Crankworx will be returning to Golden and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for the second year in a row, bringing together a select group of almost 50 athletes to compete in early September.
Crankworx, which is one of the biggest mountain biking festivals in the world, usually takes place over the course of three weeks in Whistler. However, due to COVID-19, organizers had to pivot last year, with the festival hitting the road across B.C.
Athletes will accumulate a total score throughout the Crankworx events, with a King and Queen of Crankworx being crowned at the end of the tour. No King or Queen was crowned in 2020 due to COVID-19, making this year’s title a coveted prize.
Several B.C. based athletes are on the roster, which can be viewed on the Crankworx website.
Finn Iles, who just claimed first place at the Canadian Downhill Championships which were also hosted by Kicking Horse, is on the roster, and currently sits in 16th in the King of Crankworx standings.
Last year, the mobile festival saw the legendary Psychosis race on Mount 7 revived, over a decade after the race was discontinued in 2008.
READ MORE: Golden locals clean up at National Downhill championships
Psychosis is one of the world’s toughest, longest and gnarliest downhill races, with relentlessly steep trails.
Crankworx has not yet officially announced if they will be bringing Psychosis back for a second year in a row.
More details on the event will be available closer to the date.
Coverage of the tour stop will include live racing and competition on Red Bull TV, event highlights, behind-the-scenes action, and more.
In addition to pro racing and competition, the full scope of the event (spectators, etc.) will be determined closer to September as organizers assess what can safely be added.
As Canada’s borders are currently largely closed to international travel, the Crankworx team is working with local health authorities and government representatives to gain an exemption to get this select group of international athletes into the country, regardless of restrictions.
Last year, competitors were based in B.C. due to ongoing health restrictions.
There will also be stops at SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sun Peaks Resort.
The festival is currently scheduled to take place from Sept. 6-19, 2021, although this is subject to change.
Organizers say the festival will return to Whistler for August 2022.
