If you weren’t at Crankworx Whistler this year, you definitely missed out. From Dirt Diaries to downhill, this event had a little something for everyone in one of the most beautiful places on earth. This year, Crankworx was able to have the slopestyle, dual slalom, speed and style and pump track races all on the same hill, making it very easy for attendees to walk up out of the village and into the action. Maxxis was all-hands-on-deck for this event, pulling out all the stops to create a premium consumer and athlete experience with a two-story booth at the bottom of most of the courses being raced.

The 2023 edition of Crankworx Whistler started a little differently because the Enduro World Series (now known as the EDR World Cup) decided to skip the Whistler stop this year. Instead, the Canadian Open DH race was held during the first weekend of Crankworx Whistler. It was great to see Miranda Miller (SRAM) back racing downhill, and she finished on the Women’s podium in third place. Mark Wallace (Norco Factory Team) also had a fantastic run, placing second in the Men’s field.

Next up was the famous A-Line DH race. Although the course was running slower than usual due to the rain, everyone came down the trail with huge smiles on their faces, exclaiming how much fun the run was. Former Queen of Crankworx Jill Kintner (Norco Bikes) took the win in the Women’s competition, while Georgia Astle (Devinci Global Racing) followed closely behind in second. In the Men’s race, it was Sam Blenkinsop (Crestline Bikes) who was back on the top step, taking the dub by only half a second.

The Pump Track Challenge was a blast once again, treating fans to some very intense racing. Kialani Hines (Pivot Cycles) blasted to a first-place result against Caroline Buchanan (Trek Bicycles) while Ryan Gilchrist (Yeti Cycles) picked up a bronze medal in the men’s race.

It wouldn’t be Whistler without a Whip-Off. This time around it was up-and-coming shredder Eddie Reynolds (Kona Bikes) who would take the crown. Maxxis rider Vinny Armstrong (Forbidden Bikes) was also victorious in the women’s competition.

The epic Whistler Dual Slalom was up next. Jill Kintner placed just off a medal position in fourth. However, in the men’s race, Maxxis went #1 and #2 with Jackson Frew (Commencal Bikes) and Ryan Gilchrist earning gold and silver medals.

Speed & Style is a very entertaining form of racing, and the competition keeps getting better every year. The Whistler crowd certainly gets excited for tricks, and Speed & Style is no exception, with riders throwing down their best while trying to get to the finish line as fast as they can. Bernd Winkler (Abus) had some great runs, capturing a silver medal in the men’s.

Finally, the event everyone was waiting for – Red Bull Joyride. While there was quite a wind delay and the competition was cut down to just one run from each rider, it did not disappoint. Emil Johansson (Trek Bicycles), even with just a single run, was able to do the unthinkable and completed an undefeated 2023 season.

At the end of it all, Caroline Buchanan gathered the points she needed at Whistler and was crowned the 2023 Queen of Crankworx. We couldn’t be more stoked for her and this spectacular achievement!

It’s been another amazing season of Crankworx and we hope to see you all next year!