The World Cup hits Whistler for the first time and everyone is frothing! @Jason_Schroeder and I are on site and Lawlor will be cranking out the goods, too, so it should be an exciting weekend. Pros are here ripping laps and getting ready for the weekend.
Weather looks chilly with some possible moisture. Early morning Junior practices will be crispy to say the least.
Stay tuned for Vital DH Fantasy, Pit Bits and Vital RAW among other things!
Until it's time to buckle down for race focus, enjoy the world's best riders at the world's best park.
Troy Brosnan blasting
Danny and Adam Brayton clocking air miles
haven't confirmed (maybe someone here can?) but have heard that garbanzo gondola closes wednesday for the season, so accessing the course/race by riding down isn't an option. creekside gondola won't be open for riding (it may already be closed?) and single-ride lift tickets for spectating to hike down are $27.
we'll try to find out for sure, but if anyone here already knows, please add the intel.
Yes, Creekside and Garbo are closed after Wednesday.
https://blog.whistlerblackcomb.com/2026/04/uci-whoop-2026-mountain-bike…
Here now - and yup - confirming that Garbo and Creekside's last day or operation for the season will be on Wednesday the 23rd.
Whistler Hours of Operation - source.
Whats the difference between a chickpea and a garbanzo bean?
Yup all that is correct. Can walk up from the bottom for free. Finish area tix are sold out so that’s an indicator it’s going to be a big crowd
hear they're expecting +20,000 ++
For Crankworx spectating the last couple of years, I ride my e bike up as high as possible, then lock it to a tree and continue on foot. You can get about 1/3 of the way up the course on bike by connecting Whistler Mountain service roads. I splurged and bought spectator tickets for the 3 main days. There's quite good walking access coming down from the top of the Gondola on foot paths built specifically for this track, but the footpaths aren't right beside the track the whole way. The bushwhacking isn't too bad if you're fit and wanted to walk down the side of the track the whole way. If it's like other Whistler high profile events, they'll probably be doing bag checks when you load the gondola, so getting your refreshments up the Gondola might require some creativity (or just walking/riding up from the bottom).
The latest model run of the NAM has freezing levels dropping to about 1500 metres with rain lower down and snow on the upper mountain Thursday and Friday. The top of the track is about 1300 metres. Doesn't look like snow will stick on the track, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some flakes falling on the course Thursday. With the cool temps the dirt should be primo and the roots are probably going to be GREASY for the whole race window. Currently Saturday and Sunday look dry. This is going to be a beauty of a week!
Can’t wait to get up there and watch the show. The kiddos and I are FRRRROTHING!
@Jason_Schroeder does this mean we are finally getting an in person B practice pod?
we are also getting suitably pumped!
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