The world's top international male slopestyle mountain bikers are defending their decision to stage a mass walk-out on the final day of Crankworx's global tour at Rotorua.
The group, including athletes from the United States, Canada, Sweden and Britain, say the dispute with Crankworx international management over pay and support has gone on for three years.
"We definitely appreciate how disappointed the fans are, but we felt we had to make a stand and this is the best way we thought of to do it,” said British slopestyle rider Tom Isted.
Swedish counterpart Max Fredriksson says the entire male rider group's refusal to compete in Sunday's drawcard event was not made lightly.
"The whole reason for this is for the greater good," he said. "It is about the future of the sport being sustainable, this is not about a money shakedown."
The first ever women's diamond slopestyle event did go ahead, won by kiwi Robin Goomes, who took the top podium spot for a $16,000 cheque.
The male athletes tabled a list of demands on Wednesday, including the desire for an appearance fee.
"One of the principles we wanted to uphold was to see if we could get to a position where we could all walk away with our heads held high, so we spent the first couple of meetings just listening," said Tibble.
While concerns over accommodation and safety were resolved, the appearance fee couldn't be prior to Sunday's refusal to compete.
"We respect the athletes' decision and remain committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all athletes within the Crankworx community" Crankworx international management said in a statement.
"Given the structure of the Freeride Mountain Bike Association (FMBA) and the framework the Crankworx FMBA Slopestyle World Championship operates in as a professional sport, Crankworx cannot effectuate an appearance fee or an additional prize money increase as demanded by the male athletes."
But athletes say the cost of travel with bikes, inflation, accommodation and insurance for "putting our lives on the line" adds unnecesary financial burden, when attending such events.
Isted, who placed third last year at the event, "didn't even break even".
Crankworx normally attracts crowds of 35,000 to its Rotorua leg, which is in its 10th year.
Crankworx local director Ariki Tibble - chief executive of the non-profit organisation that runs the Rotorua leg - has told Newshub it's too early to say how the walkout has affected the event financially.
The male athletes tabled a list of demands, including the desire for an appearance fee.
"One of the principles we wanted to uphold was to see if we could get to a position where we could all walk away with our heads held high, so we spent the first couple of meetings just listening," said Tibble.
While concerns over accommodation and safety were resolved, the appearance fee couldn't be.
Athletes say the cost of travel with bikes, inflation, accommodation and insurance for "putting our lives on the line" adds unnecesary financial burden, when attending such events.
Isted, who placed third last year at the event, "didn't even break even".
Both sides know they need to settle this dispute, if they're to attract a new generation of riders.
