After a week of hard racing, whacky weather, schedule changes, and some incredibly long, tough days, Crankworx Rotorua has come to an end. And it couldn't have ended on a higher note for racers and spectators alike. With a mix of EWS racers, DH racers, freeriders, and the jack of all trades Josh Bryceland all in attendance, it was also a chance for fans to watch all of their favorite riders from each of the weeks' disciplines all racing together in one event. Originally scheduled as the opening race of Crankworx, Air Downhill seemed better suited as the closer.
With all of the gnarly DH and Slopestyle events in the rear view, racers of the Air Downhill were able to relax a little and ride more stress-free – just for fun. Racers were busting out lap after lap, some solo and others in mega trains with friends, all hooting and hollering through the tress and over the tracks multiple jumps. The atmosphere on site today was that of fun. Well earned and appreciated fun. It really wasn't until the clock started ticking that the game faces came out and the event took a super serious mood. With bragging rights and points on the line, racing was still the main event.
While both men's and women's races saw some fresh faces at the top of the podium, the usual Crankworx suspects were right there in the mix to set the hierarchy for future rounds, and the all important King and Queen of Crankworx title that will be decided this August in Whistler.
I guess the type of riding is fairly different between the WC and Air DH, but is there another reason that I haven't thought of?
When he found out none of their sponsored riders were gonna compete he asked them why and they told him that it clashed with the rider's training program.
Seems the top names train like Olympic athletes, with the first race as the target.
Race before, or after, that and you're not at the peak of your fitness.
I don't know, I'm a nobody, but that's what they told him.