Due to male rider requests for more renumeration and support not being met, the Men's Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event will not be going ahead on Sunday.

Crankworx Rotorua organisers made the surprise announcement on Saturday.

"Crankworx wishes to inform our fans, participants, and the wider community of recent developments regarding the upcoming Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event scheduled for this Sunday," says a Crankworx Rotorua spokesperson.

"The male competitors of the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event on Sunday, March 24, have decided not to participate in this year’s competition.

"This decision came after a series of negotiations aimed at addressing rider requests around renumeration and support infrastructure."

Showing speed and style at Crankworx Rotorua on Friday. Photo: Supplied.

Crankworx Rotorua have stated they are committed to delivering an exceptional experience at Crankworx Rotorua, with a full schedule of events still set to go ahead.

"This includes the first ever Women’s Diamond Level Slopestyle World Championship event, along with other competitive and community events that celebrate the rich culture of mountain biking, giving the next generation a platform to ride and compete,' say organisers.

The flagship event for Crankworx 2024 - the monumental Diamond Level Women’s Slopestyle World Championship event, will proceed as planned.

"We look forward to showcasing their talent and passion for the sport. 

"We respect the athletes' decision and remain committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all athletes within the Crankworx community," says an event organiser.

"While we have been listening, onsite feedback has shown that some male Slopestyle athletes feel that their voices have not being heard by the event organizers when it comes to weather and course build decisions.

"Crankworx is committed to giving all athletes a stage and decision-making power by establishing frameworks and processes as well as continuing to have an open line of communication between the riders and the Crankworx management team."

Crankworx says despite a 10 per cent increase in prize money from 2023 to 2024 for Crankworx Rotorua, and similar increases for other Crankworx World Tour festivals, the athletes also demanded the establishment of an appearance fee for all male athletes as well as another significant raise of the prize money across all Crankworx World Tour festivals.

"Whilst the Crankworx World Tour agreed to an additional prize money raise for Crankworx Rotorua, bringing it to a 37 per cent increase, compared to 2023, after conversations and negotiations with the athletes, this offer has been refused and countered by the male athletes."

Given the structure of the Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) and the framework the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship operates in as a professional sport, Crankworx says they cannot effectuate an appearance fee or an additional prize money increase as demanded by the male athletes. 

"We know many will be disappointed that the men’s category of the event will not proceed as planned. Crankworx Rotorua extends its gratitude to our partners, volunteers, and the wider mountain biking community for their continued support," says a Crankworx spokesperson.

"We remain dedicated to the sport of mountain biking and to delivering events that reflect the passion, unity, and incredible talent of our global community."

For those affected by the change in the event lineup, please contact rotorua@crankworx.com    

For updates and further information, please visit www.crankworx.com and follow Crankworx on Instagram @crankworx. 

About the Crankworx World Tour
Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series.

The Crankworx World Tour brings together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines.

Crankworx World Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, CWNEXT categories for next gen athletes, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.

For additional information, visit crankworx.com.