Nicolai Rogatkin rules Crankworx Cairns Slope Style

Saturday at Crankworx was big, with the Pump Track on at lunch, before crowds swelled even more for Slope Style. This event hasn't really taken off in Australia until recently, with the Highline MTB Festival being one of the only ways for riders to showcase what they can do to the crowds – and its the crowds that truly make the event. Slope Style is about the tricks that can be done, but it's also an exhibition of shownmanship.

Not for the faint-hearted and only for the invited, the Slope Style athletes launched themselves into the heavens. The new courses at Crankworx Cairns were designed to push the limits and the slopestyle course did not disappoint with the introduction of the first-ever dirt half pipe. The track consisted of 10 features, 13 opportunities and 350 metres of track waiting to be dominated by the world’s elite.

The huge dirt pipe was the first of its kind in Crankworx Slopestyle history measuring 5 metres tall and 45 meters long. Lining the track was the biggest, rowdiest crowd of the event so far, really showing what an event in Australia is made of and why Crankworx should return.

Nicholi Rogatkin was looking for redemption and had two solid runs throwing big cash rolls to land the Slopestyle World Championship gold medal and his first gold podium win since Joyride in 2018 with a score of 94.75. Rogatkin had technicality, amplitude and he rode the course to its maximum potential. He also demonstrated some explosive energy at the finish celebrating with fellow riders.

“That was unreal, honestly the camaraderie between the riders is insane. We’re hyping each other up to do these insane runs. We want to beat each other, even though we are competing against each other we are so close. I was coming into this last jump and I was absolutely exhausted but I’m like, I can’t feel the way I did after the first one, I’ve got to try and send this cashie whip, luckily it landed and that moment I saw all the boys down here going crazy. I’ll never forget that.”

Erik Fedko threw out a big 360 indian air and 360 windshield wiper in his first run, setting himself up for a run at the championship. On his second run, he had a rear tyre blow out sending him into silver with 92.75 and showing just how ruthless the competition can be.

Max Fredriksson landed bronze with an 88.75 and a spot on the podium for the first time since 2016 on a course that he himself described as the “craziest mountain bike slopestyle course ever” in his YouTube walkthrough.

Noticeably absent from the second runs, the man who through the past eight Crankworx contests has been the one to beat and was on his way to earning the elusive Triple Crown of Slopestyle Emil Johansson missed his second run after the injury he sustained in his first. After hitting his head he was examined by Crankworx medical staff. It was deemed, due to the nature of his injury, that he would not be able to safely take a second run.

Among such a tight knit group of competitors, the highs are seemingly shared by all, as are the lows.

“Deep down we want to beat each other so bad,” explained Rogatkin. “Everyone wants a podium spot, a first place spot. But in the bottom, at the top, everyone’s just celebrating for each other and hyped for each other. Emil goes down and we’re all so concerned. It’s graphic stuff for us to see. I think we’ve developed such a bond, because this is such a unique atmosphere and sport to be in, that that bond can’t be broken. We understand each other so much.”

This won’t be the last time you see action on the Slopestyle track as Crankworx Cairns is locked and loaded for 2023. The World Tour is making its way down under and back to sunny, tropical Cairns from May 17 – 21, 2023.

“This is absolutely spectacular and as you’ve heard, contributes to the sporting activities and contributes to that competitive spirit. We get that as a government and as the elected representatives so we will continue to invest in this and other infrastructures, and as part of our culture, we’re the tourism capital of Australia so it makes good sense. We are committing once again to another series of Crankworx here in Cairns next year from the 17th to the 21st of May. This is going to be fantastic” said Michael Healy, Assistant Minister for Tourism.

2023 Flash sale is on for two weeks only. Exclusive pricing on Festival and Weekend Passes are available via the Crankworx Website. Hurry ends 22nd October 2022. Don’t delay, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission from the boss or missus as this is an event not to be missed.

Results: Crankworx Cairns Slopestyle

1. Nicholi Rogatkin (USA) – 94.75

2. Erik Fedko (GER) – 92. 75

3. Max Fredriksson (SWE) – 88.75