*This story was last updated on April 24
Grab the sunscreen and your best party shirt because Crankworx is coming back to Cairns May 22-26, 2024. Yes, that means a few days after the UCI Masters World Championships, which also descend on Cairns from May 16-19.
Oh, and did we mention that Crankworx also hosts the Oceania Champs Downhill? Talk about a busy couple of weeks in Cairns.
With the bubbles in full swing, we caught up with Crankworx Cairns Event Director Nathan Bassett to see what they've been cooking up in Tropical North Queensland.
A jam packed schedule for Crankworx Cairns
In 2024, Crankworx Cairns will feature a host of headline events you've come to expect from a festival; however, the event team adjusted the order to maximize viewing capacity.
“This year, the event will conclude with Slopestyle on Sunday, which means super Saturday is now a double header with Speed and Style and then Pump Track under the lights that will not disappoint to bring the party deals,” said Bassett.
Before the festival started, Crankworx held a Jam Session at Cairns Skate Park under the lights. There will be a DJ and some of the best riders in the world throwing down to set the goals for what's to come.
With the deck changed, the Specialized Dual Slalom will be the first official event out of the ranks with the Pro finals on Thursday evening.
Then it's on to RockShox Downhill on Friday, which will double as the Oceania Champs this year. Illinbah near the Gold Coast was earmarked to host the Continental Champs, however the consistently wet weather SEQ has been experiencing since before Christmas has taken its toll and the course will not be ready in time.
Then, on Saturday, when we have the Speed and Style, Australian Whip-Off Championships and Pump Track tripleheader, it will be a big day for the underdogs. With a strong showing from local cutters like Caroline Buchanan, Ryan Gilchrist, Mike Ross, and Haz Burbidge-Smith at these events in 2023, it's a safe bet there will be some fireworks from the home team on display.
Finally, the crescendo will reach its peak as Slopestyle wraps up the weekend on Sunday.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper has walloped in well-shaped orange debris. However, with some areas that need to be rebuilt, it gives World Trail, Elevate Trail Building, Flux Trail Building more creative license to rethink the course.
“The dirt halfpipe on the Slopestyle course has had a huge impact, so this is a real opportunity to rethink this category and create a new exciting feature,” said Bassett.
With construction set to begin soon, Bassett couldn't offer any hints on what things will look like, as the designs are still in the minds of the trail builders, but he told Flow that there will be some cool innovations. and the evolution of features.
Slopestyle WILL move forward
The question that has been coming up for the Crankworx Cairns frontrunner has been what's going on with slopestyle.
Men's Slopestyle riders have pulled out of the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship Rotorua after talks over salaries and support infrastructure broke down.
The competitors released a statement the day before Slopestyle at Crankworx Rotorua is scheduled to go ahead.
“Unfortunately, after years of discussions, many meetings, and many letters today we have finally decided to represent the interests of all Slopestyle riders and the sport. This timeline is not what we hoped for. At this time we will not discuss the terms we have requested from Crankworx as an organization, because we do not believe this is the right place or time to do so,” said the rider's first statement.
However, since Rotorua, both parties have returned to the table and, on April 12, publicly announced that male and female riders will be taking part in Crankworx Cairns.
“These discussions facilitated the identification of the root problems and grievances on both sides which were discussed in a cooperative and effective manner. Because of this, it was agreed that it not only addresses the immediate needs of the athletes but also emphasizes the long-term viability and sustainability of Slopestyle as a sport,” said a joint statement by FMBA and Crankworx.
The Men's Slopestyle Athletes also released a joint statement saying, “It's a step in the right direction, and now that (sic) we have secured representation in the FMBA, we look forward to the rest of the 2024 season.” The problems that the passengers had, have been solved or are being looked into to find a solution. We look forward to seeing everyone in Cairns and can't wait to have (a) full season of events ahead. Together we plan to build a better sport now and in the future.”
This is good news for everyone as the main event will be run for the spectators to enjoy, and the riders will not only compete, but their voices will be heard, and progress will be made.
