Ready to Ride: Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand Kicks Off the 2025 Season
Mountain biking enthusiasts, mark your calendars: from February 13-16, Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand will transform Ōtautahi Christchurch into the epicenter of gravity-fueled excitement. Against the breathtaking setting of Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP), riders from across the globe are set to converge for four days of high-stakes competition featuring three main events: Redemption Downhill, Pump Track Challenge, and New Zealand’s first-ever FMBA Gold Cup Slopestyle.
While athlete registration remains open, the early rider list is already stacked with a mix of international stars and local heroes, promising an adrenaline-charged showcase of skill and determination. For the first time, athletes have the opportunity to earn valuable points towards the prestigious Crankworx World Tour Series and the coveted King & Queen of Crankworx titles by competing in the Pump Track Challenge and Redemption Downhill, solidifying the festival’s significance on the global mountain bike stage. Spectators can catch all the action live on-site or watch the broadcast live on TV NZ or Pinkbike, while aspiring competitors still have a chance to grab a spot before registration closes.
Female Athletes to Watch
Martha Gill, reigning Queen of Crankworx, is among the top contenders heading to Christchurch. Gill’s skill in both Downhill and Pump Track disciplines makes her a favourite, though competition from Kiwi stars like Jenna Hastings, Sacha Earnest, and Shania Rawson will undoubtedly test her limits. Hastings, fresh off an impressive comeback season, Earnest who finished the 2024 UCI DH season in 3rd place, and Rawson, recipient of the 2024 Crankworx Trail Blazer Award, bring local pride to the lineup. The Pump Track Challenge also introduces first-time Crankworx competitor and reigning UCI Pump Track World Champion Sabina Košárková from the Czech Republic, adding international intrigue to an already stacked field.
Other notable names include Louise Ferguson, a multi-discipline powerhouse shifting from Freeride to Downhill racing, and Jordy Scott, who narrowly missed the 2024 Queen title and is poised for redemption.
Male Athletes to Watch
New Zealand’s dominance is palpable, with nearly a third of the confirmed male athletes hailing from Aotearoa. Lachie Stevens-McNab leads the charge after a breakout year, aiming to build on his RockShox Taniwha Downhill victory at Crankworx Rotorua 2024. Joining him is Tuhoto-Ariki Pene, former King of Crankworx and Rotorua local, who is eager to capitalise on ‘home turf’ advantage.
International challengers include reigning King of Crankworx Ryan Gilchrist from Australia, who dominated the 2024 World Tour, and British rider Bernard Kerr, bringing his signature style to the Redemption Downhill.
Slopestyle Athletes to Look Out For
Being the first of its caliber in Aotearoa New Zealand, the FMB Gold Cup Slopestyle promises to deliver unforgettable moments. David Godziek, 2024 Slopestyle World Champion and Triple Crown winner, attends as the man to beat. Chasing him are heavy hitters from Europe like Erik Fedko and Lucas Huppert, as well as young Canadian talent like Griffin Paulson, Chance Moore, and Ben Thompson. The 2024 Red Bull Rookie of the Year and rising star Kaidan Ingersoll is poised to be a standout this season as he goes head-to-head with elite Crankworx Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) competitors.
In the women’s division, Red Bull athlete Patricia Druwen’s return after a 2024 hiatus sets the stage for a fierce competition. Joining her are SWC riders Canadian Natasha Miller and USA’s Shealen Reno, the first-ever female Slopestyle World Champion. Adding to the anticipation, the Christchurch Gold Cup Slopestyle will host first-time competitor Kirsten Van Horne from Canada. This promising dark horse has already showcased impressive skills and undeniable potential, setting the stage to disrupt the competition while carving out her place on the international circuit. Van Horne will also be vying for one of the coveted wildcards to the Maxxis Slopestyle at Crankworx Rotorua, adding an extra layer of stakes to her debut.
Beyond the Races
The festival kicks off on February 13 with a Jump Jam at CAP’s iconic Mulchy Jump, bringing local and international riders together in a spectacle of flips, whips, and style. This event also marks the beginning of a strong partnership between Crankworx and Christchurch, highlighting the city’s potential as a world-class mountain biking destination.
After a day of race action, athletes and spectators can cycle into town and enjoy dinner at The Terrace where they will find some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, set along the Ōtākaro/Avon River. With its colourful, Spanish Mission style architecture, New Regent Street is a hot tip, boasting an abundance of places to eat and drink in an amazing setting. Riverside Market is another favourite spot, with options for all tastes and temptations.
Whether you’re a spectator, rider, or fan of the sport, Crankworx Summer Series Christchurch promises non-stop action and unforgettable moments of local talent rubbing shoulders with international top riders. Don’t miss your chance to witness mountain biking greatness — grab your festival tickets or register to compete today.