<Deleted photo>



Done and dusted, quite literally. The last event from an emotional Crankworx Rotorua was the Downhill presented by IXS. The track here in New Zealand hosted the 2006 World Championships and is absolutely no joke. Fast and rough, it features sizeable jumps and rowdy steeps all the way down to separate the ams from the pros. The sunny and dry conditions helped to create the dusty, loose track that made for a slippery afternoon at the races.

The views were almost as spectacular as the racing today as some of the world's best dropped in and raced their way down through the Jurassic ferns.

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
This is a real deal downhill track. It hosted world's in 2006 and it WILL reach out and grab you if you let down your guard. It took out more than one seasoned veteran this week including Mick Hannah and the Bulldog.

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
Anneke Beerten hasn't raced downhill in a long time. The flying Dutchwoman didn't bring her downhill bike, but it's a mountain bike race so you just "run what you brung." Nothing like an enduro bike on one of the harder downhill tracks of the year. Credit where credit is due, she sent almost everything on track clipped in and ready for an XC spin.

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

Jill Kintner pinned and gunning for multiple wins this week.

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
Jill Kintner

Marcelo Gutierrez sending the triple into the finish.
Marcelo Guttierez is using this race as a prep event for world cup season. A 6th place isn't a bad way to get your season underway.

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
Rotorua local Connor Hamilton keeps his feet dry and goes wheels up across the pond. Hopefully we get to see him land in Europe sometime this summer to get some world cup experience.

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.

<Deleted photo>

Matt Walker whips past Hecklers Log.
Matt Walker came off of the Enduro win with his confidence peaking and raced his way into 5th place. Along with a nice big novelty pay check, Walker scored some important king of Crankworx points securing him first place heading to Les Gets.

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
Matt Walker

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
He blasted through "The Larches" section like the veteran that he is. No tricky lines, just a death grip and a light touch on the pedals.

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
Sam Blenkinsop

Wyn Masters attempting some scooter uphill runs.
When Wyn Masters can't race he becomes a super fan. He got a little zesty with the scooter and had to get some assistance to make his way UP the downhill track on the old Scoopy.

<Deleted photo>

Bulldog took a smasher crash in practice but came out alright.
Bulldog took a smasher crash in practice but came out alright.

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
Brook Macdonald

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
What else can you say about Loic Bruni? The reigning downhill world champion and all round nice guy is on a brand new bike and didn't miss a beat, picking up right where he left off last season taking home gold.

<Deleted photo>

<Deleted photo>

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.

Crankworx Rotorua DH images.
Pro Downhill Podium.

<Deleted photo>


Posted In:
Stories Crankworx


Author Info:
fraserbritton avatar

Member since Nov 27, 2007
80 articles
You must login to Pinkbike.
Don't have an account? Sign up

Join Pinkbike  Login
Report
Must Read This Week
Final Results from the Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
79812 views
Review: How Canyon's KIS Could Change Mountain Biking, and Why It Probably Won't
57829 views
28 Handlebar & Stem Setups of Enduro World Cup Riders
44812 views
Kona Announces New Aluminum Process X
42929 views
Bike Check: Gee Atherton's AM.170
41791 views
Devinci Global Racing Steps Away from Enduro World Cups
39691 views
Tech Randoms: Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
37051 views
Flat Pedals Still Win Medals, Consistent Top Performers & More Things We Learned from the Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
34085 views

