Sport
19 May, 2023
Mountain biking ‘paradise’
Beautiful Smithfield rainforest and region showcased to the world during Crankworx 2023
AFTER an extremely successful first round, Crankworx World Tour returned to Cairns this week, with competitors from around the world visiting the city for the second ‘Paradise Edition’.
Since May 17 and up to this Sunday, the Smithfield trails are the home of mountain biking for a fast-paced and exciting competition.
The competition is being live-streamed across 30 countries. Cairns’ downhill legends Mick Hannah who won bronze at last year’s event and Joel Sutherland are among the athletes competing in the Paradise Edition who will represent Far North Queensland.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the event was expected to build on last year’s success.
“Last year’s inaugural event was an incredible success, and we expect a similar response this year,” he said.
“Hosting the world’s most watched mountain bike event provides incredible exposure for Tropical North Queensland.
“The Crankworx World Tour has a global audience of millions, and during the five days of competition in Cairns, more than 550 competitors will showcase their skills, and over 9000 spectators are expected to watch the action trackside.
“The Smithfield trails are unique in the way they wind and twist their way through the rainforest, over and through streams and gullies, and along ridges that showcase views of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Crankworx alum and Flux Trail director Remy Morton said the event was an opportunity to showcase the Far North’s high-quality tracks and competitors.
“To be here today building the venue and being a part of the event is very special,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity not only to bring the best riders to Cairns but also to show them a world-class event.
“It’s not only a competition, but also sharing my passion with other riders and bringing everyone to Australia.”
Crankworx Cairns event director Callum Ray said Cairns had the perfect venue to host the event.
“The course build project is the real hero of the Crankworx Cairns event,” he said.
“The trail builders draw inspiration from the uniqueness of the Cairns landscape and surrounding environment.
“The overall goal is to get more people frothing over the trails and getting out there riding, as well as setting a benchmark for Australian mountain biking.”
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Crankworx would boost the economy.
“It’s a win for our local businesses too, with hotels and restaurants filling up, transport services busy and our tourism operators taking visitors out to explore this beautiful region,” he said.
