Here it is, the kickoff to the grand pooh bah of mountain biking. Inside you'll be welcomed to the event, treated to a Red Bull Joyride course walk, and given the results of the inaugural Criterium. 30 Photos inside.
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Words and Photos by David Peacock
Welcome to Crankworx, world. From this point forward we will be serving you with event, product, expo and party coverage from Whistler's finest festival.
There really is no time like Crankworx. It is the pinnacle of mountain biking, a time when the best parts of every other event throughout the year surface in some form or another. The mountain bike community goes to Interbike to see product and shake hands; it follows the World Cup and its band of madmen around the globe to witness the best racing; it tunes in to events like Claymore or Rampage in an attempt to grasp and even quantify how crazy our sport is becoming. But ultimately, it would seem, everything that the mountain bike community yearns and searches for exists during the ten day whirlwind that is Crankworx. So saddle up, ladies and gentlemen, because for the next 10 days we'll be on a journey that promises to melt our minds by some strange process of mountain bike alchemy. Welcome to the foundry where everything boils down to riding two wheels. Welcome, to Crankworx.
The first day of events, Friday the 15th of July, 2011, is now behind us. The big stories were certainly the influx of big name riders to the bustling mountain town, as well as Brian Lopes taking the win in the first ever Crankworx Criterium. Lift lines have become scouting grounds for next year's bikes, kits, parts, and the trails are more an evaluation tool than anything else. Who's looking fast, who's looking fat, who's had a bad season and spends their time scowling, who's high-fiving endlessly. We'll have more on this lift line game of guess who soon, but for now enjoy this preview of the Red Bull Joyride course.
The start drop has a serious whoop in it, but shouldn't present a problem for the world's best. Expect to see a lot of 360s and maybe, just maybe, a front flip if things get crazy.
Things can look a little daunting from underneath.
After the drop the lines split straight and right, with the right hand line presenting a sizeable left-handed hip.
Should riders choose to go straight, a large, long stepdown over a jeep and a pile of rocks awaits.
Profile view of the second features.
Right hand lane jumps out of a berm and then sets you up for a step-up style money booter.
Following the money booter is a mandatory option hip, either left or right for everyone.
Joyride Bike Parks has been working hard to make sure these little devils won't be a factor come Saturday next week.
After the left/right hip the course mirrors itself, with big hips both left and right. Choose carefully...
Man size satellite dishes...
...with man size gaps. Not to incur any misogyny.
Riders will be setting up for the final obstacle as they go through this hut, not too sure how great that will be if it's sunny out.
A serious obstacle to finish a serious course...
Garbo laps, anyone?
In other news, the first ever Crankworx Criterium was held today, and Flyin' Brian Lopes added yet another Crankworx victory to his collection. The man is a true animal on a bike, having won just about every Air DH and now putting the hurt on a track event. The Criterium had an interesting format, as riders were whittled away through heats until the final 8 faced off. Lopes got into a bit of a showdown close to the end, but managed to hold on for the win. Here are a few photos from the fat-tire road race...
Lopes warming up.
Cobble stone, but not quite Paris Roubaix.
Lopes cruises to the win.
A road race on mountain bikes in the middle of the village, what's not to love?
That's it from day one, but dual is on the way tomorrow and that's when the real fun begins. Expect to see a lot more gear news than last year as well!
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