Prepare for an action-packed ten days filled with competitive races, cultural events, and community gatherings. Crankworx Whistler 2024 promises excitement for everyone, from elite athletes to families, making it a not-to-miss summer event.
As the mountain biking world eagerly anticipates the 19th edition of the Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival from July 19 to 28, 2024, here’s your ultimate guide to fully embrace the excitement and action of this world-class event in Whistler, BC.
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Can’t Miss Signature Events
RockShox Canadian Open DH – July 21
Location: Creekside Timing Flats Finish Area, Creekside Village
Immerse yourself in the high-speed world of downhill racing at the ‘1199’ Canadian Open DH. Named in honour of Canadian DH legend Stevie Smith, this race features a challenging track with massive drops and steep sections in Creekside Village.
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Red Bull Joyride – July 27
Location: The Boneyard, Whistler Mountain Bike Park
The iconic Red Bull Joyride returns, bringing together the best Slopestyle riders in a breathtaking display of skill and creativity on a world-class course. Watch history in the making as Red Bull Joyride celebrates the first-ever female category taking place during the same event as the male category. Same world-class course, same prize money, same day, same time.
Don’t miss out on a VIP experience for the best seats in the house with a host bar and catering to watch all the action unfold. There are still some VIP Passes for Red Bull Joyride available, so be sure to grab yours before they sell out!
Exciting Elite and Open Racing Competitions
Adaptive Dual Slalom Race – July 22
Location: The Boneyard, Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Crankworx proudly supports inclusivity with adaptive sports events like the Adaptive Dual Slalom and Adaptive Jam. These competitions showcase the determination and talents of athletes in the adaptive mountain biking community. More information is to come on this event.
Garbanzo DH – July 23
Finish Line Location: Skier’s Plaza, Whistler, BC
The Sea-to-Sky local’s favourite Crankworx downhill race returns! Known for its long, intense run, this race is a true test of stamina and skill. Test your endurance at the Garbanzo DH, a gruelling descent through some of Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s most challenging terrain.
Air DH – July 24
Finish Line Location: Skier’s Plaza, Whistler, BC
Arguably the most famous trail in the world, A-Line is the stuff of mountain bike legend and lore, renowned for its iconic drops, jumps on jumps on jumps, and giant, sculpted berms. On any given day, this is where party trains reign supreme and where experienced riders flock to go big and take flight.
But what’s it like to race the Air DH? Since 2004, thousands have lined up at the start drop to find out for themselves, scrubbing, boosting and charging for the win.
Official Whip-Off Championships Presented by POC – July 24
NEW Location: The Boneyard, Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Join the high-energy Whip-Off Championships, now taking place in the Boneyard. This event draws large crowds eager to see riders perform daring whips over massive jumps, competing for the title in a display of skill and style.
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This event is a pro-level, invitation-only taking place in the Boneyard in Whistler Mountain Bike Park, above Skier’s Plaza.
Specialized Dual Slalom – July 25
Location: The Boneyard, Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Raw rivalry is the name of the game in Dual Slalom. This old-school race format pits two competitors against one another in a side-by-side battle against the clock’s cruel hand, battling to avoid elimination. Dual Slalom is unique in that it brings together racers from all backgrounds.
Enduro experts, downhill champions, freeride legends and masters of style all line up at the Slalom start gate to see who can bring together the most explosive run through tight turns, jumps and rhythm sections. Riders take one run down each side of the course, with the fastest combined time taking the win.
Adaptive Jam Sessions – July 25
Location: TBD
More details will be available soon and posted on the Crankworx schedule page.
Ultimate Pump Track Challenge – July 25
Location: The Boneyard, Whistler Mountain Bike Park
The Pump Track Challenge is a test of momentum and skill, with riders navigating a series of berms and rollers without pedalling. This event emphasizes smooth, flowing movements and the ability to maintain speed through pump and gravity alone, offering a unique challenge and an exciting show for spectators.
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This event is a pro-level, invitation-only event taking place in the Boneyard in Whistler Mountain Bike Park, above Skier’s Plaza.
Outdoor Research Speed & Style – July 26
Location: The Boneyard, Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Combining elements of Dual Slalom and Slopestyle, Speed & Style challenges athletes to out-race and out-trick their opponent in this head-to-head format. Two riders race against each other and try to make it to the finish as quickly as possible while performing the most stylish run.
The winner is calculated based on their speed, with additional points awarded for style. This event is a pro-level, invitation-only event taking place in the Boneyard in Whistler Mountain Bike Park, above Skier’s Plaza.
Canadian Open Enduro – July 28
Location: Course details TBD, Whistler, BC
Cap off the festival with the Canadian Open Enduro, where riders battle across multiple timed descents, showcasing their versatility and speed on varying terrains. Each year, the trails are carefully selected to challenge even the most seasoned riders.
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Community, Culture and Family Events
Deep Summer Photo Challenge – July 23 / Dirt Diaries – July 24
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Explore the artistic side of mountain biking with these unique competitions. Witness filmmakers and photographers capture the essence of biking culture in Whistler, presented under the stars.
In addition to pro racing and competition, fans can look forward to the return of all the festival elements they know and love, including amateur and CWNEXT racing, Kidsworx, cultural events, a buzzing village stroll, free events and workshops, a tech and demo zone, and nightly parties.
Aspire by GROW Cycling – July 22
This is an initiative event by GROW Cycling that promotes diversity in the biking industry through networking, panel discussions and empowerment sessions, focusing on underrepresented groups. Hosted by Eliot Jackson, founder of the Grow Cycling Foundation, this event features Greg Minnaar discussing the business of being a professional athlete and Katie Holden leading a panel on the future of women’s mountain biking.
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Aspire provides a platform for networking and exploring diversity in the sport. Tickets will be available at the end of May.
Volunteer and Participate: Get Involved
Get Involved Join the festival as a volunteer or register as an athlete to compete. Follow @Crankworx on Instagram to find out when they open applications for volunteer opportunities!
Crankworx Whistler is a haven for mountain bike and outdoor enthusiasts, and these must-see highlights are only a snapshot of all the action from the legendary festival. From the high-flying action of Red Bull Joyride to the intense battles of the Speed & Style and the heart-stopping speed of the Air DH, each event offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
There are also concerts, parties, kids’ events, exhibitions and product demo showcases – there’s something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind event!
Don’t miss out on the adrenaline-fueled action and be a part of this incredible celebration of mountain biking in the breathtaking setting of Whistler, British Columbia this July.
Book your summer stay between May 1 and October 31, 2024, and save up to 20% on lodging and 15% on activities. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team. If this post has you dreaming about Whistler, enter our Feel It All in Whistler summer contest to win a trip for two!
