we asked contestants why they wanted to be a part of [the events], the answer that kept coming back was that it was a career goal for them. They’d grown and progressed professionally with Dirt Diaries or Deep Summer being something they had watched year after year as a spectator and had always dreamed of being a part of. To have these creatives be a part of the competitions and realize their dreams is really special,” McLean said.
Catch Deep Summer at Whistler Olympic Plaza on July 23 from 7:309:30 p.m. Dirt Diaries takes place on July 24 from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Both events are free.
Crowds at Whistler Olympic Plaza, Crankworx Whistler 2023 TOURISM WHISTLER/JUSTA JESKOVA
Kidsworx 2024 returns pump track while adding dual slalom for the first time
BY DAVID SONG
Most seven-year-old athletes don’t get much of a spotlight. Minor hockey players see action in front of their families, friends and certain parents who inevitably yell at referees like it’s the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Young skiers and snowboarders receive lessons, developing nascent skills away from the public eye.
Then there’s Kidsworx, which raises elementary school-aged riders up to a prolific stage. Hundreds of boys and girls saddle up each year, ripping down world-class trails as thousands more cheer them on. Although they’re not the main attraction, these children experience the unbridled energy at one of Earth’s premier mountain bike festivals— and they love every moment of it.
“It’s like Disneyland for kids here,” said Kristian Manietta, whose son Mack has recently aged out of Kidsworx after seven years and a handful of medals. “Kids that get to grow up in the Sea to Sky are fortunate and we’ve got to be grateful for that.”
Budding bikers and their families also feel gratitude at the continuing expansion of Kidsworx. Two new contests are being unveiled for them: dual slalom and pump track.
SHRED HARD, JUMP HARD
Public demand for a children’s Dual Slalom event in Whistler has been high for years, and it does happen at other stops on the Crankworx World Tour. Kidsworx supervisor Carly Fox and her team ran a clinic in 2023, but the existing pro track proved too advanced for most youngsters even in a training-oriented setting.
Therefore, a brand-new Dual Slalom course will be made specifically for the novel contest: one that’s spicy enough to be fun, yet safe enough for kids to tackle.
Community members are likewise thrilled at the return of the junior dirt Pump Track Challenge after logistical and scheduling issues prevented it from taking place last year. It will feature head-to-head timed gates and all the other pro-quality bells and whistles on its own purpose-built track.
Rounding out the lineup are three classic favourites in B-Line DH, Enduro and the Air DH Invitational. The latter is only open to 11 and 12-year-old candidates with sufficient talent or prior experience (as determined by race organizers).
“A-Line is one of the best-known trails in the world at one of the best-known bike parks in the world,” Fox said. “There’s a small handful of local and international shredders who get to do air DH every year. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s for the kids that shred hard and jump hard.”
Meanwhile, those between the ages of five and 10 are invited to try out separate clinics for Dual Slalom and Pump Track. They’ll get to test both venues in a pressure-free manner under the helpful eyes of professionals and coaches.
Therein lies the beauty of Kidsworx: its perennial mission to accommodate competitive young guns and their more laid-back peers alike. One doesn’t even need to actually ride to join the party. Activities like the annual scavenger hunt can draw significant interest from children of all dispositions and visiting families curious about how to get involved.
“It’s absolutely a huge part of every younger rider’s season,” remarked local athlete Dylan Marino. “I think everyone who enjoys racing takes part in Kidsworx—even those who don’t race, to be honest with you. I have plenty of friends who just enjoyed riding for the sport of it [when they were little]. It’s for everybody.”
A crowd of kids at the 2023 Kidsworx B Line race JAKE PADDON
‘SUPER SUPPORTIVE’
In addition to fostering fellowship among recreational bikers, Kidsworx has been a powerhouse pipeline for developing top-flight talent.
All kinds of pros got their start in Whistler. A cursory glance at the 2015 Air DH Invitational category reveals a number of nowestablished figures: Jakob Jewett, Jackson Goldstone, Tegan Cruz, Jon Mozell, Aiden Greanya and Coen Skrypnek to name a few. Marino’s peer group, which includes Bodhi Kuhn, Jake Polito and Dane Jewett (who notched the fastest time at last year’s RockShox Canadian Open DH across all categories), is also well represented.
