RockShox Canadian Open DH Kicks Off Crankworx Whistler 2024
Day three of Crankworx Whistler 2024 brought the first pro finals of this year’s festival with the RockShox Canadian Open DH. The event took place on the legendary yet challenging 1199 track, named in honour of the late Stevie Smith’s historic 2013 World Cup overall title, which he won with 1199 points. Known for its massive drops and steep sections with multiple line choices, the 1199 track demands creativity and fortitude from riders.
Despite the demanding course, all athletes were visibly relieved to make it down safely. New Zealand’s Jenna Hastings and local rider Jakob Jewett found themselves even more delighted, taking the top spot on the podium. Jenna Hastings made a remarkable comeback from a broken leg she suffered earlier this year, turning her first-ever Crankworx Whistler experience into a golden one after facing several injuries over the past few years. Meanwhile, Squamish-rider Jakob Jewett secured his second consecutive RockShox Canadian Open DH victory, maintaining an undefeated title on the 1199 track at a Crankworx event.
The women’s podium was completed by Vancouver Island’s Emmy Lan, who managed to put down a fast run despite taking a heavy hit in her last training run earlier in the day. In third place, US rider Matilda Melton, grabbed the bronze. On the men’s side, Jakob Jewett shared the podium with two US athletes, Dakotah Norton in second and Luca Shaw in third place. Norton, who started after a course break due to Kye A’hern’s crash, raced down the course in record time, finishing with a significant 3.6633-second advantage. The first in seeding, Jakob Jewett, started last and beat Norton by 0.717 seconds, showcasing his prowess on this difficult track.
RockShox Canadian Open DH – Women’s Podium:
- Jenna HASTINGS (NZL)
- Emmy LAN (CAN)
- Matilda MELTON (USA)
RockShox Canadian Open DH – Men’s Podium:
- Jakob JEWETT (CAN)
- Dakotah NORTON (USA)
- Luca SHAW (USA)
In sunny, dry, and dusty conditions, riders mastered the course with diverse line choices. A few riders crossed the finish line with a flat tire after going all out during the race, and some even found themselves outside the tape after taking a tumble down the steep course. Kye A’hern, placing third in yesterday’s seeding, had a heavy crash at high speed right after the start gate. After receiving immediate medical attention, he was transported off the mountain in stable condition and is now receiving the medical care he needs at a local clinic.
Ronan Dunne made his first-ever Crankworx Whistler run one to remember. After taking a gnarly crash at the Heli Pad-Rock Drop, he dusted himself off and continued the race, pausing in the next section to take a sip of a spectator’s beer. The athletes’ bikes were put through the wringer in today’s race as the riders struggled to find traction on the track. Brit Danny Hart even ended up borrowing an intact wheel from a local kid riding in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park after facing technical challenges.
Two-time victor at the RockShox Canadian Open, Jakob Jewett, expressed his excitement: “To be able to back it up, the win here, is insane. I felt quite a bit of pressure this week. The dream was to back it up, but this year’s field was really stacked. Honestly, I can’t believe it. I’m so stoked!”
Jenna Hastings, experiencing her first Crankworx Whistler, shared her joy: “Winning this means a lot to me. You know, it’s my first race ever in Whistler. It’s my first time riding here in Whistler.” She continues, “I broke my leg at the start of the year in March, and I spent ten weeks off the Downhill bike. So, my expectation for this week was really just to have fun. […] I really like the vibe of these Crankworx events, and to do well is just the cherry on top.”
The first weekend of Crankworx Whistler 2024 is in the books, with more to come. Spectators trackside and at home can get excited for another week packed with top-level racing action. The Garbanzo DH returns on Tuesday, followed by the Air DH and the Official Whip-Off Championships presented by POC on Wednesday. Thursday is a double-header day, with the Specialized Dual Slalom and the Ultimate Pump Track Challenge, before shifting into more head-to-head racing at the Outdoor Research Speed & Style on Friday. On Saturday, July 27, Slopestyle fans across the globe can look forward to an awe-inspiring show with men competing alongside women at Red Bull Joyride for the first time ever. Sunday closes out the 10-day festival with the Canadian Open Enduro race. In addition to pro events, a lineup of Amateur, Adaptive, Kidsworx, and community events complete the program, uniting riders, families, locals, and fans at the festival.
Fans looking to elevate their experience on-site can purchase limited VIP passes for Red Bull Joyride online at crankworx.com. Passes starting at $220 are selling out fast and include complimentary drinks and snacks.