Women Dominate the Dirt at Crankworx Rotorua 2025, Setting the Bar High
Words by Beka Stephan 
The Crankworx World Tour launched its 2025 season in Rotorua, New Zealand, staying true to its tradition of opening in this world-renowned mountain biking hub. Known for its legendary dirt and world-class courses, Rotorua draws top riders eager to start the international mountain biking season with high-speed downhill racing and jaw-dropping slopestyle tricks.
This year, the women riders showed up in full force, building on the momentum from Crankworx Rotorua 2024, where they broke new ground in the competition.
Robin Goomes Makes History in Women’s Slopestyle
Reflecting on last season’s progress in women’s mountain biking, Robin Goomes made history in 2024 by winning the first-ever Women’s Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship.
Goomes, competing in front of a passionate home crowd in New Zealand, secured victory with a stunning 90.75-point first run. Australian riders Harriet Burbidge-Smith (85.5 points) and Caroline Buchanan (80.25 points) rounded out the podium.
Buchanan emphasized the importance of visibility in women’s MTB, hoping her presence will inspire the next generation of female slopestyle riders.
Patricia Druwen Dominates Slopestyle in 2025
This year’s Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of MaGazza saw a new champion emerge. At just 18 years old, Patricia Druwen delivered a near-flawless run, executing technical tricks like an X-Up to Suicide No Hander and a Double Oppo Bar Spin.
Her 87.75-point run secured her first Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship win.
- 2nd place: Canada’s Natasha Miller
- 3rd place: Defending champion Robin Goomes
With this victory, Druwen has established herself as a top contender for the 2025 season. The Crankworx World Tour will continue in Cairns, Australia, from May 21–25.
Jenna Hastings Conquers RockShox Kārearea Downhill
The RockShox Kārearea Downhill event introduced a fresh challenge in Skyline Rotorua, replacing the previous two-year location in Whakarewarewa Forest. The steep, technical course pushed riders to their limits, producing thrilling race results.
New Zealand’s Jenna Hastings dominated the field with an exceptional winning run, finishing 6.259 seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Camille Balanche. Scotland’s Louise Ferguson rounded out the podium in third place.
Caroline Buchanan Wins Specialized Dual Slalom
The Specialized Dual Slalom event kept the excitement rolling, featuring a revamped Speed & Style course that tested riders with a more technical layout than ever before.
In the women’s final, Australian Caroline Buchanan claimed gold after defeating American Jordy Scott. Czech rider Sabina Košárková secured the bronze medal.
Rotorua Roulette
This new addition to Crankworx is an invitational event taking place on the iconic final feature of the Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza course, Rotorua Roulette is a Best Trick contest with a twist. Riders will drop into a jam session and aim to impress the crowd and the judges alike while competing for cash and the chance to be selected for the head-to-head finals.
FORMAT & JUDGING
Jam style. For 45-60 minutes, riders will drop in and attempt their best tricks to wow the crowd and the judges. Jam Session cash prizes will be handed out in the finish corral. Towards the end of the Jam Session, judges will announce the top 4 selected male and female riders who will advance to the Head to Head Finals.
The judging panel will seed the riders to determine the matchups, and each rider will get one attempt to oust their rival and move to the next round. Prize money is awarded to all 8 riders who are selected for the Head to Head Finals. Crowd participation will be pivotal in the outcome of this Friday night showdown!
Only riders with an official numbered Best Trick sticker will be allowed to drop in.
The winners this year were:
- 1st place: Robin Goomes
- 2nd place: Shealen Reno
- 3rd place: Morgan Antone
Women’s MTB in 2025: What’s Next?
This incredible start to Crankworx 2025 sets the stage for an intense and competitive season ahead. With rising stars like Patricia Druwen, and Shealen Reno making their mark and seasoned pros like Robin Goomes and Caroline Buchanan continuing to push boundaries, this year’s women’s MTB scene is one to watch.
Stay tuned for more updates from WMTBN as we follow the 2025 season!
Photos by Rachel Hadfield
Caroline Buchanan photo by Clint Trahan