57 Comments
  • 145 4
 Thought I was still drunk when those photos started zooming in
  • 15 0
 What happened to neck braces? A few years ago nearly everyone was wearing them, now, I didn't see a single rider with one in these pics. Did they break more collar bones than save necks? Were they hype?
  • 2 0
 Aero is everything
  • 2 0
 Good question Rasterman. I'd love to hear the industry answer that one. One of the key guys responsible at Leatt for the braces who came from BMW doesn't even work there anymore.
  • 54 1
 Anyone saw that Granieri's NotBad face? I know he's late, but that deserves a win.
  • 7 0
 8th from the bottom
  • 1 0
 Great spot! And the guy next to him cowering!
  • 49 0
 Lol brannigan hitting the boner log bending his bars
  • 4 0
 He bent alot more than his handlebars.
  • 1 0
 You should have seen his frame, biggest crack in history
  • 2 0
 Crack kills!
  • 34 1
 I'm so stoked for Matt walker.talk about a dude who scratched and clawed his way to the top, he spent years traveling the circuit doing the privater thing, witch Ilakes a level of commitment that I imagine even some of the top racers don't possess. ( traveling around the world on a shoe string budget competing against factory supported riders could probably get pretty disheartening ) so huge respect to him for putting the work in and finally getting a factory ride.
  • 15 1
 Can't agree more! #vanzacs
  • 1 0
 Yeah and Greg Callaghan did the exact same thing and won an EWS race in his first few months as a sponsored athlete!!
  • 22 1
 Why did Barel coast half way down? Didn't want to get attention on the Canyon prototype?
  • 4 6
 You forget he is retired-ish. And retired guys aren't allowed on the podium. Unless you are T-Mo; then you own it. Retired or not
  • 6 8
 Half the podium at an ews is retired -ish people
  • 4 3
 Probably broke some thing on the proto bike and didn't want to draw attention
  • 6 0
 He had a big over the bar crash it the top section of the track and lost heaps of time recovering.
  • 3 4
 I prefer my version even if it's not true !
  • 17 3
 Anneke looked like she hadn't ridden downhill for a while - she really struggled. Be good to see her race a few more to see what she can do. Casey brown is a boss, no idea why she wouldn't race dh wc this year
  • 3 0
 Im hazarding a guess that they are both focusing on enduro this season, possibly due to that being what their sponsors will fund.
  • 2 1
 She did ok in the race and had a good pace despite running an enduro bike. If you see her POV she over jumped a step up in the middle section and got tangled on the safety mesh. Casey was freaking awesome!
  • 13 1
 "Hannah's luck must be tuning around after being injured on and off the past few years from simple little accidents" So now his luck is big scary crashes? The most hard working bad luck guy out there - hands down (on the ground!) Dust it off Mick - we believe in you!!!!
  • 1 0
 Seems to me like your luck has turned when you stop crashing and start winning...?
  • 1 0
 In Mick's case he thinks his luck has turned because he is now walking away from things instead of getting hurt. I'd have to agree with him. Top riders crash, a lot. Practice is usually carnage and its rare that anyone gets out of a big race (world cup etc) without at least one crash. Thats how you find your limit on a track. IF you can walk away from hem, you're set.
  • 16 1
 Looks like she ain't called CASEy for nothing nothing.
  • 15 2
 3rd place on an enduro bike, interesting
  • 6 15
flag karoliusz (Mar 13, 2016 at 11:43) (Below Threshold)
 Enduro is the new DH
  • 10 1
 Amazing that Loic didn't miss a step switching teams. WC season is gonna kick ass this year!
  • 10 5
 Awesome race!

1. I don't have enough food in the fridge for Mick's calf. (he is a beast)
2. For a second I have mistaken Bruni twice for Gwin (once in the raw video and once in the photos). But he looks so prepared for this WC season, it would be very interesting battle for the top spots.
  • 3 0
 Indeed. Seems ironic Bruni and Gwin's race-kit colours (flags) are the same….
  • 9 1
 Jill you are a living american legend in my book. Congratulations!!
  • 1 0
 Always stoked to see an event Jill's in. Local girl does good... yet again. Proud to know you're out there kicking butt. Honing those skills in the PNW!
  • 6 0
 we need more shots from the lake gap man those pics are the best !!!
  • 6 0
 i wanna see a vid of brannigan hitting the boner log on his dh bike
  • 10 5
 Loic is going to be a threat this year on the world cup circuit!
  • 17 20
 What makes you say that genius?

Apart from him nearly winning the WC last year and being World Champion he's a total wildcard...
  • 12 1
 What got your panties in such a bunch
  • 8 2
 Where was Gwin?
  • 3 0
 And that's Hannah not Neethling.
  • 4 1
 Loic silver handlebars - the superstition is strong with this one Smile
  • 1 0
 What's the superstition?
  • 2 0
 Are many of these guys getting the full travel of their forks ?

Or do they just have the O ring pushed to or near the top .
  • 3 0
 It is rough and steep as f**k
  • 2 0
 Now we know why Sean Lee won the photo contest. KILLER photos Sean!!!!
  • 1 0
 What a week! Impressive results from Matt Walker, Loic Bruni, Brannigan Blenki. Bring on the 2016 WC season! #proudsponsor
  • 1 0
 Was Casey Brown riding a Remedy or Slash?
  • 5 1
 Slash
  • 1 1
 I would be very surprised if she was on a Slash considering her enduro bike is a Remedy. Most of the team seems to be riding Remedys with longer forks.
  • 4 0
 Its said in her instagram....
  • 2 0
 I stand corrected, good call! I'm personally more stoked on the Slash then the Remedy so I'm all for it!
  • 1 0
 ...bulldog clipped in ?!?
  • 2 0
 Bulldog has been clipped in for ages now
  • 2 1
 So season is officially opened now!!!! Yehaw!
  • 1 0
 Damn Jill Kittner showing off those gums.





Copyright © 2000 - 2023. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.060613
Mobile Version of Website