On the women’s side, you might recognize names like Bailey Goldstone, Cami Bragg, Julia Lofqvist Traum, Nory Klein and Brooke Anderson.
Marino’s story is a familiar one: he’s been on a bike for as long as he can remember and his first race memory is none other than the B-line
DH. He managed some respectable results, but missing the podium rarely (if ever) dampened his enjoyment of Kidsworx itself.
“It’s been unreal,” Marino said. “I feel like we take it for granted quite a bit. A lot of younger athletes from elsewhere do not get these opportunities and they just kind of came naturally to us. Performing in front of the Crankworx crowd [is great]...they might not even be watching you, but they are in the village and that’s pretty amazing.”
Having made his World Cup debut last summer, Marino credits the quality of Kidsworx competition with helping him progress by leaps and bounds as a child. So too did hanging out with the big-time stars of his day, like former Australian national titleholder Chris Kovarik and World Championship bronze medallist Claire Buchar—connections he may not have made without Crankworx.
Bragg too, recalls her B-Line days fondly. Though understandably nervous when standing in the start gate for her first time, the now 15-year-old quickly found her legs and began to distinguish herself on a regular basis.
“A highlight was to be able to stand on the same podium the pros got onto after their races,” said Bragg. “It was really cool to be like: ‘oh my God, I’m on the same podium that they stood on.
“Everyone was always really supportive. I had a ton of friends racing and their parents all knew me. They’re all super supportive, ready to cheer at the top or bottom or say: ‘good luck, you’ve got this.’”
‘KIDS LIKE TO DREAM’
Bragg is a promising talent who routinely bests older opponents at races across Canada and beyond. Many wish to see more like her in the field going forth—but there’s work to be done.
Take the 2022 B-Line DH for instance: only 20 young ladies aged 1112 took part, as opposed to 75 boys in the same bracket. Enduro saw a similar pattern: 11 girls compared to over 40 boys.
Those numbers aren’t surprising, per se. According to Pinkbike’s annual opening weekend surveys, only 16 to 26 per cent of Whistler Mountain Bike Park visitors have identified as female in any given year dating back to 2015.
“The ratio of men to women in the sport has traditionally been onesided, and it’s getting better recently but it’s still nowhere near where
BOTTOM LEFT: 2023 Kidsworx Enduro
ABOVE: Dylan Marino cathing air when he was a young rider competeing at Kidsworx
OPPOSITE PAGE: Carly Fox, Kidsworx supervisor
TOP LEFT: Cami Bragg during her Kidsworx days
CLINT TRAHAN
JAKE PADDON
it needs to be,” opined Cami’s father, Kal. “And Kidsworx is a perfect opportunity to create long-term equality in mountain biking.”
Agreeing wholeheartedly is Fox. While she doesn’t have complete access to enrollment statistics as of this writing, she knows that fewer girls raced in 2022 and 2023 compared to pre-pandemic iterations of Kidsworx. Various factors may have contributed to this trend: a loss of confidence, COVID-related disruptions in progression, or a greater interest among girls to ride for social rather than competitive reasons.
Even so, there’s reason to push for increased female representation.
Whistler Secondary School student Mhairi Smart has gone head-tohead with Bragg and other locals on regional circuits like the BC Cup and the beloved Phat Wednesdays series. No doubt she’s excited for the return of Kidsworx Pump Track, with many precious childhood memories from that event. She is also a firm believer in the value of experienced women in mountain biking to show young ladies the ropes.
“I think it’s super important to have role models to look up to and think: ‘I want to be a pro biker like her one day,’” Smart said. “Plus there are already so many more girls [than there were before]. I see all these little girls in the bike park and it’s awesome.”
Fox once coached for Whistler Blackcomb’s DFX Club and saw her fair share of little female shredders coming up alongside the guys. She’s also observed various development programs (including American ones like Outlaw and Sweetlines) bring ever-larger groups of kids through the Sea to Sky corridor. Now is the time to double down, ensuring that Kidsworx continues to help girls and boys alike realize their full potential.
“Kids like to dream,” Manietta said. “They see [pro athletes] and they’re like: ‘maybe that could be me one day.’ It is about growing not just the sport of mountain biking, but activity in general. Not all riders are going to become these professionals, but who knows the life lessons they’ll learn?”
