Hastings Defends Kārearea Crown as Meier-Smith Storms to Rotorua Victory
The Specialized Kārearea Downhill delivered another electrifying showcase of speed and skill at Skyline Rotorua during Crankworx Rotorua 2026, as the world’s fastest riders took on one of the most iconic tracks in mountain biking.
Overlooking the festival arena and Lake Rotorua, the course once again proved its reputation. After early-week rain left conditions slick and unpredictable, race day saw a transformed track—fast, dry, and deeply rutted—setting the stage for a dramatic downhill battle.
With more than 300 vertical metres of descent combining open high-speed sections and tight forest lines, only the most composed riders could rise to the occasion.
Jenna Hastings Continues Her Dominance
Jenna Hastings continued her reign on home soil, successfully defending her Kārearea Downhill title and extending an incredible winning streak at Crankworx events dating back to 2023.
Delivering a smooth and controlled run from start to finish, Hastings clocked the fastest women’s time of the day at 3:27.280, pulling away in the technical lower sections to secure yet another gold medal.
Louise Ferguson improved on last year’s bronze to claim second place with a strong and consistent performance, while rising star Kate Hastings continued her rapid progression in the Elite ranks, finishing third after an impressive debut season.
Despite a crash in the final section, Sacha Earnest showed resilience to secure fifth place in what could have been a podium-contending run.
Women’s Top 5 Results
- Jenna Hastings (NZL) – 3:27.280
- Louise Ferguson (GBR) – 3:32.123
- Kate Hastings (NZL) – 3:36.383
- Matilda Melton (USA) – 3:39.018
- Sacha Earnest (NZL) – 3:43.406
Meier-Smith Makes Statement in Rotorua Debut
In the men’s race, Luke Meier-Smith delivered a sensational performance in his first appearance at Crankworx Rotorua.
After qualifying fastest, Meier-Smith carried his momentum into finals, attacking the course with precision and confidence. His blistering run of 2:59.445 made him the only rider to break the three-minute barrier, securing victory by a commanding 1.635-second margin.
His performance builds on earlier success this season, confirming him as one of the most exciting names to watch on the downhill circuit.
Dane Jewett held the hot seat for much of the competition before settling for second place, while hometown favourite Tuhoto-Ariki Pene thrilled the crowd with a third-place finish, just fractions behind Jewett.
Men’s Top 5 Results
- Luke Meier-Smith (AUS) – 2:59.445
- Dane Jewett (CAN) – 3:01.080
- Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (NZL) – 3:01.426
- Richie Rude (USA) – 3:02.133
- Tyler Waite (NZL) – 3:02.443
A Race That Delivered on Every Front
From dominant repeat performances to breakout victories, the 2026 Kārearea Downhill once again highlighted why Rotorua remains a cornerstone of the global mountain biking scene.
With the Crankworx Downhill Series gaining momentum, both Jenna Hastings and Luke Meier-Smith have firmly positioned themselves as riders to beat as the season unfolds.