Cycling

Mont Sainte-Anne Unveils Three New Gravity Trails for Crankworx Quebec Debut

Jul 25, 2026, 11:35 AM
Mont Sainte-Anne (MSA) is preparing for an exciting new chapter in its rich history of hosting premier mountain biking events. As the grand finale of the 2026 Crankworx World Tour approaches, the Quebec resort has invested in a significant expansion of its trail network, introducing three state-of-the-art gravity trails. This development not only promises thrilling competition for professional athletes but also aims to enrich the experience for public riders, solidifying MSA's reputation as a top-tier mountain biking destination.

Experience the Thrill: New Gravity Trails Elevate Mont Sainte-Anne's Mountain Biking Landscape

Crankworx Quebec Debut: A New Era for Mont Sainte-Anne

The highly anticipated North American segment of the Crankworx World Tour culminates in Quebec at Mont Sainte-Anne (MSA). This year marks a significant milestone as MSA hosts its inaugural Crankworx event, bringing with it a wave of innovation in trail design and construction. Prior to the competition's commencement, extensive work has been undertaken to introduce three brand-new trails: a dedicated slopestyle course, a comprehensive dual slalom track, and an expansive jump line.

Unveiling the Trails: Post-Crankworx Public Access and Record-Breaking Length

Following the conclusion of the Crankworx festivities, Mont Sainte-Anne plans to open these newly developed trails to the general public. While certain advanced features of the slopestyle course will be modified or removed for safety, the essence of these tracks will remain accessible. Notably, the "Air DH" jump line, stretching an impressive 2.2 kilometers, is set to become Quebec's longest lift-served jump trail, offering an unparalleled flow riding experience for enthusiasts.

Behind the Builds: Expert Collaboration on Pro-Level Courses

The creation of these three professional-grade trails is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Mouvement Production Québec, the organizers of Crankworx MSA, and Velosolutions Canada. Amélie Bussière, Marketing and Communications Manager for Mouvement Production Québec, highlighted the pivotal contributions of Canadian mountain biking icons Bas van Steenbergen and Matt MacDuff, whose expertise was instrumental in shaping the dual slalom and slopestyle courses.

The Air DH Jump Line: A Pioneer in Quebec's Lift-Served Trails

The new Air DH jump trail will not only be a highlight of the Crankworx MSA competitions but also a permanent addition to the resort's offerings. Velosolutions Canada, responsible for its construction, is also sponsoring the Air DH event. This trail is poised to redefine lift-served mountain biking in Quebec, promising a unique blend of length and technicality that sets it apart from existing options in the region, which are often characterized by rough and rocky terrain.

Designing for Experts: An Overview of the New Air DH Features

Anticipation is building for the new Air DH trail, designed with an expert-level (black diamond) rating in mind. While construction is still in progress, riders can expect approximately 25 diverse features, including challenging shark fins, exhilarating step-ups, lengthy jumps, and smooth tabletops. This intricate design ensures a dynamic and demanding ride that promises to be unlike any other trail currently available at Mont Sainte-Anne.

Public Accessibility: Riding the Same Tracks as the Professionals

A major draw for mountain biking enthusiasts is the opportunity to ride the very same courses as their professional heroes. The Air DH jump line and the dual slalom track are slated to open to the public after Crankworx, with the Air DH potentially available even a few weeks prior to the event. The slopestyle course, while primarily designed for elite athletes, will undergo modifications to ensure safety and suitability for public use, with discussions ongoing regarding its precise accessibility.

Mont Sainte-Anne's World Cup Legacy and Future Hopes

Mont Sainte-Anne boasts a storied history with World Cup racing, having hosted events for nearly three decades. However, the 2026 World Cup calendar regrettably omits MSA, a decision that has caused considerable disappointment. Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), the series producer, cited profitability concerns for this exclusion. Despite this setback, MSA remains optimistic about its return to the World Cup circuit in 2027, reaffirming its status as an iconic venue cherished by athletes and fans alike. The Crankworx MSA event, running from September 3-7, will serve as a vibrant celebration of mountain biking, filling the void left by the World Cup's absence and marking a new chapter for this historic locatio

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