The best of bikes
The highly anticipated Crankworx Summer Series returns to Ōtautahi Christchurch late this summer.
The hills will come alive from 13 to 16 February 2025 with a whole new lineup of events elevating the mountain biking experience for riders and spectators alike.
Anne Newman, recent recipient of the Akiaki Emerging Tourism Leader Award at the NZ Tourism Awards 2024 and General Manager of Christchurch Adventure Park, shared her excitement about hosting the Crankworx Summer Series.
“Crankworx is such a fun and iconic event on the riding calendar. We’re beyond excited to showcase Christchurch Adventure Park to international riders and fans. The addition of the Gold Cup Slopestyle will push the limits of what our venue can offer and inspire riders and spectators alike,” Anne says.
The festival introduces a new Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) Gold Cup Slopestyle event, the first of its kind in New Zealand. The new course and competition are set to attract some of the world’s top Slopestyle riders and provide a pathway for emerging New Zealand talent. The event is also part of the esteemed FMBA world rankings, making it even more attractive for international Slopestyle athletes. Alongside Slopestyle, the festival will also feature two additional internationally broadcast events: Pump Track and Downhill, ensuring a packed four-day event with action for spectators and athletes.
The Crankworx Summer Series made its New Zealand debut in 2021, bringing world-class mountain bike racing to the south. The series offers an exhilarating blend of racing, natural beauty, and adventure, capturing the essence of the Kiwi outdoor lifestyle. Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Since its inception in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series, with the Crankworx World Tour bringing together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines.
Crankworx’s commitment to leaving a legacy in Christchurch began in 2024, with the introduction of permanent, professional-standard amenities, including a head-to-head Pump Track and World Cup-level Downhill track being resurrected for 2025. This legacy will continue to grow this February with the establishment of a Gold Level Slopestyle course, perfectly timed as the sport gains momentum both nationally and internationally. These facilities will remain long after the event, fostering local talent, attracting international competitors, and cementing Christchurch as a premier destination in the global mountain biking scene for years to come.
Karena Finnie, Head of Major Events at ChristchurchNZ, is delighted to have the Crankworx Summer Series as part of the city’s busy 2025 event calendar, with the infrastructure critical to cementing our spot on the international stage.
“We can’t wait for residents and visitors to join us for this unique event in our vibrant city’s ultimate playground, the Christchurch Adventure Park. The addition of the World Series Gold Level Slopestyle and the significant legacy and investment into Christchurch’s world-class mountain bike trails makes this an unmissable event,” Karena says.
Crankworx World Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, CWNEXT categories for next-gen athletes, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.
Festival passes are available now. Day passes are priced between $16 and $26, and multi-day options are also available. The festival will offer free entry on December 13 and 14, and it is free for CAP annual season pass holders, providing a unique opportunity to get a taste of the action.