After a series of negotiations aimed at satisfying rider requests regarding compensation and support infrastructure, male competitors at the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event have decided not to participate.
Tomorrow, Sunday 24 March, the Slopestyle stage of the Crankworx was supposed to take place (the Italian Torquato Testa was also present) but the riders (men) united in protest not to participate. However, the first event of the Diamond Level Women's Slopestyle World Championship will take place as scheduled.
I am here representing all the runners. The news from Crankworx of the cancellation of Men's Slopestyle is obviously not the situation any of us want. Especially after all the discussions we've had with the organization this week. The issues raised and discussed in recent years have had an impact on all those involved. It was finally time for a change.
As the best Slopestyle riders on the planet, we come to these events and risk everything for the fans around the world and to make the event happen every time. The way events have been organized has become unsustainable and for some an unattainable situation. We are deeply sorry to the fans and the organizers that this is the outcome at this time. This is a decision we do not take lightly. We all love this sport and are committed to making it better for the future and for the next generation of cyclists in the sport. On Sunday we will be there to support the women who drove us crazy all week and for the legendary McGazza train. We will promptly provide more information to everyone – Nicholi Rogatkin
There is talk of requests regarding remuneration and support infrastructures: to find out more read the post below and then the official Crankworkx press release below.
PRESS RELEASE: Crankworx
Crankworx would like to inform our fans, participants and community of recent developments regarding the upcoming Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event scheduled for this Sunday.
Male competitors at the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event on Sunday, March 24 have decided not to participate in this year's competition. This decision came after a series of negotiations aimed at satisfying riders' requests regarding remuneration and support infrastructure.
We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience at Crankworx Rotorua, with a full program of events still to come. This includes the first Diamond-level Women's Slopestyle World Championship event, along with other competitive and community events that celebrate the rich culture of mountain biking, giving the next generation a platform to ride and compete.
The flagship event of Crankworx 2024, the monumental Diamond Level Women's Slopestyle World Championship event, will proceed as planned. We can't wait to showcase their talent and passion for the sport.
We respect the athletes' decision and remain committed to promoting a positive and supportive environment for all athletes within the Crankworx community. As we listened, on-site feedback showed that some male Slopestyle athletes feel their voices were not heard by event organizers when it comes to decisions about weather and course construction. Crankworx is committed to giving all athletes a stage and decision-making power by establishing structures and processes and continuing to have an open line of communication between riders and the Crankworx management team. Despite a 10% increase in prize money from 2023 to 2024 for Crankworx Rotorua and similar increases for other Crankworx World Tour festivals, athletes have also called for the establishment of an appearance fee for all male athletes, as well as a another significant increase in prize money. at all Crankworx World Tour festivals. While Crankworx World Tour has agreed to a further increase in prize money for Crankworx Rotorua to a 37% increase (compared to 2023) following conversations and negotiations with athletes, this offer it was rejected and opposed by male athletes. Given the structure of the Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) and the framework within which the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship operates as a professional sport, Crankworx cannot make an appearance fee or additional increase in prize money as requested by male athletes .
We know that many will be disappointed that the men's category of the event will not go ahead as planned. Crankworx Rotorua extends its gratitude to our partners, volunteers and the wider mountain biking community for their continued support. We remain committed to the sport of mountain biking and organizing events that reflect the passion, unity and incredible talent of our global community.
