Adventure Magazine

CRANKWORX
ROTORUA
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF
MOUNTAIN BIKE EXCELLENCE
Set amongst the breath-taking landscapes and hero dirt
of New Zealand, Crankworx Rotorua is launching the
2024 Crankworx World Tour this coming March 16-24.
The tenth edition of Crankworx Rotorua is set to feature
an impressive line-up of international athletes, as well
as some of the top New Zealand riders, including local
legend and King of Crankworx, Tuhoto-Ariki Pene.
For Tuhoto and his fellow Aotearoa riders, having such
a big event on their back doorstep means a lot, with the
festival allowing local riders to "see first-hand what level
[they] need to be at before heading across the oceans to
race [at Cairns, Innsbruck, and Whistler]." Reminiscing
on how the past 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua have
“flown by,” Tuhoto continued: "I remember my first
Crankworx Rotorua, when I raced the downhill as a little
grom. I’m looking forward to seeing my mates again,
having that race vibe and maybe throwing down some
whips with the boys.”
When asked about the feeling of being Crankworx King
in his hometown, Tuhoto admits “I’m not too sure how to
feel. It should be exciting, I’m happy to be holding that
title in front of my hometown.”
The Rockshox Taniwha Downhill race will once again
kick off the festival, from Saturday 16th March in the
flora and fauna of the Whakarewarewa and Tītokorangi
Forests where fans can spectate for free or watch the
race live on Red Bull TV. This high adrenaline and
now iconic race promises to be a thrilling start to the
international mountain bike season, with Cat 1 UCI
points up for grabs.
Yannick Granieri during Crankworx Slopestyle
16//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#241
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