Crankworx- Women Athletes

Words by Beka:

For the first time ever, women will be included in Crankworx multi-destination global slopestyle championship event. This is a first for women mountain bike riders, and hopefully, will help progress the inclusion of women’s categories in future freeride and slopestyle championship competitions at every level. 

Per the Crankworx press release, “Seeking to maximize the potential of women in freeride mountain biking, the SWC (Slopestyle World Championship) women’s category will provide equal opportunity access to the highest level of the sport featured across the Crankworx World Tour.” 

Slopestyle and freeride are subcategories of mountain biking that offer a few key similarities: both disciplines showcase the rider’s ability by utilizing a series of high amplitude jumps and man-made features. Slopestyle follows more of an elevated BMX vibe, while freeride has closer similarities to downhill mountain biking by utilizing natural terrain. Commonly, slopestyle riders use dirtjumpers, while freeride tends to utilize bikes with high-travel full suspension. The premier global slopestyle competition is Crankworx, while Red Bull Rampage holds the stage as the ultimate competition for freeride. Competitions such as these provide an opportunity for elite riders to showcase skills and talent (which help secure sponsorships), while also competing for large financial winnings. Crankworx is now breaking ground in helping advance the progression of women riders everywhere by including a women’s category in their world championship event.

Last year, the absence of a women’s category at Red Bull Rampage was particularly noted, especially after the without-explanation-cancellation of the women’s freeride event, Red Bull Formation (a showcase event, not a competition). This was especially disappointing after the premier freeride showcase event, Darkfest (held in South Africa), included women for the first time in 2022. There’s yet to be a clear understanding as to why women haven’t been offered a separate category at Red Bull Rampage. Luckily, it looks like Crankworx is working on changing the narrative – we can only hope that other major events will follow in their footsteps.

Info on Qualification:

Qualifying for the 2024 Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship will be based on points accrued over a series of global freeride events, currently outlined on Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour website. Be sure to check out fmbworldtour.com for current rider standings and event information.

Destinations:

The 2024 Crankworx World Tour includes the following world-class mountain biking destinations, with broadcasts available live and on demand on Red Bull TV, including both the SWC women’s and SWC men’s categories:

• Rotorua, New Zealand – March 16-24
• Cairns, Australia – May 22-26
• Innsbruck, Austria – June 12-23
• Whistler, Canada – July 19-28

For more information, check out www.Crankworx.com