Crankworx isn't just for geeks
While the professional competition and the Crankworx King and Queen race dominate the festival's advertising, there are novice categories in Dual Slalom, Downhill and Pumptrack.
The Master's World Champs are only a few days before Crankworx, so there's a chance to get in a lot of racing in a short space of time, with Smithfield hosting both XC and DH events. A new XC course is currently being built, and parts of the Worlds DH course are being reimagined for the event.
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Within the event itself, Bassett tells us there will be side events specifically for spectators such as the Brapp-Off which will start on Sunday morning around the edges of the Dual Slalom Course.
There are also ways for groms to get involved with Kidsworx.
“We'll be using the Cairns Esplanade the weekend before Crankworx in the center of Cairns with a balance bike course and jump lines, and at the event there will be free come-and-try events and interactive events that kids can get involved in,” Bassett said.
He also says Flow Crankworx Cairns will continue its push to provide events for flexible riders. Last year the Push Mobility and Bowhead team were on the ground, and working on plans to get those riders on the road again.
“Our goal is to continue to create more opportunities for flexible riders on the Crankworx course. “Last year we had Grant (Allen) and Renee (Junga) at the event and we had them act out a lot of local clues,” he said. “They both went through the Dual Slalom course demonstration, and Grant actually completed the first Adaptive top-to-bottom Worlds downhill run before the Pro Finals. We are excited to continue working with the athletes to build on this in May.”
Bassett also says they are aiming to include more flexible riders and intend to have the Push Mobility team there with a few Bowhead bikes and flexible demos down the line.
Bring your bike and try out some new gear
The biggest part of Crankworx is, of course, the gear expo. Advertiser entries are currently open, but based on the past two years, it's set to be a star-studded affair.
“The first two years of Crankworx Cairns have seen the best in the MTB industry descend on Cairns with around 50 brands represented locally. We will release the exhibitor list closer to the event, but you can expect another world class bike show,” he said.
There are always demo bikes available from all the major brands, but these tend to book up quickly – so a protip is to plan ahead and if you'd like to try out a newly released bike, book in advance.
It's party time at TNQ
Beyond the racing, Crankworx is one big party, so don't forget your dancing shoes. As the event is now in its third year, and the foundation is solid, now the event team is working on several exciting concepts to increase the party vibes.
“Cairns is world famous for its nightlife and our first events have had explosive parties. We are working with our partners to build on this and ensure we bring the best MTB team in the country,” said Bassett.
There will be live music on site every day from Thursday to Sunday with local DJs, while Brisbane acts Worm Girlz and Beddy Rays will take to the stage. Headlining the festival, Spiderbait will give riders a run for their money on who can shred the hardest, with a set starting directly after Slopestyle.
Thursday night will also see Sunset Cinema: Movie Night in Paradise. This mini film festival will show a selection of mountain bike movies produced by Red Bull and other top MTB filmmakers.
Bassett also tells Flow that there will be plenty of poster signings and meet and greets where people will have a chance to interact with the athletes.
Explore new ways and hit the Reef
Cairns is already an established tourist destination attracting countless visitors from all over the world to the water and rainforest – there are some great rides to boot. Since you're already coming all the way, you'd be a fool not to sit back and explore all that Far North Queensland has to offer on foot or by bike.
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Bassett tells us that Smithfield will be open for rides around the Crankworx event, but there's also a metric ton of great rides nearby. Take an afternoon and hit the famous Kuranda Downhill, or take a day trip up Davies Creek or Atherton.
Right next to the Crankworx site is AJ Hacket's Skypark, where you can go bungee jumping, and let's not forget that Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. There's diving, hiking, waterfalls, swimming – you name the adventure, and Cairns has the sights to show for it.
Festival passes are on sale now
Crankworx Festival passes are on sale now and are selling fast. For more information and to find your place, go to the Crankworx website.
Photos: Clint Trahan / Crankworx, Con Chronis/ Crankworx
