Crankworx Rotorua - iXS Downhill

What was essentially a rebirthed 2006 Rotorua World Championships track put the pressure on those who had raced it before and those that never had. Experience was worth nothing with the slick course constantly changing and ever expanding ruts and holes, putting more than a few people not only into the surrounding rainforest brush but the local medic tent as well.

After a brief practice and a chance for spectators to see the upper slopes of track, finals got underway. The juniors amazed taking the big step ups’ and drops like the pros many years more experienced with New Zealander Jack Humpheries took the win with Aussie Max Warshawsky in second. The Elite Womens race was more a battle of attrition with many riders within the field going down. So it was that World Cup experience shone through with Rachel Atherton in first swiftly followed by Tracey Hannah and Emilie Siegenthaler in third. Outrageous speed followed in the mens with Loic Bruni coming in hot for first almost three seconds up on Eliot Jackson in second. New Zealand locals Sam Blenkinsop and George Brannigan polished off the podium in third and fourth.

For full results head HERE