Crankworx World Tour is back for the second year for five action-packed days of mountain biking's finest on display.
Both professional and amateur Kiwi athletes to have a taste of an international riding circuit that Crankworx creates in Rotorua.
The events include GIANT Toa Enduro, the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS and the all new Crankworx Rotorua Air DH.
Athletes will rip from forest to mountain and enjoy lake views, before pulling in to the punchy twists and turns of Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park.
"There's a good atmosphere and everyone is in the same boat looking to have a good time as that's what the festival is all about a bunch of mates there for the week racing some events, watching some events and having a blast," mountain biker Rae Morrison says.
"For those wanting to go international, competing in world mountain biking events is a challenge, so having world class Crankworx events in New Zealand is an awesome stepping stone and preparation to lead into racing overseas in regards to what to expect when stepping up to the next level."
The latest race addition is designed to let amateur riders test out world-class riding as well, without having to meet World Series or international racing-level competition.
Renowned freestyle mountain biker Kelly McGarry was a Crankworx advocate and helped to build the jumps and tracks. He died at the beginning of the month in Queenstown, while out shooting a promotion with his mountain bike sponsors.
New to the eight-competition line-up is the Crankworx Rotorua Air DH - staged on the gravity park's new trail, it offers 32 jumpable features and some serious airtime for those who want the challenge.
Fans can count on some heart-stopping mountain biking action.
Crankworx runs from March 9-13 and is broadcast live from Crankworx.com, Pinkbike.com and the Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle is live on Red Bull TV.
Newshub.
