UPDATE ON CRANKWORX ROTORUA SLOPESTYLE CONTEST
Crankworx answers the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the matter
FAQs
Q: What is the latest update on the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event scheduled for 24 March 2024 in Rotorua, New Zealand?
A: The male competitors have decided not to participate in this year’s competition, scheduled for Sunday, March 24, 2024. This decision follows a series of negotiations concerning remuneration, athlete support and involvement in weather decisions.
Q: Will the Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza at Crankworx Rotorua event still take place despite the male competitors’ decision?
A: Yes, Crankworx Rotorua will proceed as planned with a full schedule of events. This includes the first ever Women’s Diamond Level Slopestyle World Championship event at the Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, along with other competitive and community events. See full schedule here.
Q: What led to the male competitors’ decision not to participate?
A: The decision came after negotiations aimed at addressing the male riders’ requests for increased remuneration and better support infrastructure. Despite a 10% increase in prize money for 2024, which has been increased to 37% after conversations, and further negotiation efforts on appearance fees and additional athlete support, led to their decision.
Q: How has Crankworx responded to the male competitors’ decision?
A: Crankworx respects the athletes’ decision and remains committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment. Efforts to give the athletes more decision-making power in event scheduling and weather decisions, and an open line of communication are ongoing and further processes will be put in place to improve these areas.
Q: Will there still be a Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship event at Crankworx Rotorua 2024?
A: Yes, the Women’s Diamond Level Slopestyle World Championship event will proceed as planned, marking a significant moment for the sport.
Q: What are Crankworx’ plans for addressing athletes’ concerns going forward?
A: Crankworx is committed to establishing frameworks and processes for giving athletes a stage and decision-making power, along with continuing to have an open line of communication between the riders and the management team. It has become apparent that the goals of Crankworx and the athletes are aligned, and collaborative efforts will be made to advance the sport in a sustainable manner for the athletes and event organisers.
Q: What were the specific demands the male athletes posed to Crankworx?
A: The disagreement involved the establishment of an appearance fee for all male athletes and a significant raise of the prize money across all Crankworx World Tour festivals. Despite offering a 37% prize money increase for Crankworx Rotorua after negotiations, the male athletes decided to withdraw from the competition due to a lacking appearance fee which they demanded for travel support.
Q: What’s Next?
A: After several conversations between Crankworx and the Slopestyle athletes over the past few days, both parties are determined to finding a way to move forward in a collaborative manner between the athletes and event organisers to provide a sustainable platform for the pinnacle of the sport of Slopestyle.
