Rotorua Bike Festival: Sprint Warrior all set to thrill crowd

RIDING HIGH: A competitor takes to the slopes in last year's Skyline Sprint Warrior. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Spectators at the 2014 Skyline Sprint Warrior will be as much a part of the thrilling race-day action as the riders themselves.

The downhill event at Skyline Rotorua will be on February 21, part of the second Rotorua Bike Festival. Entries for the race have sold out. However, this year has seen the inclusion of a practice day on February 20, with limited places still available.

The event is owned and organised by brothers Tak and Tu Mutu of Mountain Bike Rotorua and Multi-Day Adventures, and is run with Skyline Rotorua.

Tak said the event offered thrills for everyone, not just riders.

"This year's Sprint Warrior entries sold like hot cakes. There are a number of Kiwi international riders in the mix - including last year's winner, Wyn Masters - and we're also expecting more international riders closer to race day. The level of talent is exceptional and watching them in action will appeal to everyone, even non-mountain bikers.

"Last year proved a huge hit for everyone involved and we would love to see even more people come and experience this unique event. We're really ramping things up from last year, with Empire of Dirt coming on again as master trail builders and making improvements to the existing trail."

Entertainment includes a DJ, $10 spectator gondola passes, luge specials, meal deals at the Market Kitchen Cafe and music from local band Strangely Arousing.

Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said Skyline was looking forward to being part of the festival again.

"It is fantastic to be able to participate in the bike festival, which is a real celebration of all things distinctively Rotorua. The fact we can offer such a unique site as part of that is an exciting opportunity, not just for riders but for spectators as well."

The Mt Ngongotaha site offers the only gondola-accessed mountain bike trails in the North Island and the Sprint Warrior is the only opportunity for riders to access the trails.

The event features a purpose-built 1.8km downhill trail. Racing will be rounded out by a new jump and "sick trick" competition.

Race day practice begins at 12pm, with the race starting between 3-4pm.