Tegan Cruz made good in his first race since signing with ARI Factory Racing. The Pemberton, B.C. rider is in New Zealand for the opening rounds of Crankworx World Tour. Cruz finished second in the Air DH, the opening race of Crankworx Christchurch.
Cruz cruises to silver
Tegan Cruz’s first podium with ARI saw him finish behind Christchurch local and World Cup legend, Sam Blenkinsop. While Blenki proved unbeatable on home turf, putting three seconds into the field to take the win, Cruz proved his speed against a stacked field. With just 0.33 seconds separating second from fourth, the Canadian eeked out his silver in a high pressure race.
Cruz wasn’t the only Canadian near the front of the men’s AirDH. Quebec racer Tristan Lemire showed he’s building speed again after a couple years of setbacks from injury. Lemire finished fifth, just behind reigning two-time King of Crankworx, Ryan Gilchrist of Australia.
Emmy Lan during Christchurch Air DH. Photo: Clint Trahan / Crankworx
Emmy Lan starts season with speed
On the women’s side, Forbidden Bikes’ Emmy Lan just missed a podium in her 2026 debut. The Vancouver Island racer was fourth in the Air DH at Crankworx Christchurch. The former U21 EWS champ and Canadian DH champ is running a slightly different program this year. Crankworx World Tour Lan’s first stop, kicking the year off on the big bike.
It was Jenna Hastings taking the win in Christchurch, though. The Kiwi started her 2026 the way she finished 2025’s Crankworx campaign, with an Air DH win. The last one came in Whistler. This year’s first Air DH win is on home turf.
With a 4:08.46, Hastings was well clear of the field. But Sian A’Hern and Czechia’s Sabina Košárková round out the podium in Christchurch.
Crankworx World Tour goes live
Air DH was the first event of Crankworx Christchurch, but not the last. There’s a pump track challenge up next, then two feature events that will both be broadcast live on Crankworx’s YouTube channel.
On Saturday, the Redemption DH promises a more international field, reportedly including local World Cup winner Lachie Stevens-McNab and possibly Canadian Finn Iles.
On Sunday, 22 February, Ōtautahi Slopestyle finals bring a new slopestyle “shootout” format to Crankworx.
2026 Crankworx Christchurch AirDH results
Top 5 – Men
1. Sam Blenkinsop (NZL) – 3:50.04
2. Tegan Cruz (CAN) – 3:53.17
3. Sam Gale (NZL) – 3:53.40
4. Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) – 3:53.49
5. Tristan Lemire (CAN) – 3:55.51
Top 5 – Women
1. Jenna Hastings (NZL) – 4:08.46
2. Sian A’Hern (AUS) – 4:14.43
3. Sabina Košárková (CZE) – 4:17.20
4. Emmy Lan (CAN) – 4:21.75
5. Sacha Mills (AUS) – 4:22.58