Crankworx Whistler kick off
Kidsworx Enduro
Whistler Bike Park A
Rockshox Canadian Open DH
FRIDAY, JUL 19
SATURDAY, JUL 20
SUNDAY, JUL 21
1199 Trail, Creekside Zone of Whistler Mountain Bike Park C
MONDAY, JUL 22
Adaptive Flow DH
Whistler Bike Park A
Kidsworx B Line DH
Whistler Bike Park A
Aspire
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center in Whistler’s Upper Village H
TUESDAY, JUL 23
Adaptive Tech DH
Whistler Bike Park A
Garbonzo DH
Whistler Bike Park A
Deep Summer Photo Challenge
Olympic Plaza, Whistler D
Crankworx Whistler Air DH
WEDNESDAY, JUL 24
Boneyard, Base of Whistler Mountain Bike Park B
Official Whip-Off World Championships presented by POC
Boneyard, Base of Whistler Mountain Bike Park B
Dirt Diaries
Olympic Plaza, Whistler D
Specialized Dual Slalom Whistler
Boneyard, Base of Whistler Mountain Bike Park B
Ultimate Pump Track Challenge
Boneyard, Base of Whistler Mountain Bike Park B
THURSDAY, JUL 25
Outdoor Research Speed & Style Whistler
Boneyard, Base of Whistler Mountain Bike Park B
Kidsworx Pump Track Challenge
FRIDAY, JUL 26
SATURDAY, JUL 27
Whistler Bike Park Boneyard (above Slopestyle course) B
Red Bull Joyride
Boneyard, Base of Whistler Mountain Bike Park B
Canadian Open Enduro
Whistler Bike Park & Whistler Valley Trails A
Kidsworx Dual Slalom
Whistler Bike Park A
Expo Tents
SUNDAY, JUL 28
DAILY
Whistler Skier’s Plaza, Creekside Timing Flats & Creekside Plaza E+F+G
The Garbanzo DH is back, joining the RockShox Canadian Open DH and Air DH as Crankworx Whistler’s fastest offerings
BY DAVID SONG
At one point in the 1986 action blockbuster Top Gun, Tom Cruise’s character Maverick quips “I feel the need…the need for speed!” before exchanging a crisp high-five with his partner, Goose (played by Anthony Edwards). Seconds later, both are in the cockpit of their F-14A Tomcat for one of many high-risk training exercises depicted in the film.
Mountain bikes obviously possess a lot less horsepower than the supersonic fighter jets flown by Maverick and Goose. Even so, riders often feel their own need for speed and put their bodies on the line to satiate it.
A festival on the scale of Crankworx boasts a diverse menu: the head-to-head grit of Dual S lalom, the unforgiving hybrid nature of Speed & Style, the BMX-esque swagger of Pump Track and the grand spectacle of Red Bull Joyride, among other things. Yet none of them can quite replicate the adrenaline rush of a Downhill race.
Most, if not all DH athletes would agree with Wendy Robinson, senior manager of planning and business development for Whistler Blackcomb (WB) when she says: “There is so much to like about a gravity-fueled race. It’s fast, raw and technical. Mental and physical strength, power, balance, speed and discipline are all critical to performing in DH at the highest level.”
WB provides robust and accessible avenues for people to one day reach that highest level. Phat Kids events allow children to focus on descending at fun but safe speeds without an excess of pedaling involved. These “milk-leaguers” can also try their hand at Kidsworx races to see if they have aptitude for stiffer competition.
Each generation produces a talented few who keep ascending from there, all the way to the tops of UCI Downhill World Cup podiums. It’s hotshots like these who will see action at Crankworx Whistler’s highvelocity events: the RockShox Canadian Open DH, Garbanzo DH and Air DH.
A PASSION PROJECT
Whistler’s biking playground accommodates riders of all dispositions, and the speed demons are certainly not left out.
The local crown jewel of velocity is, of course, 1199: a 2.5-kilometre technical proline that none but the most skilled should dare to approach. As the RockShox Canadian Open DH’s host venue, it was built using leftover infrastructure from the 2010 Winter Olympics and meant to be unrivaled by other trails of its kind. According to Robinson, it took seven years to put 1199 together, during which time trail crews scouted terrain, laid groundwork and consulted with pro athletes from around the globe.
