Crankworx Rotorua Athlete Registration Opens Tonight

Both the Giant Toa Enduro and the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS will offer amateur athletes a chance to race a top-tier course with the heroes of the sport.

Registration begins at 7 p.m.(NZDT), 10 p.m.(PST) or 7 a.m.(CET) for both events on Crankworx.com

“The Giant Toa Enduro was an awesome race and a showcase of all of Rotorua’s best trails,” says Wyn Masters (NZ), who will return for 2016 to race both disciplines.

The inaugural Giant Toa Enduro served as the opening round of the Enduro World Series in 2015 and saw Jerome Clements (FRA) best fellow countryman Fabien Barel (FRA) down uncharacteristically gnarly descents in the Whakarewarewa Forest. Fans and prospective racers can expect a number of big name EWS riders will be back to test their legs for 2016 in what’s promised to be a fast and flowy race that will set the pace for the coming enduro season.

The multi-stage Giant Toa Enduro runs Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2016 and explores the Whakarewarewa Forest, culminating at the main Crankworx site, Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park. The Crankworx Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS will be held inside the park and closes out the five-day Crankworx Rotorua festival on Sunday, Mar. 13, 2016.

Prospective racers will want to check the International Time Converter to find the correct local time to register.

Volunteer registration to assist at Crankworx Rotorua also opens today on Crankworx.com. Upwards of 200 volunteers came out to support the inaugural event in 2015, and the event organizers are hoping 2016 brings, even more, enthusiasm.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of this event and we want to make sure it’s a valuable and rewarding experience for everyone who gets involved," says Tak Mutu, Crankworx Rotorua event director.

In addition rubbing shoulders with the world’s top riders, volunteers are eligible to win some pretty amazing prizes—including a new mountain bike.

Shifts range from two to 12 hours, with a preliminary schedule due for release three weeks prior to the event, confirming shift lengths and crew assignment. The minimum age to volunteer is 16 years old, although those under 18 years old are required to submit a waiver by a parent or guardian.

“Crankworx 2015 saw more than 200 people put their hands up to volunteer and get right on in there. From track repairs to driving the crème de la crème riders up the mountain to scanning tickets and marshalling on the course, there was plenty to do and we needed all the help we could get,” said Mel Rika, Crankworx Rotorua volunteer manager.

Volunteer positions range from helping the sports crew on course to doing the administrative work necessary to keep each day ticking along. Assistants are also needed for registration, accreditation, hosting different aspects of the event and ensuring the expo runs smoothly.

While special skills are not required, the event is looking for anyone who has a driver’s licence and is willing to shuttle riders. First Aid attendants are also needed for the medical response team.

Those who came out for the inaugural Crankworx Rotorua described their experience as extremely rewarding.

“For five days I was immersed into the Crankworx family. I got to hang out with some crazy misfits, like-minded and incredibly talented people. Getting an up close and personal view of all the inner workings of this huge event was even better than working a real job. Having it here in Rotorua, our home turf, was a massive bonus. And even bigger bonus, was being able to view all the events every day from the best seats in the house,” said Melany Rangitutia, Crankworx volunteer.

Tickets for Crankworx Rotorua are still available on Crankworx.com. The event runs March 9 - 13, 2016 in Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park, a mountain bike park on the North Island of New Zealand, and in the extensive trail network of the Whakarewarewa Forest.

Skyline - Rotorua mountain biking trails

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MENTIONS: @officialcrankworx / @wynmasters

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