Crankworx Slopestyle: McGazza Memorial Finals – Replay & Results

Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle: Rewatch the McGazza Memorial Finals

The Crankworx Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, a premier event in the world of freestyle mountain biking, concluded its finals at Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park in New Zealand. For those who missed the live action, or want to relive the incredible runs, replays are now available. The event, a cornerstone of the Crankworx Rotorua festival, honors the legacy of Kelly McGarry, a beloved figure in the sport, and showcases the skill of the world’s elite slopestyle athletes. The competition kicked off the inaugural season of the Slopestyle Super League, adding another layer of significance to the event.

A Course Built on Legacy

The slopestyle course at Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park isn’t just any track; it’s a testament to the vision of Kelly McGarry and Tom Hey. Originally designed and built collaboratively by the pair before McGarry’s passing in 2016, the course was redesigned by Hey in 2022, incorporating elements from McGarry’s original creation. As Crankworx officials detail, the course is renowned as one of the best in the world, challenging riders with its demanding features and flowing lines. You can identify detailed course information on Trailforks.

Format and Qualification

Participation in the Crankworx Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza is invite-only, governed by the rules and regulations of the FMBA (Freestyle Mountain Bike Association). Riders qualify based on their FMBA World Ranking. The competition format consists of two runs, with the best score from either run determining the final standings. The starting order for the first run is determined by the FMBA World Ranking in reverse order, meaning the highest-ranked rider goes last. For the second run, the order is reversed based on the results of the first run, creating a dynamic and suspenseful finale.

Festival Access and Spectator Information

Riders competing in the event receive full-week access to the Crankworx Rotorua festival as part of their race fee, eliminating the need for a separate festival pass. Still, parents, family, and friends wishing to attend the festival must purchase their own festival passes, which are available here. This ensures a controlled environment for both competitors and spectators, allowing everyone to enjoy the festival atmosphere.

What Happened at the 2026 Finals?

While specific results from the 2026 Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza are not detailed in the provided sources, Pinkbike has posted results from the event. The event is a marquee attraction within the larger Crankworx Rotorua festival, drawing the world’s top slopestyle riders eager to start their season strong. A recent YouTube video features a preview of the 2026 course with athletes Nicholi Rogatkin, Robin Goomes and Chance Moore. Watch the course preview here.

The Significance of McGazza’s Legacy

The renaming of the event in memory of Kelly McGarry underscores his profound impact on the sport. McGarry was not only a skilled rider but also a visionary course designer, and his influence continues to shape the landscape of slopestyle mountain biking. The course itself, a collaborative effort between McGarry and Tom Hey, stands as a lasting tribute to his creativity and passion. The event serves as a reminder of McGarry’s spirit and inspires riders to push the boundaries of the sport.

Looking Ahead: The Slopestyle Super League

The 2026 Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle marked the kickoff of the inaugural season for the Slopestyle Super League. This new league aims to elevate the profile of slopestyle mountain biking and provide a consistent platform for the world’s best riders to compete. The league’s structure and long-term goals remain to be fully defined, but its launch signifies a commitment to the growth and development of the sport. Details regarding the league’s schedule, scoring system, and prize money have not been provided in the available sources.