Back for its second year, the Crankworx World Tour returns with a new event and even more opportunities for New Zealand athletes over the five action-packed days of gravity mountain biking.
Both professional and amateur Kiwi athletes will have the opportunity to take their riding to the next level in the GIANT Toa Enduro, the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS and the all new Crankworx Rotorua Air DH over the course of the festival, as Kiwis get a taste of the international riding circuit Crankworx has created.
“As for entering – just do it – it’s fun!” says Rae Morrison of Nelson. “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.
“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.”
Morrison came into the GIANT Toa Enduro on a wildcard entry in the inaugural event last year and wound up placing 11th in a very competitive field. She credits the New Zealand race with setting her up for a huge Enduro World Series (EWS) season finishing in the Top 10, which also resulted in being signed by Team Lapierre Gravity Republic last month. They will provide her with support including a coach, mechanic and a home base in Nice as she concentrates on finishing on the podium in the EWS for 2016. Fellow Kiwi Wyn Masters is a strong downhill rider who was considered an outside shot in the enduro last year – Masters went full-throttle to pull in a third-place finish and launch one epic year finishing in the Top 25 of the EWS.
One doesn’t have to be an elite rider to race Crankworx, however, and the latest race addition is designed specifically to let amateur riders test out world-class riding without having to meet World Series or international racing-level competition.
New to the eight-competition line-up, is the Crankworx Rotorua Air DH. This is Crankworx Rotorua’s answer to the Fox Air DH at Crankworx Whistler, a fast and furious four-minute rip down the world-famous A-Line trail in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Staged on Skyline Gravity Park’s epic new trail, Mr. Black, it offers 32 jumpable features and some serious airtime for those who want the challenge.
Timed to begin three weeks before the EWS, this year’s seven-stage GIANT Toa Enduro is the perfect season-opener for pros and amateurs alike as it focuses on the fast and flowy trails for which Rotorua is famous.
Athletes will rip from forest to mountain, with epic lake views, before pulling in to the punchy twists and turns of Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park. Gone are the gnarly, technical stages of the first year. The 2016 GIANT Toa will prove should bring plenty of heart-stopping action for the rapid Rotorua fans in the forest and prove a gateway to the event for Rotorua’s enthusiastic riding community.
The GIANT Toa Enduro is not an Enduro World Series round this year – but will prepare those keen to race internationally for this level of competition.
To register to race the events go to Crankworx.com
Crankworx runs from March 9-13, 2016. Events include the Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by RockShox, Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS, Crankworx Rotorua Air Downhill, Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle, Mons Royale Dual Speed and Style, Official Oceania Whip-Off Championships presented by SPANK and the Giant Toa Enduro. There will also be an expo at the Skyline Gravity Park, food and entertainment.
Crankworx is broadcast live from Crankworx.com, Pinkbike.com and the Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle is live on Red Bull TV.
Broadcast schedule:
Mons Royale Dual Speed and Style: Thursday, Mar. 10, 5-7 p.m.
Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by RockShox: Friday, Mar. 11, 7-9 p.m.
Crankworx Rotorua Slopestyle: Saturday, Mar.12 3-5:30 p.m.
Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS: Sunday, Mar. 13 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Rae riding Riff-Raff in Rotorua. Photo: Jason Beacham
