Crankworx Rotorua - The Spank Whip offs

It was all systems go as Crankworx Rotorua kicked off today with almost all individual events practice scheduled at some time within the day. The Enduro World Series racers flocked to the Skyline Gondola in the morning before the course was converted once more back to the downhill. The two disciplines sharing sections of one each others trails, the EWS obviously the slightly less technical aspects. Slopestyle practice was light hearted in ways, as riders adjusted to the course but there were still big tricks thrown down.

All of this was of course leading to the big event of the day the ‘Whip offs’. Big name riders from all over lined up to hit the final large tabletop of the downhill track and the aim of the day was big whips. Things started off slow but it wasn’t long before riders were coming past the 90 degree mark. Whip trains were also in full effect with Kiwi, Aussie and all round rad pairings like Bernard Kerr and David McMillan each trying to outdo the last. Crashes were few but harsh the consequences of which most likely leading to the hospital.

As the evening sun set it was Ryan “R-Dogg” Howard who took the win with repeat whips clicked out way past 90 degrees, Connor Fearon was not far behind with similar attemps whilst Bernard Kerr backed his way into third. Aussies rounded out the rest of the podium with David McMillan in fourth and Remy Morton in fifth.

Tomorrows events turn to Speed and Style and The Pump Track Challenge. Stay tuned for more coverage.

Photos and Words: Robert Conroy