July 20, 2004 – When CrankWorx brings mountain biking’s hottest ‘air-grabbing’ action to Whistler this month, it will bring the sport’s most popular athletes including superstars Cedric Gracia, Timo Prizel and John Cowan as well as local B.C. heroes Wade Simmons and Richie Schley. A concert series will also keep the action pumping all weekend long highlighted by Vancouver’s Yoko Casionos as well as Los Furios, Curtis Santiago and Billy and the Lost Boys. CrankWorx takes over the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park from July 22-25.

Gravity won’t stand a chance when the riders hit the four-event series consisting of the Air Downhill, the Nissan Biker Cross, the 3,400 vertical foot Garbanzo Downhill – one of the longest downhill races on the planet – and culminating with the B.C. Downhill Provincial Championships. One of the highlights of the week will see top-name pros showcase their skills at the “invitation only” Siemens Mobile Slopestyle. The festival offers cash awards for each event, for overall series winners, as well as crowning the Provincial Champions on the final day.

All events, excluding the Invitational Slopestyle Expression Session, are open to both pros and amateurs, giving everyone a chance at $30,000 in total prize money.

“The popularity of mountain biking continues to explode, and Whistler has established itself as the home of the sport in Canada,” said Rob McSkimming, Managing Director of Whistler Mountain Bike Park. “CrankWorx is the hit of the summer here and with a great lineup of athletes and music, this year’s event promises to be the best yet.”

Whistler Village will come alive during the festival with mountain bike demos and a massive CrankWorx EXPO, exhibiting the sport’s latest gear from the industry’s top names. The best riders will showcase their incredible skills, and all visiting riders will be able to demo their favourite pro riders’ latest gear.

“Mountain biking just continues to grow in popularity, and CrankWorx is the sport’s signature event,” said Mark Taylor, vice president of IMG Action Sports. “We’re looking forward to watching the world’s best later this month at Whistler.”

CrankWorx 2004 Slopestyle Athletes

Confirmed Athletes:

– Cedric Garcia
– Timo Prizel
– John Cowan
– Aaron Chase
– Eric Porter
– Wade Simmons
– Richie Schley
– Kyle Strait
– Thomas Vanderham
– Kirt Voreis
– Jeff Lenosky
– Gareth Dyer
– Randy Spangler
– Shaums March
– Cameron McCaul
– Matt Hunter
– Robbie Bourdon
– Andrew Shandro
– Kyle Ritchie
– Cameron Zink
– Tyler Klassen
– Darren Berrencloth

Qualifying Athletes:
– Ryder Kasprick
– Wayne Goss
– Ryan Schnepf
– Chris Donahue
– Aaron Kemps
– Carter Holland
– Kyle Scully
– Mike Laudrum
– Ross Measures
– Steve Popma
– Richard Gasperotti
– Mike Kinrade
– Geoff Golevich
– Ryan Hayes
– Joe Schwartz
– Steve Rominick
– Jordie Lunn
– Scott Wirch
– Jay Hoots
– Paul Basagiotia
– Brent Floyd