This November sees the return of Crankworx Rotorua, a showcase of top international mountain biking talent and a chance for Kiwi men and women to go head-to-head with some of the best riders in the world.
The Rotorua event is the last stop for the Crankworx World Tour, a multi-stop series of mountain bike festivals bringing together the best athletes to compete in elite-level competitions.
It all started in Whistler, Canada in 2004 before Crankworx Rotorua took flight in 2015 and quickly established itself as the 'Soul of Cranworx', playing host to some of the most memorable moments in the sport's history and combining world-class riding with Māori culture.
Tikanga Māori is woven into every aspect of the Rotorua event, from the traditional Tewhatewha awarded to the King and Queen of Crankworx, to the carvings placed around the site, and most of all the manaakitanga of the people.
It will showcase the world's best athletes performing sport that is spectacular to watch - especially when we get to see Kiwi stars break world records live, in the flesh, as it happens.
Jenna Hastings is a mountain biker who achieved podium finishes at Crankworx Rotorua last year and earlier this year won the rainbow jersey in the junior women's downhill world championship at Les Gets, France.
She said there's nothing quite like going to live events like Crankworx.
"When you go there, you really get to feel the atmosphere of Crankworx. Unless you've been to one you just won't understand the atmosphere of a live racing event, so it's really good to go along and get an idea of the whole event," said Hastings.
"It's hype. Everyone is there having a good time, people land new tricks and everyone's stoked for them. So that's how I would describe it in one word: hype."
Part of the thrill of this type of sport is the danger element. The athletes are going very, very fast and pulling off crazy tricks that most humans simply cannot do - if most of us tried to, we'd probably end up in hospital.
Hastings is well aware of the danger but said it's something she pushes out of her mind during the races.
"The minute you drop into the downhill track, you kind of have to be focussed on what you're doing: getting down the track and trying to go as fast as you can," said Hastings.
"Thinking about crashes and stuff - you don't really think about it until after you're done and then you're kind of like, 'Oh, I got down on one piece, yay!'. But you try to not think about it on the track because if you think about it then, it's just going to make you worry and then you probably will crash. It's basically a matter of trying to not think about that."
Since spectators were not permitted at Crankworx Rotorua in 2021 due to the pandemic, there are more reasons than ever to see the thrilling action live this year.
Crankworx Rotorua runs from November 5 - 13. More information and tickets are available via the official website.
This article was created for Crankworx.