Crankworx | SRAM

>>20 Years of Crankworx Whistler

20 years of Crankworx might seem like a lot, and it is. But don’t let that distract you from what’s coming next. We’re back in our summer home at the bottom of the Fitzsimmons chair once again for 10 days of mountain bike madness and couldn’t be more stoked. We’re going on rides, maybe a couple races, a few dips at the lake, and hopefully pushing the boundaries of how many laps a person can do in a single day.

In addition to Crankworx’ 20th, we’re celebrating a milestone with one of the best to ever do it, Brandon Semenuk. We’ve been sharing 20 years of riding, filming, building and winning and could not be more excited to celebrate that on the ground.

<Dispatch: Sunday-8.17-Recap; “Emil-Wins-Red-Bull-Joyride”>

Fierce competition and massive features make Red Bull Joyride one of the most crowd-pleasing events at every Crankworx, with riders combining style, technical ability, and mind-bending tricks to craft their perfect runs. This year’s Joyride was moved to Sunday due to inclement weather, becoming the penultimate event to cap off a wild week of riding.

Emil Johansson shut down the competition with a show-stopping first run after years of injuries and setbacks, making his first Red Bull Joyride victory since 2023 even more special.

Fan favorite Erik Fedko also landed on the podium, taking third place with one of the most effortlessly stylish runs of the day—mixing technical precision with a laid-back confidence that made his run stand out from the rest.

<Dispatch: Saturday-8.16-Recap; “1199-Canadian-Open-DH”>

After massive rain showers Friday afternoon and into Saturday morning — along with a long bout of weather delays — the 1199 Canadian Open DH Race was ultimately cancelled due to cloud cover interfering with emergency helicopter flight paths. As disappointing as it was to miss the electrifying atmosphere of one of the gnarliest tracks in downhill, rider safety is always the top priority at any top-level race. Dedicated fans kept the spirit alive over in the Creekside zone of Whistler Bike Park.

<Dispatch: Thursday-8.14-Recap; “dawid-wins-best-trick”>

On Thursday, Outdoor Research hosted their inaugural Trick Showdown, a jam session event where top freeride and slopestyle athletes through down for the top prize. After a long session with weather conditions declining by the minute, Dawid Godziek executed a textbook Cashroll Barspin in his signature style, securing the top step and $7,500 in prize money.

<Dispatch: Wednesday-8.13-Recap; “whip-off-world-championship”>

Every year, the Whip Off World Champs is one of the most electrifying events — and this year was no different. SRAM hosted a watch party at the Volcano, where spectators watched the best in the world throw it sideways for hundreds of onlookers. SRAM Athletes threw down, with legends like Casey Brown and Graham Agassiz towing in the next generation of riders. Huge whips, big crowds, and a few close calls made this year’s edition one to remember.

<Dispatch: Tuesday-8.12-Recap; “just-the-beginnning”>

The big show is underway at Crankworx, and our athletes are off to a strong start. Aletha Ostgaard claimed first place in the women’s Garbanzo DH on Monday afternoon—a full top-to-bottom technical downhill track that tests the endurance and precision of even the world’s best racers. SRAM athlete Emmy Lan also secured third, an impressive feat in such a demanding event.

On Tuesday, Crankworx’s iconic Air DH saw Taylor Ostgaard take the second step on the podium after delivering an absolute heater of a race run.

Now, things are heating up under the Fitz lift as both the men’s and women’s fields prepare for another legendary edition of Red Bull Joyride. Practice is in full swing, with riders throwing increasingly progressive tricks as the hours pass. It’s starting to feel like we’re in for yet another wild Joyride in 2025.

>>Bike of the day

Rainy skies, perfect dirt, and slick roots set the tone on Saturday. Between laps, we spotted Hudson’s fully SRAM-equipped Propain Spindrift—built with SRAM GX Eagle, full-powered Maven brakes, a ZEB Ultimate fork, and a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock sporting a custom-painted pink coil spring. With matching fluorescent details throughout, this bike definitely stood out in the lift lines.