Such an undertaking requires a perfect name, and that arrived in the form of late Canadian downhiller Stevie Smith. In 2013, the Nanaimo native won an overall World Cup title with 1199 points—a legacy forever enshrined in a track that would have made him proud.
“1199 is a major venue,” elaborated WB senior manager of snow surfaces, grooming and trail maintenance Pierre Ringuette. “It is a beast that required many years of special attention to get it to where it is today. However, it was built specifically as a standalone DH racecourse so it wouldn’t require ongoing attention. The fact that it has very few interactions with other trails is intentional, and allows those
Athletes taking on the epic 1199 course in the RockShox Canadian Open DH, Crankworx Whistler 2023
JAKE PADDON
other trails to stay open when we host major events.”
Squamish brothers Jakob and Dane Jewett christened the 1199 with a Hollywood ending, as both won their respective age divisions in last summer’s RockShox Canadian Open DH. Valentina Höll flexed her muscles among women with a 19-second lead on runner-up Louise Ferguson. Perhaps another round of movie magic is in store this July.
A PLACE IN HISTORY
Don’t forget: the RockShox Canadian Open DH’s longer and somehow more grueling brother, the Garbanzo DH, is set to make a triumphant return after five years away from Crankworx Whistler’s schedule.
Garbanzo is a titan of a track: seven kilometres long with 1.36 kilometres of vertical descent (compared to just 500 metres for 1199). One might say it’s a marathon ridden like a sprint: elite men usually take around 13 minutes to reach the finish line as opposed to three or four minutes at more conventional DH events.
That’s a lot of extra time spent in the saddle, grappling for speed and control while being battered by some of Whistler’s gnarliest terrain. Athletes need endurance, fluidity, sustained intensity and a tactical mind to survive—and a pinch of masochism doesn’t hurt either.
“Garbanzo too, has its place in history here,” Ringuette said. “Its line is well established and has seen many improvements and reworks over the years, unlike 1199 that is still fresh and loamy in most parts. The Garbanzo DH track will see some time with our trail crew before Crankworx, however it will most likely require less prep work for race day.”
Whistler’s Georgia Astle and Mitch Ropelato of the United States won the ladies’ and men’s Garbanzo DH respectively in 2019, the last time the event ran as scheduled. Half a decade later, the crown is there for the taking.
A CELEBRATED ICON
One would be amiss in this conversation to exclude A-Line, a unique masterpiece in the mountain bike world. It hosts the fan-favourite Air DH: a distant cousin to other downhills that stands apart by way of its rocky and rooty trails.
“A-Line is the most iconic bike park trail on the planet,” opined Robinson. “It was the first of its kind: a lift accessible, machine built Downhill jump trail. It’s a flow trail with berms, rollers, jumps and a rock drop.
“The course has evolved over the years with jump design, but it continues to be the trail that people travel from around the world to ride, over and over again. Riders love airtime and well-built jumps, and many of them consecutively lap it many times in a row. There are definitely people who ride A-Line exclusively, or in combination with Dirt Merchant.”
Bailey Goldstone is one of those people. She knows A-Line like the back of her hand and hardly spends time on anything else in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The pro athlete from Squamish ended up fourth in 2023’s Air DH and will likely return for another kick at the can.
There are many days where Astle too, is happy lapping the timehonoured pairing of A-Line and Dirt Merchant. She loves Air DH so much that in 2023, she pulled out of the RockShox Canadian Open to focus on her favourite discipline. Her strategy paid off with a silver medal on home turf.
Yet the defending champions at Whistler’s Air DH may be tough to unseat. American Jill Kintner has 15 World Cup gold medals and five Crankworx titles under her belt, while fellow veteran Samuel Blenkinsop is one of the most enduring mountain bikers New Zealand has ever produced.
Only time will tell whose need for speed pushes them to go the furthest, fastest.
An athlete takes to the air during the Air DH, Crankworx Whistler2023 CLINT TRAHAN
F45 TRAINING SQUAMISH
are the workout you always wanted with the team you didn't know you needed!
