Crankworx Rotorua Delivers Big Whips, Tight Racing, and Major Schedule Updates to Ensure Safe & Fair Competition
The second day of Crankworx Rotorua 2025 is in the books, bringing a mix of intense competition, high-flying whips, and last-minute schedule shifts as the festival adapts to changing conditions.
Electric Energy at the Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships
As the sun set over Skyline Rotorua yesterday, the Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships brought the crowd to its feet. Riders sent their biggest and best whips under the lights, vying for the top spot with style, amplitude, and consistency.
At the end of the night, it was Kirsten Van Horne (CAN) and Eddie Reynolds (USA) who walked away with the win, impressing the judges with their ability to throw clean, confident whips time and time again. Andy Lehmann (GBR) and Janelle Soukup (USA) claimed silver, while Dan Booker (AUS) and Emma Olofsson (SWE) rounded out the podium with bronze.
RockShox Kārearea Downhill – Seeding is Done – Finals Up Next
Local superstars Lachie Stevens-McNab and Jenna Hastings are on the best way to continue their winning streak from Crankworx Summer Series Christchurch with #1 Seeding result for tomorrow’s RockShox Kārearea Downhill.
RockShox Kārearea Seeding Results – Top 5 Men
- Lachie Stevens-McNab (NZL)
- Richie Rude (USA)
- Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (NZL)
- Laurie Greenland (GBR)
- Kye A’Hern (AUS)
RockShox Kārearea Seeding Results – Top 5 Women
- Jenna Hastings (NZL)
- Louise Ferguson (GBR)
- Camille Balanche (SUI)
- Sacha Earnest (NZL)
- Lisa Bouladou (FRA)
You can find the full seeding results here. Finals will be live tomorrow at 12:45 PM (NZDT) for on-site crowds, and the top riders will be on Red Bull TV at 3:15 PM.
What’s Next: Key Schedule Updates
With shifting weather conditions affecting course access earlier in the week, adjustments have been made to ensure fair competition and maximum ride time for athletes.
Crankworx Rotorua Pump Track Challenge
On as scheduled! Elite Finals go down tonight (Friday, March 7) at 6 PM NZDT. Expect tight battles, fast berms, and all-out sprints for the top step of the podium.
Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza
With wind delays impacting practice throughout the week, qualifications have been canceled to allow riders a full day of training today.
New Competition Format:
- Finals kick off Saturday, March 8, at 8:45 AM NZDT.
- Eliminator format: All riders will get a first run. The top half of the field will advance for a second run to improve their score.
- This format ensures all competitors receive a fair opportunity on the big stage while keeping the competition within the best weather window.
RockShox Kārearea Downhill (Group A)
Saturday is stacked, with a massive day of Downhill action on the way:
- Training: 10:30 AM – 12 PM
- Finals: 12:45 PM
- Broadcast Finals: 3:15 PM
With the first two days already delivering huge moments, the weekend promises to turn up the heat. Stay tuned as Crankworx Rotorua rolls on and find the up-to-date schedule online
Tune in on Red Bull TV or grab your last-minute festival passes here.