Crankworx festivities begin with Djabugay ‘calling to country’ and a huge tick of approval from festival boss

After flying all the way from Canada, Crankworx’s boss has laid eyes on the Cairns mountain bike track and is seriously impressed. Read what he had to say.

CAIRNS attendees at this week’s Crankworx event might just witness riders navigating the most impressive course ever put together, according to Crankworx’s managing director Darren Kinnaird.

The festival, due to begin Thursday afternoon, will showcase the most sublime mountain biking talent across the world.

More than 4000 tickets have already been purchased, but more are still available.

Crankworx's managing director Darren Kinnaird. Picture: Clint Trahan

“This is maybe the most impressive course build I’ve ever seen at a Crankworx, it’s really awesome,” Mr Kinnaird said.

“The course design is really impressive; we’ve never seen a slopestyle course this unique. It gives the athletes so many options to get creative.

Crankworx athletes Harriet "Haz" Burbidge-Smith and Mikey "mad hatter" Haderer with Djabugay traditional owners Dennis Hunter and Rodrick Newbury. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“I think we’re going to see some possible world firsts.”

The event was softly opened today with a traditional, but unconventional, call to country by Djabugay traditional owners Dennis Hunter and Rodrick Newbury.

Event officials and stakeholders were invited to rub their sweat onto quartz stones that will be cast into the Barron River.

“This is the old customary way of introducing yourself to this country,” Mr Hunter said.

Originally published as Crankworx festivities begin with Djabugay ‘calling to country’ and a huge tick of approval from festival boss