Crankworx 2018 is coming to Les Gets

A full run down of events, film screening, and live gigs

Imprint: By Giles Towler, Updated 18 June 2018

Since beginning in Whistler in 2004, Crankworx has grown to become a truly global affair with four stops around the world: Whistler, Rotorua New Zealand, and Innsbruck and Les Gets in Europe.

Les Gets first hosted Crankworx in 2016, having taken over from Les Deux Alpes. The first year of the event was something of a washout due to very poor weather for the majority of the event. However, spectators and competitors alike will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s event when, except for a thunder storm on the first day causing the whip off to be cut short, the weather was hot and sunny and the event was an incredible showcase for all forms of mountain biking.

The event will take place in Les Gets between June 20th and 24th. The first event on the schedule is the 100% dual slalom race, taking place at 19:00 on the evening of the 20th. This race pits two riders against one another and is a great spectator event as racers attempt to beat one another and the clock. Earlier in the day, between 09:00 and 17:00 visitors to Les Gets have the opportunity to test out E-bikes on a specially designed course. Throughout the day racers will also have the opportunity to inspect the course for the downhill race. There will also be training under way for the slopestyle, speed and style, and pump track events.

The following day, the 21st, training will begin for the downhill race. The pump track challenge will be running throughout the day with qualifiers beginning at 09:00. The pump track challenge is a race around a course where racers are not allowed to pedal but must instead “pump” the bike to maintain their speed. At 19:00 the whip off finals will begin, with competitors attempting to throw the best “whip” off a large jump. This is then followed at 20:00 by the final of the pump track challenge. To mark the fact that the 21st is the longest day of the year, Les Gets will also be keeping the lifts open for all riders with a lift pass till 20:00.

On the 22nd there will be more training throughout the day for the various events. The Dual Slope And Style will take place between 17:30 and 19:30. This is a race which combines dual slalom and freestyle to make a great spectator event. The more stylish a racer’s run, the more bonus seconds they are awarded at the end. Following this event the Light On MTB event will be showcasing some of the finest new mountain bike films from 20:00, followed by live concerts from 22:00 to midnight.

On Saturday the 23rd there is plenty more training, as well as E-bike testing. Between 13:00 and 15:00 the Kidsworx pump track finals will take place. This is followed by one of the most popular events - the downhill race, between 15:00 and 17:00 on Mt Chery. Between 17:00 and 19:00 the mini bikes race will be taking place - where competitors cannot use a bike larger than twenty inches. It’s not all bikes, however, as the cheese rolling competition will also be taking place between 17:00 and 18:30. This is followed at 19:30 by the finals of the Kidsworx dual slalom and more mountain bike films from 20:00 and live concerts from 20:00 till midnight.

On Sunday, the last day of the event, a second downhill race, on Mt Chery’s black Dans Le Gaz track will take place between 11:00 and 13:00. The slopestyle event will then take place between 15:30 and 17:30. This is a real crowd pleaser with huge jumps and drops and some of the best riders in the world participating.

As well as the main events there are also plenty of stands throughout the village of Les Gets showcasing new mountain bikes and related products. There is plenty going on throughout the week, for competitors and spectators alike, and it promises to be an outstanding few days for both die hard mountain bike fans and casual observers.