Crankworx Whistler
TheWhistlerAdaptiveSports Program AdaptiveJam session is back! Opttorideontrail or at thelegendary Whistler Bike Park on Wednesday July 24thinthisgroup coaching session. Bringyour ownbikeortry one of ours! OnThursday,July25thjoinour ATMB Group Rideonthe foresttrails of Cheakamus and refuel afteratour BBQ social at Whistler Athletes Centre.Reserve your spot for botheventsatwww.crankworx.com/whistler/events/ Thinkingofgetting into adaptivemountainbikingbut not sure wheretostart?Book aprivate lessonwithWhistler AdaptiveSports Programthissummer! Tryout our adaptive bikeswithinstruction from expertcoaches or be guided on Whistler ’s network of worldclass trails
Connecting emerging athletes, underrepresented communities and industry leaders
BY ALYSSA NOEL
Grow Cycling Foundation hosts new event on July 22
Aspire 2024 is asking you to get a little vulnerable. The brand-new one-day conference is set to take place at Crankworx Whistler this year to connect burgeoning–or “aspiring”–athletes, their families and underrepresented communities with industry leaders.
As part of the event, the participants and top-tier speakers will don badges to share both their aspirations and expertise.
“That way you get these two signals. Everyone will have the same thing,” said Eliot Jackson, founder of Grow Cycling Foundation, which is organizing the conference. “Our speakers will have an aspiring badge. The executives will have an aspiring badge. Instead of being like a typical conference where you look down [at a name tag] if there’s a company that you don’t want to talk to then you avoid them. It’s bringing people in.”
Jackson, a Black former World Cup racer who created the foundation to promote diversity and inclusion in the predominantly white sport, said the goal of the July 22 event is to offer up the information and networking opportunities he wishes he had had access to in the beginning.
“I think about myself, when I was first starting to race, I had no idea how to do anything or be anyone,” he said. “I think there’s something for everyone [at the event], but in particular, I guess what we had in mind was young people, families, parents who want to learn how to support their kids better.”
The event’s speakers are broken into five groups: Be In the Room (Tiffany Smith, Camber Outdoors CEO); Content Creation (hosted by Jackson with panelists Blake Hansen, Bas Van Steenbergen, and Jess Hana); The Business of Athletes with Greg Minnaar; Marketing and
Partnerships: Demystifying the Business of Sport (hosted by Jackson with Gaspare Licata, CEO of Crankbrothers, Mark Harrison, founder of SponsorshipX and one surprise guest); and The Women of Mountain Biking: Aspirations for Women’s Freeride (hosted by Katie Holden with Casey Brown, Patricia Drüwen and Hannah Bergemann).
“It was really just me reaching out to friends,” Jackson said. “It’s been one of the things that has been a benefit of me being in the industry for so long. People like Bas Van Steenbergen is one of my best friends and also does these incredible content projects. Or somebody like Casey Brown who I met in Whistler for the first time like 15 years ago almost. It’s a lot of people I’ve grown up with who have gone on to do what I feel are incredible things for the bike world and also break the mold at the same time.”
To that end, the conference isn’t just for athletes, but also those who have an interest in working in the industry too.
“Somebody I was talking to at Vans said, ‘I wish somebody would’ve told me that I could be in skateboarding without having to be a professional skateboarder,’” Jackson said. “So I think that that is something at Grow that we’ve thought a lot about. There’s the athlete
side, there’s the content-creator side, but there’s also the industry side–working in the industry that you love.”
Taking place at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), organizers also hope to draw Indigenous attendees. “The group we thought a lot about is the community groups,” Jackson said. “So, working with the SLCC to bring the Indigenous communities, working with Indigenous Women Outdoors, there’s a few individuals coming from Vancouver Island, so that was important for us to support them and support the communities who have supported us at Crankworx.”
And, of course, there will be some surprises, food, swag, and chances to chat with your favourite riders too. “We are super excited to have people come,” he added. “There are a bunch of nice surprises–I don’t want to give too much away–but SRAM is giving away some VIP tickets during the event. We have some really amazing swag bags … and a bunch of really cool engagement pieces throughout the event. That is something that people have been excited about.”
Aspire takes place at the SLCC on July 22 from 5:30 - 9 p.m. Tickets are $97 - $139 at https://www.showpass.com/aspire-2024/ with all of the proceeds going to Grow Cycling Foundation Initiatives.
LEFT & ABOVE: Eliot Jackson, founder of Grow Cycling Foundation CALLUM WOOD
RYAN GILCHRIST LEADS MEN’S FIELD; MARTHA GILL AND JORDY SCOTT NECK-AND-NECK AMONG WOMEN
BY DAVID SONG
There was much talk of a rising dynasty in the 2023 King and Queen of Crankworx rankings, with both Bas van Steenbergen and Caroline Buchanan poised for repeat overall titles.
