Crankworx 2015 has been a huge success.
The world's biggest mountain biking event has finished but the success of Crankworx Rotorua still lingers.
Thousands over the last five days have watched the best mountain bike athletes in the world tackle the slopes at the Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park and through the Redwood Forest.
Event director Tak Mutu said he's had positive feedback from athletes and spectators alike.
Image 1 of 26: Connor Fearon pro-elite men's downhill.
"The athletes have loved it. Those guys are buzzing. Every athlete I've spoken to, and I've spoken to a couple of hundred so far, have all said they want to come back next year," Mr Mutu said.
"They're loving the tracks here in Rotorua, the dirt, the type of trails, how the trails are so good for a pro and are also really good for a novice. And the amount of trails we have here, just the sheer volume.
"They've also loved the crowd here at Crankworx, how supportive they've been - definitely a lot of locals but we do have a strong contingent of international visitors, a lot from Australia and some from North America who have just come over for the Crankworx."
Mr Mutu said the event was also being praised for how accessible it was.
"[Speaking to athletes] they've said that every [Giant Toa] Enduro race should be spectator friendly like we have it. It was awesome, tonnes of people watching which doesn't usually happen because Enduro races were so remote.
"[New Zealand professional] Sam Blenkinsop said the downhill race was massive and the Enduro race felt like a world cup event," he said.
Other professionals heaped accolades on the course, according to specialist mountain bike website Spoke Magazine.
"The track is incredible. It would be suitable for a World Cup event and I think a lot of the riders will be saying it's one of their favourites. I hope in the next few years it will be used for a World Cup," British racing specialist Rachel Atherton said,
"The vibe here is awesome," British professional racer Brendan Fairclough said.
Mr Mutu said overall they were very satisfied how everything went. "It's a first-year event and it has well exceeded the expectations. Our door sales are yet to be tabulated but on our website alone we have had 5000 tickets sold. The exhibitors are also all happy with many of them almost selling out."
The event had 120 volunteer who worked "tirelessly" to help things run smoothly. Mr Mutu said there were plans with Skyline to recognise their effort.
"We couldn't have done it without them. We had a few pull out so [others] did double the duty and they were amazing. We probably had 120 of the 200-odd applied working and they were phenomenal."
The business sector in Rotorua also enjoyed the influx of people Crankworx brought.
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said it had attracted people to town and expected the retail, cafes and bars to have done well.
"This is the first year and has been very successful. Next year businesses will have a better idea of what it's about and who it potentially draws and retail and businesses can target their market and have a chance to organise eye-catching window displays."
"I think any event that comes to town and brings a following will have a positive impact on Rotorua and it's just going to get better and better."
Rotorua Association of Motels chairman Barry Mabey said most of the accommodation providers would have enjoyed full occupation this weekend.
He said the only challenge for them at Pohutu Lodge was the logistics of making room for the athletes' equipment.
"It's been fantastic. It's very well run from the comments of the [UR Racing] team staying here and from all indications they will be back next year.
"We've had guests coming specifically for Crankworx, probably two or three groups who have come from France, Australia, all over the place," Mr Mabey said.
"For us, they started coming in on Monday - nearly 80 per cent of our guests [were] Crankworx related.
"I think everyone has benefited and think the whole town owes the [organisers] a big thanks."
A disregard for authority could be why those attending court are thumbing their noses.
