We’ve made it back to reality after an epic week at Crankworx, Rotorua and have sifted through the thousands of images we took over the week to compile this photo roundup of the event from a Kiwi riders perspective.
The crowds turned out in their droves to support our athletes and watch the show that is Crankworx and the weather gods rewarded them with blue skies all week. So how did our riders shape up?
Huge crowd in for Saturday’s blue ribbon event – the McGazza Slopestyle
Well the Kiwi athletes responded to the tremendous local support by podiuming in all but 2 of the 7 events. Stand outs for the week amongst the Kiwis were – Matt Walker who showed he has been training hard in Queenstown as he picked up a win in the Enduro, 3rd place in the Pump Track and a 5th in DH.
Matt was rightfully stoked with his week
The proximity of the crowd gave the pump track one of the best atmospheres – Matt finished up 3rd
George Brannigan seemed to be enjoying his new Commencal bikes, taking top spot on the podium for the Air DH and 2nd behind Loic Bruni in the main DH race on Sunday.
George will be one to watch on this year’s World Cup DH circuit
Raewyn Morrison was 2nd in the Giant Toa Enduro and won the women’s Air DH race to make it two medals from 2 starts at Crankworx.
Rae will be hoping to take her Crankworx form to the EWS this winter
Sam Blenkinsop showed off his versatility on a bike by finishing 4th in the Enduro, 3rd in the Whip Off and 4th in the DH.
Blenki sure knows how to get a bike around a corner
Brooke MacDonald looked very comfortable on his new GT bike as he charged to 3rd in the DH and 7th in the Enduro.
Bulldog turning it on for the partisan crowd
Eddie Masters started the week off in style with a 2nd in the Enduro before crashes in the pump track and DH practise took the wind out of his sails.
Fast Eddie on a roll before he went down hard
Other honourable mentions go to local riders – Connor Mahuika who wowed the crowds with his pump track skills taking 4th in his 1st ever comp, at the ripe old age of 16.
Connor as fast and fearless as only a 16yr old could be
And to Annika Smail who took two stages wins on her local trails in the Enduro to finish 3rd overall.
Annika all smiles for her local fans
It was great to see that New Zealand riding is in such a great shape and that an event like Crankworx not only showcases our amazing country as a riding destination but pits our athletes against the World’s best in their own backyard.
Huge shout out to all the riders that competed over the week and to all the organisers and volunteers that made it all happen. Bring on next year.
