Crankworx Cairns kicks off with Whip Offs

Photos: Con Chronis, Clint Trahan, Gerard Lagana

The first Crankworx event to be held on Australian soil kicked off on Wednesday October 5 at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, behind James Cook University, in Cairns. Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning described Crankworx as “something that is going to be tremendous to this city. We’re still waiting for the international tourism to build up… Crankworx is going to be remembered as something that came here and really kicked Cairns off”

The first event was the Trek Official Australian Whip-Off Championships presented by POC. As the sun started to dip behind the range, rideers sessioned the jumps and the crowds swelled both in the finish arena and along the slopes beside the jungle.

Aussies Thomas Locke and Harriet Burbidge-Smith took out second with.David McMillan hot on their heels for third.

“That was the coolest experience I’ve ever had in my life – the chainsaws going off, all the sounds, that was incredible. I couldn’t help myself but just keep riding up the hill. I think I did at least ten runs. I’m so glad Crankworx World Tour has landed in Cairns. Everyone threw down and it was such a sick afternoon.” said Locke.

“The course was super fun; it was nice and chill. A few speed problems but great session with everyone. It’s good to be riding at home in Australia. The rest of the week is stacked, I am entered in the all the events”. When asked who she is watching out for this week, Harriet replied, “Everyone will do their own thing out there and I will do mine!"

The Whip jump was the first of five new courses to make its debut. Built by Tom Hey and the crew from Elevate Trail Building. Judges were former Crankworx Slopestyle medallist Anthony Messere (CAN), freeride legend Geoff Gulevich (CAN), and Australia’s own Mike Ross.

At the end of an hour of air, style and skill, the champs were crowned.

1. Garret Mechem (USA) // Jordy Scott (USA)

2. Thomas Locke (AUS) // Harriet Burbidge-Smith (AUS)

3. David McMillan (AUS)

“This is awesome,” said Mechem, who takes his first Crankworx win. “I missed Whistler and took some time off to recover, and this is the best kind of start to the trip. I’m so stoked.”

The American has been recovering from injury since he took a spill at the Whip Offs in Innsbruck in June. Travelling to Cairns and getting warmed up to get back into competition, he said he’s been loving his time in Australia.

“It’s hot and sweaty,” he laughed. “It’s also amazing and beautiful. I’m seeing some crazy, crazy wildlife. The scene, and the people. Everyone’s just the nicest I’ve ever been around. It’s crazy.”

It was a solid end to a solid day for both Mechem and the women’s winner, Jordy Scott. Both riders qualified first in Speed & Style before going on to win the whip.

“Rojo and I go way back together,” said Scott. “We’ve known each other since we were like 10. I really tried to chill out and kind of enjoy the experience a bit more,” she added. “I can get a little serious at times. Pretty stoked to start the week out on that note.”

In addition to her P1 in Speed & Style, and win in the Whip-Off, Scott is also in the lead for the season-long battle for the Queen of Crankworx title. “I’m just trying to make sure I’m riding for myself. As long as I feel like I’m riding good and putting good runs together I’m going to be happy. It’s really fast people and strong competition. My goal for this year was top three overall, so sitting in first is amazing. I’m going to really try to keep it going.”

The festival is just getting started – keep an eye on the schedule and the live events!