February 5/04 1:13 am - Whistler's Summer Mountain Bike Festival: Crankworx

Posted by Editoress on 02/5/04
 

Whistler's Summer Mountain Bike Festival Returns July 22-25, 2004 As Crankworx
Courtesy Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, BC, February 4, 2004 - CRANKWORX 2004 promises to be one of the hottest festivals of the summer, as the world's best mountain bikers converge on Whistler to compete in the most exciting and progressive events on two wheels.

From July 22-25, CrankWorX showcases the scene at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, the most popular mountain bike playground in the world. On-mountain action includes a four-event gravity series consisting of the Air Downhill, the Boneyard Biker X, the 3,400 vertical foot Garbanzo Downhill, and culminating in the B.C. Downhill Championships. The festival offers awards for each event, for overall series winners, as well as crowning the Provincial Champions on the final day.

The Air Downhill returns for its third year, taking place on the Park's world-renowned A-Line trail, featuring more than 60 man-made jumps, berms and hits. An all-star field is expected for the Biker X, as defending champion Cedric Gracia will attempt to hold off many of the best World Cup athletes. New this year, the Garbanzo Downhill will be one of the longest DH races on the planet-- dropping more than 3,400 vertical feet from the top of the Garbanzo Chair to the Village through the Park's newest trails. CrankWorX will host the inaugural B.C. Downhill Championships on a yet-to-be-named trail. The feature event of the week will be the nighttime Pro Invitational SlopeStyle Expression Session, where competitors such as Richie Schley, Dave Watson, Wade Simmons and Thomas Vanderham will attempt to avenge last year's victory by Darren Berrecloth.

Whistler Village will come alive during the festival with mountain bike demos and a massive CrankWorX EXPO, -exhibiting the sport's latest gear from the industry's top names. Top riders will showcase their incredible skills, and all visiting riders will be able to demo the latest gear of their favourite pro riders.

CrankWorX will also tap into Whistler's legendary appetite for partying and music, offering a concert series featuring bands and DJs at a variety of venues. The line-up will include outdoor shows playing alongside the action happening at the Whistler's Mountain Bike Park, allowing riders and musicians to feed off of each other's energy, giving the crowd an incredible, high-octane performance of sport and music.

Mark your calendars for CrankWorX, July 22-25, 2004 at Whistler, the world's favourite freeride mountain bike playground. All events, except the Invitational Slopestyle event, are open registration for pros and amateurs. For registration and further information, please visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/crankworx.