June 19/07 6:54 am - Kokanee Crankworx Introduces WOMENZWORX

Posted by Editoress on 06/19/07
 

Kokanee Crankworx Introduces WOMENZWORX
Courtesy Intrawest

First ever WomenzWorx to kick off July 23

Kokanee Crankworx presents WomenzWorx, the first event of its kind in North America with two days of freeride mountain bike clinics and competitions for women only. The event kicks off Monday, July 23 in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

In its first year, WomenzWorx promises to draw women of all ability levels to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park to take part in the event’s clinics and competitions. Kokanee Crankworx is offering a free bike park day ticket to the first 100 women who hit the bike park on July 23 and 24. As well, there will be women’s only half-day bike park clinics. There is also on-hill training for The Gala, WomenzWorx’s girls only freeride event to be held on Tuesday July 24th.

The Gala competition and The Dirty Girl’s Gala social event at Merlin’s, were organized by pro riders Katrina Strand and Lisa Lefroy. The event will give ladies a chance to show off their skills and compete for a Pro Prize Purse of $2,800.

With the success of Kokanee Crankworx and the number of women involved in mountain biking, WomenzWorx is poised to become a huge part of the Kokanee Crankworx festival.

“We are hoping to promote the progression of women’s mountain biking in the Whistler Bike Park by providing different outlets for women to learn, dial or showcase their skills in The Gala,” says Christa Vandeberg, Kokanee Crankworx Logistics Supervisor.

The Gala will have pro and amateur athletes riding, train and competing on a freeride course that spans from the Garbanzo zone to Whistler Village. There will be four judging sections marked off and riders will receive scores based on specific criteria.

“The course design aims to cover most aspects of freeride mountain biking: jumps, air, technical descent and slopestyle,” says Lefroy. “We have chosen a course that will both challenge the pros and be suitable for amateur riders.”

“If a certain station is beyond what you'd like to ride, then you don't need to ride it – the athlete will not receive points for that station, but will gain in the main goals of the event: fun, progression and camaraderie. We want as many girls out riding as possible,” Strand adds.

- Whistler’s premier free ride mountain bike festival - please visit www.crankworx.com.