Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Iles wins Official Whip-Off World Championships

14-year-old Whistler local takes on the world and wins in annual Crankworx event
finn
14-year-old Finn Iles, pictured here on the Garbanzo DH Podium on Tuesday, is the Official Whip-Off World Champion. Photo By Eric MacKenzie

It started with a hashtag and ended with a $2,000 paycheque.

It's official: Finn Iles is your 2014 Crankworx Whip-Off World Champion.

The 14-year-old Whistlerite came in first place in the competition Thursday, finishing ahead of some of the best riders in the world.

Iles was allowed into the competition on a special exemption after a social media campaign last week that made use of the hashtag #LetFinnIn.

The campaign gained traction after other local riders such as Adam Billinghurst and Katrina Strand jumped on board.

"We had no doubts about Finn's talent, but just like all minors entering adult events, we wanted to ensure that all aspects of the decision had been properly considered and discussed with the athlete and his family before making an official announcement," Crankworx general manager Darren Kinnaird said in a press release announcing Iles' involvement in the competition.

Other riders in the event included Great Britain's Brendan Fairclough, the USA's Eliot Jackson and 2013 Whip-Off champion Bernardo Cruz of Brazil.

Check www.crankworx.com for full results.