Wait? There's another Crankworx? Double Kiwi Gold to Kick Off Crankworx Christchurch.

The 2026 Crankworx World Tour is officially underway, and if opening day at Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP) is any indication, the season is going to be fiercely contested. 

Crankworx Christchurch rang in the new season with fans, families, and outdoor enthusiasts coming into CAP, eager to shake off the midweek rain and soak up the unmistakable festival atmosphere. With sunshine returning and a stacked schedule ahead, the stage was set for a dramatic start. 

It was fitting that the action began with the AirDH - one of Crankworx’s own creations and the newest addition to the Christchurch lineup. Rooted in the spirit of Whistler’s iconic A-Line, the discipline demands riders balance flat-out speed with precision airtime. On the Askin’s trail, named in honour of hero helicopter pilot Steve Askin who lost his life fighting the Port Hills fires in 2017, competitors attacked the flowing freeride terrain knowing early-season points were already on the line. 

Sam Blenkinsop Returns to the Top 
Former King of Crankworx and Christchurch local Sam Blenkinsop reminded everyone why he remains one of the sport’s most respected racers. With a composed yet explosive run, Blenkinsop claimed gold in 3:50.04 - his first Crankworx victory since 2023, when he also topped the AirDH podium in Whistler. 

Behind him, the fight was nothing short of electric. Tegan Cruz (CAN), Sam Gale (NZL), and reigning King of Crankworx Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) crossed the line separated by just 0.33 seconds. The photo finish underscored how razor-thin the margins are at this level and set the tone for what could become one of the most compelling King of Crankworx battles in recent memory. 
Ryan Gilchrist, determined to secure his third consecutive overall crown, started into the season with valuable points - but challengers like Tegan Cruz have made it clear they are ready to disrupt the dynasty. 

Top 5 – Men 

If the men’s race was tight, the women’s race was decisive. 
Fresh off closing last season with AirDH gold in Whistler, Jenna Hastings (NZL) carried her momentum into Christchurch and delivered a statement performance. Clocking a 4:08.46, Hastings opened up a commanding 5.97-second advantage over the field. 

Australia’s Sian A’Hern, returning from injury and surgery, showed grit and determination to take second, while Sabina Košárková (CZE) rounded out the podium - both riders clearly with their sights set on the Queen title this year. 
Canada’s Emmy Lan, a product of the Crankworx and Kidsworx community in British Columbia, finished fourth in her first Crankworx race outside of Canada - a strong international debut that signals more to come. 

Top 5 – Women 
1. Jenna Hastings (NZL) – 4:08.46 
2. Sian A’Hern (AUS) – 4:14.43 
3. Sabina Košárková (CZE) – 4:17.20 
4. Emmy Lan (CAN) – 4:21.75 
5. Sacha Mills (AUS) – 4:22.58 

Full results: https://www.crankworx.com/results/ 

A Big Weekend Ahead 

With heavy rainfall earlier in the week now behind us, Christchurch Adventure Park has dried out and is primed for a sun-soaked weekend of racing and celebration. 

Friday sees the Christchurch Pump Track Challenge presented by The Rock host tight head-to-head battles, while the trail crew’s tireless work ensures the Redemption DH goes ahead with Seeding on Friday and Finals on Saturday. Local hero Lachie Stevens-McNab will look to defend home turf against international heavyweights like Loïc Bruni and Finn Iles, promising a showdown worthy of the World Tour opener. 

Saturday also brings the qualification round for the Ōtautahi Slopestyle, with finals on Sunday, February 22. The event will feature an unprecedented mix of established Slopestyle stars, emerging talent, local wildcards, and Gold-level athletes battling to defend their rankings. The competition will be followed by a Jump Jam hosted by CAP - a fitting finale to a weekend built around progression and creativity. 

This is only the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend at Christchurch Adventure Park. Don’t watch it from afar - be part of it.