Dawid Godziek got the better of Swedish rival Emil Johansson to win his first Crankworx Slopestyle event on Sunday in Cairns as home star Harriet Burbidge-Smith came in third behind Robin Goomes and eventual winner Alma Wiggberg with the men and women competing together in the same Crankworx FMB Slopestyle World Championship (SWC) event for the first time ever.
Tropical rain showers kept both the course builders and athletes on their toes throughout the week, resulting in minimal practice for the Slopestyle riders. These demanding conditions persisted on the morning of contest day, with intermittent rain and wind sweeping over the event site. However, the weather did not deter the crowds, who flocked to the venue to witness gravity-defying action up close, and it cleared up got. The contest was delayed until 2:30 pm, which is when the skies cleared up, treating athletes and fans to dry and sunny weather.
Despite the challenging conditions throughout the week, athletes conquered the course with skill, style and lots of airtime. The competition saw spectacular performances from both the male and female athletes with each rider bringing their unique style to the course. The new features on the course, including two big jumps replacing the halfpipe at the bottom of the course, tested the athletes’ skills and provided a thrilling spectacle for the audience. In the women’s category, Alma Wiggberg from Sweden emerged victorious, marking an incredible comeback from a serious injury.
Competing in her first-ever SWC event, Alma’s performance left the crowds with their jaws on the floor. She executed flawless tricks and demonstrated remarkable control and creativity on the revamped course. Her smooth execution and high scores in both runs secured her the gold medal, making her debut on the SWC stage unforgettable.
Having Alma back on the circuit after her being injured, I was already expecting amazing things from her. And seeing her first run was sick, and then us dropping in for our second run, it motivated me to try something new, and then, Alma came through and did something she’s has never done before as well. That was just insanely sick, and it just makes you be a better rider.”
Harriet Burbidge-Smith
Following Alma, Kiwi Robin Goomes took second place, building on her momentum from winning the first SWC event of the season at Crankworx Rotorua in March. Robin showcased her signature style and technical skills, hyping up the crowd with her impressive runs. Close behind her was Australian rider and good friend Harriet ‘Haz’ Burbidge-Smith, who claimed third place on her home soil. Fellow Aussie Caroline Buchanan finished fourth, while Shealen Reno secured fifth place.
In the men’s field, the podium mirrored last year’s with just a shift in the top two positions. Dawid Godziek from Poland clinched the top spot after an undefeated first run.
His performance was a masterclass in precision and amplitude, earning him the gold medal. The athlete from Poland is no stranger to the event and has competed within the Crankworx World Tour for several years.
Yeah, it was always my dream to get this gold medal here in It’s been a long journey as well. I dreamt about it, so it couldn’t be any better. It’s the best feeling ever.”
Dawid Godziek
Last year’s Triple Crown winner Emil Johansson tried to repeat last year’s victory and took second place this time, swapping spots with Dawid on the podium. French rider Tim Bringer maintained his third-place position, showcasing his consistency and skill.
For the first time in Crankworx Slopestyle World Championship history, all alternates present on site got the chance to compete. Mia Moore entered the competition after Patricia Druwen withdrew due to health reasons, had to pull out mid-course during her first run and ended up in sixth place. Chance Moore received the opportunity due to Max Fredriksson’s crash in practice, but had to bow out prior to the event, allowing Tobey Miley to take his spot. Torquato Testa, still recovering from a recent crash, decided not to compete at the last minute.
The Crankworx Cairns festival wrapped up with this historic Slopestyle event, concluding a multi-day celebration of mountain biking. Throughout the festival, athletes competed in a variety of disciplines, including the RockShox Downhill, Specialized Dual Slalom, Speed & Style, and Pump Track Challenge, each event showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of the participants.
Ryan Gilchrist and Jordy Scott found themselves on top of the podium of the opening and closing arena events, the Specialized Dual Slalom and Crankworx Cairns Pump Track Challenge. Tracey Hannah and Connor Fearon’s victories in the RockShox Downhill set the tone for an exciting series of competitions on the weekend, while Garret Mechem and Katie Lawrance dominated the Official Australian Whip-Off Championships. Mechem and Scott, both having a great week with several victories, also finished Speed & Style with a gold medal in their hand.
The festival atmosphere at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park was electric, with fans and athletes reveling in the spirit of competition and camaraderie, braving the tropical wetness.
Fans will see all the female riders at the next stop of the Crankworx World Tour in Innsbruck. Keep an eye out for news on crankworx.com and @crankworx as invitations for the male Slopestyle athletes go out next week.
Full results: crankworx.com/results/