Buchanan retained her crown last year, but Tuhoto-Ariki Pene stole van Steenbergen’s throne with a robust week in Whistler. This time around, it’s Pene who’s in danger of being upended by a season-long surge from fellow Australasian Ryan Gilchrist.
Meanwhile, Martha Gill is the new ladies’ frontrunner heading into Crankworx’s final 1.5 weeks. Yet objects in a car’s rearview mirror are closer than they appear, and in the same way, Jordy Scott of the United States is just eight points behind her British opponent as of this writing.
We could be in for a dramatic finish.
2023 King of Crankworx, Tuhoto-Ariki Pene, in action
DUST TO DUST…CHALLENGER TO CHAMPION?
Sea to Sky mountain bike fans will probably remember Gilchrist for the thunderous crash he suffered during semifinal action at the 2023 Crankworx Whistler Dual Slalom.
Gilchrist was bloodied and bruised after hitting a gate and wiping out, but took advantage of a mistake by Pene to advance to the final— where he willed himself to silver. Many went home that day impressed by the Aussie’s grit, but he’s also got loads of skill.
2024 has so far been Gilchrist’s time. His five victories came in Rotorua’s Air DH and Pump Track Challenge, Dual Slalom and Pump Track in Cairns, and Dual Slalom once more at the last-ever Crankworx
Innsbruck festival. Moreover, he finished second at Innsbruck’s Speed & Style event.
It all adds up to 798 big points.
“I give everything I’ve got every single time I’m putting it on the gate and going against world-class competitors,” Gilchrist said in a press release after his latest Speed & Style outing. “To be perfectly honest, I got a little bit lucky in this race and it’s no secret this isn’t my discipline. I’m happy to make it all the way through and we get to see another podium.”
However, it’s far too early to count Pene out. He currently occupies the runner-up spot in season standings with 684 points: well within striking distance of Gilchrist. The likable Kiwi’s only gold medal so
BOTTOM
TOP LEFT: Bas van Steenbergen competing at Crankworx Innsbruck 2024
TOP RIGHT: Ryan Gilchrist at Dual Slalom Crankworx Innsbruck 2024
BOTTOM LEFT: Martha Gill, Jordy Scott at Speed & Style Crankworx Innsbruck 2024
CLINT TRAHAN
RIGHT: Caroline Buchanan competing at Air DH Crankworx Whistler 2022
CHRIS PILLING
far came at the Innsbruck Pump Track Challenge, but he’s got three silvers as well: Speed & Style and Pump Track at Rotorua, plus Dual Slalom in Cairns.
Pene has already shown off his clutch genes in Whistler and must be considered a live underdog. His easygoing nature belies his competitive fire.
“My highlight for this week is ending up here in Innsbruck and racing Pump Track in the sun,” Pene told reporters after his most recent breakthrough. “You know, it was a little bit hot and cold the last few days, but now it’s nice and warm, so that’s good. And then winning as well, so that’s good.”
Keep an eye too on Jackson Frew, who lurks just 71 points back of Pene. The Australian speed merchant won Dual Slalom silvers in Rotorua and Innsbruck to go with five bronzes (Downhill, Dual Slalom plus Speed & Style at Cairns, Pump Track and Speed & Style in Innsbruck).
RIVALRY ACROSS THE POND
Gill and Scott are all but tied going into Whistler, and what happens there could alter the trajectory of one of their lives.
Chalk up three wins for Gill at the Rotorua Air DH, Rotorua Dual Slalom and Dual Slalom Innsbruck. That’s just the tip of her iceberg: she’s also got two Speed & Style runner-up efforts from Cairns and Innsbruck, and a trio of third-places (Downhill and Speed & Style Rotorua, plus Downhill Cairns).
The versatile Brit wound up just behind Buchanan in the 2023 Queen of Crankworx race. She’s an outspoken advocate for more female representation in mountain biking, and her polished wheelie skills are nicely documented on Instagram. Yet after seven years as a pro enduro athlete, it took Gill a while to rediscover her love of the sport.
Experience a thrilling week of racing, slopestyle competitions, and the chance to shred Whistler’s trails with other like-minded bike fans.
