Crankworx Rotorua Delivers World-First Tricks and Local Heroes
The 2026 Crankworx Rotorua has wrapped up with spectacular performances that showcased both international talent and homegrown Kiwi riders pushing the boundaries of mountain biking excellence. The event, fondly known as "the soul of Crankworx," delivered everything from world-first tricks to breakthrough performances that are reshaping the sport's landscape.
Local Heroes Shine on Home Soil
Rotorua's own Jenna Hastings delivered a standout performance in the women's Dual Slalom, narrowly missing gold by just 0.117 seconds to reigning champion Jordi Scott. Despite the silver medal finish, Hastings has taken the lead in the Queen of Crankworx standings with 496 points, positioning herself as a serious contender for the overall crown.
The local success story continued with Robin Goomes, who dramatically elevated her performance in the women's Slopestyle competition. After a modest first run scoring 47.50 points, Goomes delivered an impressive second run worth 82.25 points, securing second place in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
World-First Innovation Takes Centre Stage
Canadian rider Chance Moore made history with the first-ever Flip Whip to Late 360 in Slopestyle competition, executed on the final McGazza money booter. This groundbreaking trick earned him the highest Shootout score of the day at 4.70 points, demonstrating how the sport continues to evolve through creative innovation.
The men's Slopestyle competition proved to be a masterclass in progression, with David Godziek, the 2024 Triple Crown winner, maintaining his dominance. His technically flawless run scored 93.62 points, followed by Lucas Huppert's impressive 90.87-point performance that secured second place.
Emerging Talent and Inclusive Competition
The event highlighted the sport's commitment to nurturing emerging talent across all demographics. Johanna Nussbaumer, the Red Bull Rookie of the Year, delivered a breakthrough performance in her first Diamond-level Slopestyle competition, scoring 92.50 points to claim victory with a commanding 10-point margin.
Similarly, Dane Folpp, the 2025 Red Bull Rookie of the Year, proved his readiness for elite competition in his first Diamond-level event, demonstrating the sport's strong pathway for developing riders.
Championship Standings Take Shape
With Rotorua complete, the 2026 Crankworx World Tour standings are beginning to crystallise. Ryan Gilchrist leads the King of Crankworx race with 531 points, while Hastings tops the women's standings. These early positions suggest an exciting battle ahead as the tour progresses to Whistler.
The competition showcased mountain biking's evolution as both a technical sport and cultural phenomenon, with thousands of spectators enjoying not just the riding but the festival's vibrant atmosphere of music and community celebration.
Sustainable Event Management
Despite weather challenges with rain forecasted for Friday, organisers successfully maintained the event schedule throughout the week. This operational excellence, combined with the natural beauty of Rotorua's trails, reinforced the location's reputation as a premier destination for gravity mountain biking.
As the tour moves forward to Crankworx Whistler, the Rotorua stop has set a high standard for competitive excellence, innovation, and inclusive participation that reflects the progressive values increasingly important in modern sport.