2016 Crankworx World Tour Kicks Off in Rotorua, New Zealand

Mar 8, 2016
by Fraser Britton  
The Crankworx World Tour kicked off today in Rotorua, New Zealand. Things got underway early this morning with practice for the Giant Toa Enduro and athletes rounded the day off attending the official opening ceremony at the nearby Pohutu geyser.

The tracks have been changed up in a big way from last year and the mileage has been drastically reduced, so it should make for some tight racing.

The day got underway with riders taking to Stage 7 for a last day of practice and the longest stage of the day. Starting on the 2006 downhill world championships track before splitting off midway down to an all new berm track.

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  Brook Macdonald was leading the charge this morning. Looking like he'd ridden the track more than a few times, he wasn't hesitating on his way into the hairier sections of the 2006 World's downhill track.

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  Brook's partner in crime for practice this morning was Sam Blenkinsop. Blenki's running the #1 plate this week and is participating in almost all of the events. He's got a busy week ahead of him, but is all smiles, as usual.

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  There's only one Eddie Masters.

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  With over 300 racers taking part in tomorrow's enduro, there were riders of all abilities on track today. Everyone seemed to have one thing in common though, and that was a huge grin from ear to ear as they enjoyed perfect dirt and sunny skies

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  Mokoia Island sits silently in the middle of lake Rotorua and dominates the views from the Skyline gondola.

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  Pohutu Geyser is an enormous tourist attraction here in town, and incredibly important cultural icon. It was putting on an impressive display today during the opening ceremonies which took place on ceremonial grounds nearby.

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  A fern is placed before the athletes by a tribal warrior as an official invitation to enter their lands. Crankworx director Darren Kinnaird was elected as 'chief' to represent Crankworx and it's athletes and accept the gift on their behalf. Called a Powhiri, the traditional ceremony evokes powerful emotions.

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  Before things began, one of the village elders explained the process to those of us not in the know.

Crankworx World 2016 Tour Kicks Off in Rotorua New Zealand
  Athletes look on as they are greeted by a tribal warrior inviting them onto their lands from outside the gate.

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  The ceremony ended with all of the tribe members chanting and singing together and welcoming the world with open arms here to Rotorua.

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Zink and family watch on
  Most of the high profile athletes decided to check out the opening ceremonies today, including Cam Zink and family.

Loic Bruni takes in the whole ceremony.
  World Champion Loic Bruni took in the festivities with his mechanic, Jack.

Be sure to watch the events LIVE, right here on Pinkbike - to add the dates to your diary, click this link and you won't miss out!

MENTIONS: @officialcrankworx / @giantbicycles


Posted In:
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29 Comments
  • 36 1
 Rupert Chapman would agree, there is only one Eddie Masters but that's not him on the Bergamont.
  • 10 1
 Holy moly, I was tired. You are 100% correct!
  • 29 3
 Should've never done uni, such a trap... starting the same week crankworx does. Sad times.
  • 2 1
 I feel you bro
  • 17 0
 Dude, everyone knows first week is slack. Start uni out right-go to crankworx!
  • 3 0
 The man has a point. It's not too late!
  • 11 7
 Uni? I assure you that the job you'll get after finishing the university will limit your ability to go to Crankworx and ride your bike, to a greater extent. Then you'll get into a relationship, then kids and your bike life will be over for almost 10 years. Affer you come back you'll be weaker and less skilled. Don't take anything for granted and remember that education is either a calling or a mandatory waste of time.
  • 5 1
 You nailed it Waki! Education was a calling for me. Nonetheless, I sometimes yearn for the simpler life...
  • 1 0
 Waki just proves that you have to live in the moment and have no regrets! Im contemplating doing the same...
  • 10 0
 may the season begin!soooooo stoked!
  • 5 0
 Yihaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
  • 14 2
 you brits can't spell yeeeeeehaawwwwww right. psh
  • 9 1
 Lol! I get the gist that both yours and his comments were tongue in cheek, knowing the Americans can't spell hardly any words correctly Wink
  • 3 0
 I am Dutch actually, hiding behind a British flag. Yihaaaaaa!
  • 2 0
 Wouldn't it be "Yijhaa" in that case?
  • 6 0
 Great place, great people! Watch out for Rob Metz and his brand new Zerode Enduro, please! I am desperately waiting for some pictures of this bike Smile
  • 2 0
 I saw Rob riding it a few weeks ago, it looks sick (and he was flying on it, literally). I can't wait to give one a go!
  • 2 0
 someone just posted a pic to the show your all mountain bike thread on the forum
  • 3 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/13247517
  • 1 0
 OMFG!!!! It lives, 3 years of rumour and innuendo. Will it be a game changer?
  • 1 0
 Check out vital MTB .. It's all there
  • 2 1
 Quick question times are not listed by timezone unless I missed it in the link. Does anyone know what the times are listed as on the crankworx site? I'm assuming fits not listed as eastern standard.
  • 4 1
 Can't wait for the season to kick off!
  • 2 0
 Welcome to our home, mtb world. Enjoy what we have to offer. Please ride hard. Please come back many times ☺
  • 3 1
 when you realize you could have gone to crankworx for spring break.....
  • 1 0
 The Bulldog better be careful not to snap those bars, looking at the state of the forearms on the man
  • 2 1
 Picked the best week to have no work!!
  • 1 0
 Will we see any Live/Streamed events, on PB?
  • 1 1
 Is there a worst week to have no work?







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