Crankworx festival crashes out of Far North sporting event calendar

A Far North mountain bike event worth millions of dollars to the region’s economy has gone off track with funding negotiations between organisers and Tourism Events Queensland forcing the race to be cancelled.

Paul Couderc flies high in his final run of the Slopestyle elite men's finals at the Crankworx Cairns mountain bike festival, held at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park. The event won’t be returning to Cairns next year. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Far North mountain bike event worth millions of dollars to the region’s economy has gone off track with funding negotiations between organisers and Tourism Events Queensland forcing the premier festival to be cancelled.

Crankworx Cairns has been part of the international professional mountain bike tour since 2022 with the world’s best riders competing in a range of disciplines, including the pinnacle of the sport, the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship.

Alma Wiggberg flies high to win the Slopestyle elite women's finals at the Crankworx Cairns mountain bike festival, held at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Between 2022-24, the event delivered almost $20m to the state’s economy, attracting more than 23,000 spectators to the Far North while drawing around 1.9m viewers annually.

But talks between festival organisers AusCycling and TEQ broke down with a smaller program pitched despite more money being required to run the event.

A source familiar with discussions said the two parties were “millions of dollars” apart before the wheels fell off negotiations.

As of last night, Crankworx’s website does not feature Cairns as a destination for 2026 in its calendar of events.

The adrenaline pumping festival’s partners were informed earlier this month with Far North MPs scheduled to meet with stakeholders to discuss alternative events the region could host at the Smithfield Mountian Bike Park.

The news comes as a hammer blow for the state government who announced a $15m upgrade to the track on Wednesday.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy says Crankworx’s cancellation will hurt the tourism, hospital and accommodation sectors. Picture: Samuel Davis

Cairns MP Michael Healy said Crankworx had been a major economic driver for the tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors within the region.

“It’s hugely disappointing that Crankworx won’t return to Cairns in 2026,” Mr Healy said.

“The former Labor Government did the hard work to secure and grow this world-class mountain biking event, providing huge exposure for Cairns around the world.

“Now the new LNP Government is walking away from it in their first year, a shortsighted move that wastes years of investment and effort.

“Crankworx delivered 67,000 room nights, and showcased Cairns to millions worldwide. It boosted tourism, supported local jobs, and cemented our reputation as a global mountain biking destination.”

It’s understood that a broadcaster had yet to be secured for the 2026 event at the time discussions broke down.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen says the Crankworx Cairns showcased the region’s ability to host world-class events. Picture: Brendan Radke

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said Crankworx Cairns had cemented the region’s reputation as a world-class mountain biking destination.

“TTNQ is working with our alliance partners to ensure we continue to capitalise on the momentum created by Crankworx and the many international mountain biking events held in Cairns,” he said.

“The strong commitment by our local mountain biking community and the State Government investment in further developing Smithfield Mountain Bike Park will ensure that the legacy of these world-class events continues.”

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden says the event’s partners came to a mutual agreement that the event wouldn’t go ahead in 2025. Picture: Brendan Radke

Concluding the event was a carefully considered decision, Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said.

“Crankworx has shone an international spotlight on Cairns, delivering outstanding community and tourism benefits while cementing our place as a world-class mountain biking destination. I want to thank our alliance partners AusCycling, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and CEI, for their collaborative efforts and shared commitment over the past several years,” Ms Eden said.

“Cairns’ passion for mountain biking remains as strong as ever, and we will continue to build on the incredible legacy at Smithfield. We look forward to working closely with our partners on future opportunities, including exploring new mountain bike content from 2026 that will continue to showcase our region on the global stage.”

A spokeswoman for Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the LNP was “delivering more money to support cycling events in Queensland than ever before.”

Originally published as Crankworx festival crashes out of Far North sporting event calendar