A tough new stance on concussion management will be rolled out at this year's Crankworx - while Rotorua Hospital is preparing for increasing patient numbers.
Peak Safety co-director Mark Woods said this year they had introduced a "spectacular" concussion protocol to address the issue for competitors.
Used in the Enduro races over the weekend, it put more emphasis on making sure competitors were safe to get back on the track.
Volunteers had a set of criteria and riders who suffered concussion were now likely to be referred to doctors, who would determine if they could continue with the event.
He said the new protocols came about because of an increased awareness of concussion and the ongoing damage of repeated concussion.