If you get hungry don’t forget to drop Nesters Market to pick up supplies! Where the locals Shop.
Crankworx Cairns 2024 Dual Slalom Podium: 1st Jordy Scott, Ryan Gilchrist, 2nd: Cassie Voysey, Tuhoto Ariki Pene, 3rd: Shania Rawson, Jackson Frew
CLINT TRAHAN
“It was scary to…throw myself at Crankworx and just see what happens without knowing how it’d go,” she wrote in a heartfelt social media statement last July. “[The 2023 season] has meant a lot for me because it’s made me realize that I do still love biking and racing. I want to win and train and progress…and be the best I can be.”
Even with 820 points, Gill may need her absolute best to fend off Scott.
The young American lit Cairns on fire with consecutive triumphs in Dual Slalom, Speed & Style and Pump Track. Her medal streak is at six right now, with two more key wins at Innsbruck’s Speed & Style and Pump Track complementing a Dual Slalom silver.
Scott arguably has the most momentum of anyone, male or female, currently on tour and she’s no doubt peaking at the right time. The Henderson, Nevada native is remarkably well-rounded, with a high-level BMX background in addition to her exploits astride a mountain bike.
The dark horse in the mix is Shania Rawson, whose 676 points place her well back of Scott’s 812. The New Zealander has yet to win an event this campaign, but is keeping herself relevant with three runner-ups (Rotorua Air DH, Downhill and Pump Track) and five third-place performances (Dual Slalom and Pump Track Cairns, Speed & Style, Dual Slalom and Pump Track at Innsbruck).
“My goal has definitely been to be consistent,” Rawson told the Rotorua Daily Post earlier in the campaign. She’s been just that, but might need a couple of gold medals to push for the throne.
Shania Rawson at the Taniwha DH, Crankworx Rotorua 2023
CLINT TRAHAN
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF WHISTLER
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS AND NEVER MISS A STORY.
2024 event lineup
All Week
SWATCH TAKEOVER
Black’s Pub | 9am - 1am
SWATCH WATCH POP-UP
Gibbons Sale Center Sun - Thurs | 8am - 6pm
Friday | july 19
PINKBIKE KICK-OFF PARTY Longhorn Saloon | 7pm - 1am
Sunday | july 21
LIV A-LINE WOMEN’S ONLY Longhorn Saloon | 12pm - 2pm
Tuesday | july 23
ilabb PARTY FT P.DIGSSS Longhorn Saloon | 7pm - 1pm
DEEP SUMMER AFTERPARTY Garfinkel’s | 7pm - 2am
WEDNEsday | july 24
RED BULL JOYRIDE AT NIGHT INDUSTRY NIGHT FT. SAM HAMPTON & TRAPMENT Buffalo Bills | 7pm - 2am
Thursday | July 25
ULTIMATE PUMP TRACK CHALLENGE VIEWING & AFTERPARTY FT. MIKEY HADERER Longhorn Saloon | 4.30pm - 1am
RED BULL JOYRIDE AT NIGHT MIAMI VICE
FT. SAM HAMPTON, NICK BIKE & CHARLY HUSTLE Après Après | 7pm - 2am
Thursday | July 25
SAM PILGRIM WATCH LAUNCH AFTERPARTY PRESENTED BY SWATCH Buffalo Bills | 7pm - 2am
Friday | July 26
RED BULL JOYRIDE AT NIGHT WEEKEND KICK-OFF PARTY Longhorn Saloon | 8pm - 1am
APRÈS 360 FT. P.DIGSSS Après Après | 7pm - 2am
Saturday | July 27
RED BULL JOYRIDE VIEWING PARTY
Black’s Pub | all day Longhorn Saloon | all day
RED BULL JOYRIDE AT NIGHT AFTERPARTY FT. CHRISTINE YURIE, TOM FLEMMING, TRAPMENT & VERY SPECIAL GUESTS Longhorn Saloon | 8pm - 2am
sunday | July 28
SUNSET SESSIONS Longhorn Saloon | 7pm - 1am
RED BULL JOYRIDE AT NIGHT INDUSTRY APPRECIATION NIGHT FT. LOCAL DJ’S & TRAPMENT Moe Joe’s | 7pm - 2am
www.gibbonswhistler.com/partyseries
&
