Crankworx Cairns 2025 fired into full gear on Friday as the RockShox Downhill lit up the iconic Worlds Downhill trail at Smithfield MTB Park. With the course groomed to perfection and running lightning fast, riders tackled famed features like Mick’s Drop, the RockShox Rock Garden, and the stamina-draining motorway sprint to the finish.
Sian A’Hern Rides to Victory Over Her Hero
In a powerful display of speed and focus, Sian A’Hern took a career-defining win, clocking 3:46.353 to earn gold and, notably, defeat her longtime idol Tracey Hannah for the first time in competition.
“I’ve looked up to Tracey since I started racing bikes. To finally beat her is insane. I just wanted to show what I could do on a bike, and I feel like I achieved that today.”
A’Hern shared after her run
Tracey Hannah, a legend of the sport and local hero, made the most of her deep course knowledge to secure silver with a time of 3:51.493. Sacha Mills rounded out the all-Australian podium, riding clean and confidently to claim third.
Top 5 Women – RockShox Downhill (Elite):
- Sian A’Hern (AUS) – 3:46.353
- Tracey Hannah (AUS) – 3:51.493
- Sacha Mills (AUS) – 3:55.991
- Jordy Scott (USA) – 4:03.593
- Bella Schofield (AUS) – 4:08.310
A’Hern’s victory comes after an eighth-place finish in Rotorua earlier this year, where she battled back from illness. With her confidence riding high, she now eyes the remaining Crankworx stops, including SilverStar and the season finale at Crankworx Whistler.
“More Crankworx, more Summer Series, more fun racing… I’m just loving everything, all the disciplines,”.
said A’Hern
Jackson Frew Takes First Crankworx DH Gold
On the men’s side, Jackson Frew seized his moment, charging through the technical final rock section with a bold gap jump to secure his first Crankworx Downhill gold in 3:17.965.
“I put everything into that run,” Frew explained. “I took some risks I really didn’t want to, especially in practice pulling that last jump.”
Ryan Gilchrist, known for his powerful pedaling and consistency, nearly closed the gap with a determined sprint but fell just 0.812 seconds short. Jackson Connelly kept the Aussie momentum going by claiming third.
Top 5 Men – RockShox Downhill (Elite):
- Jackson Frew (AUS) – 3:17.965
- Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) – 3:18.777
- Jackson Connelly (AUS) – 3:21.218
- Carter Sloan (AUS) – 3:22.232
- Joel Sutherland (AUS) – 3:22.388
The RockShox Downhill at Crankworx Cairns 2025 delivered world-class action, technical brilliance, and pure adrenaline — all against the lush tropical backdrop of North Queensland. With both elite golds claimed by Australians, the home crowd had plenty to celebrate. The Crankworx Downhill Series now heads into the heart of the season, and with riders like A’Hern and Frew peaking, the battle is only just beginning.
