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Everything you need to know about Crankworx, world’s biggest mountain bike event

The world’s biggest mountain bike racing event has arrived in Cairns with five days of adrenaline packed thrills and spills. Everything you need to know.

Riders go head to head on the dual slalom course at Crankworx Cairns 2024. Photo: Clint Trahan
Riders go head to head on the dual slalom course at Crankworx Cairns 2024. Photo: Clint Trahan

The world’s biggest mountain bike racing event has arrived in Cairns with five days of adrenaline packed thrills and spills.

Crankworx returns for the third time and is this year being headlined by Australian legends Spiderbait on Sunday.

The world’s elite riders will put their skills to the ultimate test on brand-new, gravity-defying

courses designed to challenge even the most seasoned professionals.

Athletes will push the boundaries of what’s possible on some of the most technical and demanding terrain in the region across downhill racing, head to head dual slalom and speed and style races.

The event will be capped off with the slopestyle event which will see riders take to the biggest jumps of the weekend hitting the biggest tricks in their quiver.

“Crankworx is one of my favourite events, it’s held right here in Cairns and it is a fantastic display of world-class cycling and legendary music performances,” Tourism and Sport Minister Micheal Healy said. 

Bailey Meares takes on the Dual Slalom course at Crankworx Cairns 2024. Photo: Clint Trahan
Bailey Meares takes on the Dual Slalom course at Crankworx Cairns 2024. Photo: Clint Trahan

“Events of this high caliber drive visitation and strong economic results, we’re expecting to

welcome more than 7000 people and $6.8 million in direct and incremental spend this year,

which is a great outcome for the local Cairns community. 

“It’s a great chance for fans and competitors to get out and enjoy this spectacular part of

Queensland. Cairns is home to many incredible experiences, there’s so much to see and do.”

Athletes from all across the world have already hit the red dirt of the Smithfield bike park with practice sessions beginning on Wednesday.

The MTB Jam Session will see a contingent of elite riders showcasing their skills at the Cairns Skatepark, while the Sunset Cinema: Movie Night in Paradise offers an outdoor viewing experience.

Cairns Mick Hannah won Gold at the Crankworx RockShox Downhill event in 2023. Picture: Supplied
Cairns Mick Hannah won Gold at the Crankworx RockShox Downhill event in 2023. Picture: Supplied

Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the first-ever Crankworx Cairns Braap Off, a high-adrenaline event sure to get crowd cheering.

As the sun goes down, the action continues with Pump Track After Dark, and the fan-favourite Whip Off, now included in the Super Saturday scheduling, promises to be a highlight of the festival.

Mayor Amy Eden said Cairns was proud to host the iconic event.

“Our community has embraced the event which has grown in popularity, participation, and

sporting importance since Cairns joined the Crankworx World Tour series in 2022,” she said.

dylan.nicholson@news.com.au

Originally published as Everything you need to know about Crankworx, world’s biggest mountain bike event

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/cairns/everything-you-need-to-know-about-crankworx-worlds-biggest-mountain-bike-event/news-story/c6a37529817b969790eed3c35562cbda