The Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, the inaugural event of the 2025 Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship (SWC), unfolded under clear skies in Rotorua, New Zealand, delivering an electrifying display of skill and competition. Originally slated for Sunday, the event was rescheduled to Saturday morning due to anticipated strong winds, leading to a high-stakes two-run elimination format that intensified the contest.
Women’s Competition: Patricia Druwen’s Triumphant Return
In its second season featuring a women’s division, the SWC witnessed Germany’s Patricia Druwen make a remarkable comeback from illness. She secured first place with an impressive 87.75-point run, showcasing technical prowess with tricks like an X-Up to Suicide No Hander, a Double Oppo Bar Spin, and a Backflip Tuck No Hander. This performance solidified her status as a formidable title contender for the season.
Advancing to the final five alongside Druwen were Natasha Miller (Canada), Robin Goomes (New Zealand), Shealen Reno (USA), and Zoe Witwicki (Canada). Renata Wiese (Chile) and Natalia Niedzwiedz (Poland), both debuting in the SWC, faced challenges with course speed and were eliminated after the first run.
Women’s Final Results:
- Patricia Druwen (GER) – 87.75 points
- Natasha Miller (CAN) – 80.50 points
- Robin Goomes (NZL) – 75.25 points
- Shealen Reno (USA) – 67.50 points
- Zoe Witwicki (CAN) – 61.25 points
- Renata Wiese (CHI) – 35 points
- Natalia Niedzwiedz (POL) – 19 points
Men’s Competition: Tim Bringer’s Long-Awaited Victory
After eight podium finishes in the SWC, France‘s Tim Bringer clinched his first Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship victory with a commanding 93.25-point run. His performance featured a 360 Double Tailwhip to Bar Spin, a Double Backflip Tuck No Hander, and a 360 Tuck No Hander In-Double Backflip Out, setting a benchmark that remained unchallenged in the second run.
American Kaidan Ingersoll, the 2024 Red Bull Rookie of the Year, showcased his rising talent by improving his score in the second run to secure silver with 90.87 points. Canadian Ben Thompson, a last-minute entrant due to field injuries, made an immediate impact, earning bronze with an 82.92-point first run.
Men’s Top 8 Results:
- Tim Bringer (FRA) – 93.25 points
- Kaidan Ingersoll (USA) – 90.87 points
- Ben Thompson (CAN) – 82.92 points
- Paul Couderc (FRA) – 82.06 points
- Chance Moore (CAN) – 81.25 points
- Griffin Paulson (CAN) – 80.42 points
- Jake Atkinson (GBR) – 79.25 points
- Max Fredriksson (SWE) – 78.92 points
The 2025 Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza has set a thrilling tone for the season, highlighting the escalating competitiveness in both men’s and women’s slopestyle mountain biking.
