Only Hours to Go: Crankworx Christchurch is Here & Slopestyle Just Changed the Game
The countdown is officially timing out. From February 19–22, Crankworx returns to Christchurch Adventure Park for four days of world-class competition, high-energy entertainment, and festival atmosphere unlike anything else on Aotearoa’s South Island – with a new Slopestyle twist set to keep fans on edge until the very last second.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for an electric weekend in the Port Hills, this is your sign to lock it in. After heavy rain was hitting the area earlier in the week, fans can look forward to a sunny and warm festival week.
Beyond the racing and riding, spectators can expect a vibrant Expo village, food vendors serving up local favourites, party energy, and the chance to mingle with riders you usually only see on TV. And while you’rethere? Sneak in a ride on New Zealand’s longest zipline, check out the famous Riverside Market, or take on some of the 50 trail combinations at CAP – because why not make a full weekend of it.
Come for the racing – stay for the vibes
Crankworx Christchurch delivers a full spectrum of competition and entertainment, kicking off with the Jump Jam hosted by Christchurch Adventure Park – a high-energy welcome session featuring big tricks and laid-back festival vibes that set the tone for the week.
Making its debut at Crankworx Christchurch, AirDH introduces a unique challenge that combines Downhill racing with mandatory airtime, forcing riders to balance speed, precision, and style as they push the limits of both racing and creativity.
The Pump Track Challenge presented by The Rock brings spectators right into the heart of the action, with fast-paced, head-to-head racing on a tight course where every lap counts and the atmosphere is electric.
Anchoring the festival is the Redemption DH, a demanding 2.6km downhill track known for its technical rock gardens and massive 45ft step-down. This unforgiving course tests the skill, speed, and commitment of the world’s top downhill athletes, delivering one of the most anticipated and intense competitions of the week.
The start list reads like a who’s who of Downhill: Kiwi stars Jenna Hastings, Ellie Hulsebosch, Sam Blenkinsop, Seth Stylie, Tyler Waite, Tuhoto-Ariki Pene, and Lachie Stevens-McNab will defend home turf. Two-time King of Crankworx Ryan Gilchrist lines up alongside international contenders Emmy Lan, Sian A’Hern, Luke Meier-Smith, and Tegan Cruz. And then there are the legends: Loïc Bruni, Finn Iles, and Louise Fergusonamong so many more.
This one will be loud.
The Ōtautahi Slopestyle marks the official kick-off of the Slopestyle Super League (SSL), raising the stakes by linking top-tier events into a season-long league where every result contributes to the overall title race. This makes Christchurch more than just a standalone competition – it’s the starting point of a points battle that will shape the trajectory of the entire season.
For the first time ever, we’ll see riders typically reserved for the sport’s biggest global stages fighting for crucial early-season points against hungry Kiwi wildcards and FMB Gold Level athletes. Heavy hitters like David Godziek, Erik Fedko, Harriet Burbidge-Smith, and Alma Wiggberg will defend valuable points. But don’t underestimate the locals. Flynn Robertson, Saul Saunders, Morgan Antone, and Erik Williams are ready to shake things up. Adding to the excitement, Chelsea Kimball joins the line-up to make her FMB Slopestyle comeback, marking a new chapter after building her reputation primarily in big bike competition.
The up-to-date schedule can be found online at crankworx.com/schedule/.
New Format Trial: Shootout
This year, the Ōtautahi Slopestyle Finals will debut a format adaptation: a Shootout round
The Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) has been working closely with event organizers to develop and trial progressive competition formats – driven by consistent feedback from athletes, judges, and stakeholders who want to see innovation that both challenges riders and heightens audience engagement.
Based on a suggestion brought forward by Crankworx and athletes, the Shootout concept was assessed, discussed, and approved by the FMBA as governing body of the sport and its advisory board.
Here’s how it changes things:
After finals runs are complete, riders within 10 points of the podium (3rd place) will have one final opportunity – a single trick on a selected feature – to gain up to 10 additional points.
No victory laps. No guaranteed podiums after two runs. No early celebrations. Everything remains possible for riders within reach of the podium until the final second. For fans on site and watching from home this means maximum suspense until the very end.
Don’t Miss It
Tickets are available now at crankworx.com.
If you can’t make it to Christchurch Adventure Park, you’ll miss the festival vibes, sunny days in the forest, the food, the Expo energy, and the electric atmosphere of world-class competition in the Port Hills – but you can still follow the behind-the-scenes action at @crankworx and @crankworxnz.
The Redemption DH Finals and Ōtautahi Slopestyle Finals will be broadcast live on the Crankworx YouTube channel, Pinkbike, and OutsideTV. Fans watching in Aotearoa can tune in via TVNZ+.
Christchurch, we’re almost there – and it’s not over until the final Shootout.