COURSE UPDATE: Here’s How Things Are Looking 5 Weeks Out From Crankworx Cairns

The first ever Crankworx Cairns is coming in quick as and it’s set to be a completely different experience for our riders, spectators, and athletes alike.

Weaving through the rainforest, the world’s best mountain bikers will tackle some challenging terrain on the red dirt, with plenty of obstacles (while photographers tackle some interesting lighting). Riders will make their way through the rainforest tracks to one key hole exit out to the open, where spectators can catch the finish line action from every course in one spot. Too easy!

There’re some epic, brand-new courses taking shape as we speak to push the limits at Cairns.

Not to mention the views. Set 5 minutes from the beach and surrounded by the horseshoe mountains, Cairns offers bonza views, tropical vibes, and plenty to get amongst outside the Crankworx event.

We’ve been out there chatting with seasoned course builders Tom Hey and Remy Morton, and local legend Glen Jacobs about what they’re cooking out on the Crankworx Cairns location.

Glen Jacobs gave us a rundown of the overall idea behind the build, saying: “With all the tracks and trails, the uniqueness of this environment and surrounding area are the inspiration. The goal is to get more people frothing over the trails and getting out there riding, as well as setting a benchmark for Australian mountain biking – to set the bar and get into the history books.”

Here’s a sneak peek at how the courses are coming to life…

Pump Track

Remy describes the Cairns Pump Track as “fast, technical, and creative”. A classic Crankworx layout sees dual lanes, big berms and rollers, calling for high speed with lots of leaning and turning. Remy reckons riders will have to be “on it all the time and go all out” to take this one out.

Downhill

Glen dubs the Downhill as creative and “an old winner that’s always good”. These legendary historic trails were home to the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. The Crankworx Cairns Downhill course will be high-speed, still technical but very fast making for some nail-biting competition.

Speed & Style

Tom describes the Cairns Speed & Style track as a “technical fusion”. This is a classic Speed & Style track with a twist, bringing in some awesome natural elements.

Dual Slalom

This will be full on. A classic format with modern tweaks, speed and technicality to keep riders on their toes. Get ready for some big jumps here on rollers and triples. Remy reckons this will be one to watch as a spectator, pushing the riding level to the max. He says: “There’s no doubt pro riders will have to take risks to win it, while junior riders will get a good taste of a high-level course, too”.

Slopestyle

The Cairns Slopestyle course is shaping up to be very unique. This style has never been done before with skatepark features and multiple options, which will call for riders to do something different on their run. This will suit technical riders (and they have to have the invite).

Tom calls this one “new old school” and can’t wait for riders and festival goers to experience this brand-new look and feel.

Whip-Off

Tom describes the Whip-Off track as “twice the party” and you’ll see why.

This track is looking to revolutionise Whip-Off and take it to the next level with a custom-built course allowing for bigger, better, and steeper whips. After seeing it with our own eyes, we’re sure it’s gonna be full of surprises and show everyone involved how good Australian mountain biking can be. Bloody oath. Let’s go!

Wanting to get involved with the inaugural Crankworx Cairns action? There’s lots of opportunity here…

Brush shoulders with the pros as a volunteer

Snag the best seat in the house with your festival pass

Photos: Flow Mountain Bike