2018 Crankworx dates announced

Brendon Fairclough pulls off a trick during the Crankworx downhill race earlier this year. Photo / File

Mark your calendars and submit your leave requests because dates for the 2018 Crankworx World Tour have been announced.

In 2018, the celebration of mountain biking will once again bring together the world's best riders in four epic riding destinations.

Crankworx Rotorua will be held from March 17 to 25 and early-bird tickets go on sale December 1.

2018 will see the addition of Dual Slalom competitions in both Rotorua and Les Gets, the all-new Redwoods Downhill and slopestyles return to Saturday at three out of four Crankworx stops - Rotorua, Innsbruck and Whistler. There will be expanded women's programming at all four stops, and 15th anniversary celebrations at the final stop on the tour, Crankworx Whistler.

"Every year, at every stop, we listen to what athletes and fans are saying, then do our best to bring our events into alignment," said Crankworx World Tour general manager Darren Kinnaird.

"That's what makes Crankworx so unique. We're a small, hands-on team at the centre of a global community of mountain bikers - a community that's growing at an exponential rate. Small tweaks can really shape the festival, and the sport.

"Take the nighttime whip-off in Rotorua last year - we made the change to do it under the lights last minute because of the weather, and it blew everyone's minds. As soon as it was done we all looked at each other and said 'We have to do that again next year'. That's what 2018 is all about. Evolution, progression and adaptation. Dreaming big, and going bigger.

"The things our athletes are doing on mountain bikes are almost superhuman now. We want to make Crankworx a platform to showcase these heroes, reflect what's happening in the sport, and share it all with the world."

Crankworx Rotorua event director Ariki Tibble says the team is going "full gas" with just 18 weeks until the first Crankworx World Tour stop.

"There are so many fresh new elements of the festival which I know are going to be very popular with spectators and athletes. There is no doubt in my mind that Crankworx Rotorua 2018 is going to be special," she said.

Crankworx 2018 dates

Crankworx Rotorua: March 17 to 25 (early-bird tickets go on sale December 1)

Crankworx Innsbruck: June 13 to 17

Crankworx Les Gets: June 20 to 24

Crankworx Whistler: August 10 to 19