From Emil, to Caroline, to Kade, here's all things Trek from Crankworx Rotorua
Emil Johansson started his 2023 Crankworx campaign just like he ended 2022: By winning in Rotorua. The reigning king of slopestyle has now won 10 Crankworx slopestyle titles, which includes four straight at Crankworx Rotorua.
If you missed his latest mind-blowing run, give it a watch below, courtesy of Crankworx:
Johansson’s initial run scored 93.75, which just edged out Poland’s Dawid Godziek, who scored 93.50 on his second run. With the title in hand, Johansson was able to take it easy on his second run and savor the moment.
Johansson is seeking his third straight Triple Crown of Slopestyle. He’s the only rider to earn that title twice, and a third would cement what has already been a legendary career at just 23 years old.
We are witnessing this man rewrite history in real time.
Caroline Buchanan lives for Crankworx.
Caroline Buchanan is the leading Queen of Crankworx
Caroline Buchanan is back to her old tricks. After winning the coveted Queen of Crankworx title in 2022, she shot right to the top of the early standings in Rotorua after winning the Air Downhill and Pump Track events. She also took second Speed & Style, seventh in Dual Slalom and 11th in Downhill.
For those counting at home, that’s five events on four different bikes in just eight days. You may not find a more versatile mountain biker anywhere.
Mike Ross getting mobbed after his first ever Crankworx win.
Kade Edwards and Mike Ross put on a show in Speed & Style
Kade Edwards was made for events in Crankworx, and he showed out all week, taking second in Speed & Style, third in the Whip-Off and fifth in Dual Slalom.
The Speed & Style event was especially thrilling. Edwards was only narrowly edged out by Mike Ross, who was riding for Trek Australia to make it a Ticket 1-2. Edwards had to make up 0.712 seconds heading into the final, and nearly pulled off the comeback by crossing the line first. Ross ultimately took the win by 0.512 seconds once judges’ scoring was factored in.
Ross was competing in his first event after becoming a full-time pro. This almost certainly won’t be his last time standing atop a Crankworx podium.
Haz bounces back.
Haz takes back dual slalom crown after crash
Harriet Burbidge-Smith — a.k.a., “Haz” — took an impressive win in dual slalom. It was a comeback performance in multiple ways. She won the event for the first time since 2021 after multiple close calls, and she also bounced back from a rough crash to do it.
The 26-year-old Aussie is one of the boldest and toughest riders around.
