CRANKWORX SUMMER SERIES 2025 IS COMING TO CAP!
NEW ZEALAND | September 26, 2024 – The highly anticipated Crankworx Summer Series is set to return to New Zealand in 2025, after the cancellation of the 2024 event due to the devastating fires in the Port Hills affecting Christchurch Adventure Park. The event will take place from February 13th to 16th, 2025, with a new line up of events that will elevate the mountain biking experience for both riders and spectators alike, as part of the build-up to the first mega-festival of the Crankworx World Tour in Rotorua from March 5th –9th 2025.
The Ōtautahi- Christchurch festival will introduce a new Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) Gold Level Slopestyle event, the first of its kind in New Zealand. The new course and competition is set to attract some of the world’s top Slopestyle riders and provide a pathway for emerging New Zealand talent. Alongside Slopestyle, the series will also feature two additional international broadcast events: Pump Track and Downhill, ensuring a weekend packed with action for spectators and athletes alike.
Anne Newman, General Manager of Christchurch Adventure Park, shared her excitement about hosting Crankworx Summer Series: "Crankworx is such a fun and iconic event on the riding calendar. We’re beyond excited to showcase Christchurch Adventure Park to international riders and fans. The addition of the Gold Level Slopestyle will push the limits of what our venue can offer and inspire riders and spectators alike."
Due to the 2024 Port Hills fire damage, athletes were denied the chance to debut the eagerly awaited purpose-built Downhill course; 2025 will give local and international riders the opportunity to finally compete on this restored track. Riders will compete for Crankworx World Tour points, as part of the competition for the prestigious King and Queen of Crankworx titles.
The 2025 Crankworx Summer Series marks the continuation of a significant partnership with ChristchurchNZ, the city’s sustainable economic development agency. Karena Finnie, Head of Major Events at ChristchurchNZ, commented:
"We are looking forward to Crankworx Summer Series coming to Ōtautahi Christchurch. We can’t wait for both residents and visitors to join us for a special weekend of balance and play at Christchurch Adventure Park. The addition of the Gold Level Slopestyle, coupled with Christchurch’s world-class mountain bike trails, makes this an unmissable event."
Crankworx’s commitment to leaving a legacy in Christchurch began in 2024, with the introduction of permanent, professional-standard amenities, including a head-to-head Pump Track and World Cup-level Downhill track that will be resurrected for 2025. This legacy will continue to grow in 2025 with the establishment of a Gold Level Slopestyle course, perfectly timed as the sport gains momentum both nationally and internationally. These facilities will remain long after the event, fostering local talent, attracting international competitors, and cementing Christchurch as a premier destination in the global mountain biking scene for years to come.
Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand, now a cornerstone of the global mountain bike calendar, is expected to draw athletes and fans from across New Zealand and internationally, especially in the lead-up to the eleventh edition of Crankworx Rotorua in 2025. With direct flights between Christchurch and Rotorua, the back-to-back festivals create a dream opportunity for riders and fans to experience the best of New Zealand mountain biking.
Event Director Ariki Tibble highlighted the significance of the 2025 edition:
"Many in our community will agree that there is some unfinished business for us in Ōtautahi - Christchurch. With a world-class venue in Christchurch Adventure Park, the introduction of the Gold Level Slopestyle, and the seamless connection between Christchurch and Rotorua, I think we’ve lined up something pretty special for 2025"
For more information and event details, visit the official Summer Series New Zealand website at Crankworx Summer Series NZ. Tickets will be available for purchase in early November, ahead of the holiday season. Further updates, including event announcements and results, will be shared via the official Crankworx social media channels: @crankworxrotorua and @crankworxsummerseries on Instagram.
About Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand
The Crankworx Summer Series began in British Columbia in 2020 and made its New Zealand debut in 2021, bringing world-class mountain bike racing to the Southern Lakes Region. The series offers an exhilarating blend of racing, natural beauty, and adventure that captures the essence of the Kiwi outdoor lifestyle.
About Crankworx
Born in Whistler, B.C., in 2004, Crankworx has grown into a global festival series that unites the best mountain biking athletes for elite competitions across multiple disciplines. The Crankworx World Tour also features participatory events for amateurs, Kidsworx contests, and showcases diverse mountain biking culture in stunning locations around the world.
About ChristchurchNZ
ChristchurchNZ is the city’s sustainable economic development and city profile agency. Its mission is to drive growth and prosperity in Christchurch, making it a premier destination for events like Crankworx.
About NZ Major Events
New Zealand Major Events advises government about investing in major events, and partners with the events sector to attract events and leverage event benefits for New Zealand.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Kelsey Timpany
Media, Marketing, Communications Manager
nzmedia@crankworx.com
