Epic atmosphere in store for Crankworx opening weekend

Photo/File

Crankworx Rotorua starts with an exciting line-up of enduro racing this weekend, and the good news is that families can get out and enjoy the spectacle for free.

"With a mix of local and top international riders from all over the world, it will be an epic atmosphere with a hub at the Village Green and some sweet spots to cheer from in the Whakarewarewa Forest," Crankworx event director, Tak Mutu said.

He recommends families pack a picnic, water and some sunblock for a big day cheering riders on.

The gears start clicking at 6pm tonight at the Village Green for the official Crankworx opening ceremony.

Family are encouraged to head down to welcome some of the best riders in the world at the traditional pohiri, after which children can get autographs from their riding heroes before they hit the dirt during Crankworx.

The real excitement starts tomorrow with the Giant Enduro Challenger at 10am.

This is the less-competitive, fun enduro event that will see riders shredding it in their best dress-up costumes.

The Village Green will be an enduro hub both tomorrow and Sunday, where families can view the live GPS tracking and leaderboard.

There will also be a live screening of the Dodzy Skills Park final stage and music entertainment from Red Bull.

People can head down to the Village Green at 9.30am to catch the official start, with riders rolling off the main stage from 10am to 10.50am, before making their way to the Whakarewarewa Forest.

There are four stages of racing - Tihi O Tawa, Billy T; Kung Fu Walrus; Hot X Buns, Bunny Jugs 1; Corridor, Eastern Spice, Turkish, New Exit, Dodzy Skills Park.

Mr Mutu said the Giant Enduro Challenger stages were relatively spread out so spectators would have a fun morning riding in the forest to get the best spots to watch.

Spectators can park up at Turkish Delight or the Dodzy Skills from 1.30pm onwards to see the riders as they finish their final stage.

The action steps up on Sunday with The Giant Toa Enduro World Series starting at 7am.

"It's back on Rotorua soil this year and has attracted the world's best enduro riders who will battle it out for the title," Mr Mutu said.

The stages are: Te Rua; Tihi O Tawa; Billy T; Hatu Patu; Dammit Janet; Kung Fu Walrus; Frankenfurter, Riff Raff, Rocky Horror; DH Mushroom Line, Whaki; Corridor, Eastern Spice, Turkish, New Exit, Old Exit.

The Giant Toa Enduro stages are close together so spectators can catch all the action on each stage, without having to move too far.

The weekend's races are the start of the nine-day festival which ends on April 2. A five-day pass is required to access the last half of the festival at Skyline Gravity Park.

Details:
What: Opening weekend of Crankworx Rotorua
Where: Village Green, Whakarewarewa Forest
When: Tomorrow and Sunday
Cost: Free