Finn Iles is starting 2026 strong. The Canadian landed on the podium in his first race of the year, finishing third in the Redemption DH at Crankworx Christchurch.
To land the podium result, Iles finished ahead of his Specialized teammate Loic Bruni. Bruni ends his debut race as a dad in fourth. It’s a strong start from Iles, who struggled with injury in 2025.
There was no stopping Giant Factory Racing’s Luke Meier-Smith, though. The Australian was fastest at every split on track, repeating his Redemption DH win from 2025. Lachie Stevens-McNab (Trek) takes the silver.
On the women’s side, Jenna Hastings continued her Crankworx Christchurch winning streak. After dominating the Air DH to open the weekend’s racing, Hastings was on top again in the Redemption DH. The Pivot Factory Racing rider finished 2.5 seconds ahead of Syndicate’s Eliana Hulsebosch. Specialized’s Sian A’Hern rounded out the podium in third.
Crankworx Christchurch wraps up Sunday (Saturday here in North America) with the Ōtautahi Slopestyle finals. That will be broadcast live, free on Crankworx’ YouTube channel.
Results: 2026 Crankworx Christchurch – Redemption DH
Redemption DH – Men’s Top 5
1. Luke Meier-Smith (AUS) – 4:23.888
2. Lachie Stevens-McNab (NZL) – 4:26.979
3. Finn Iles (CAN) – 4:30.942
4. Loïc Bruni (FRA) – 4:32.129
5. Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) – 4:35.924
Redemption DH – Women’s Top 5:
1. Jenna Hastings (NZL) – 5:16.021
2. Eliana Hulsebosch (NZL) – 5:18.547
3. Sian A’Hern (AUS) – 5:27.499
4. Sabina Košárková (CZE) – 5:27.913
5. Kate Hastings (NZL) – 5:29.161
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