Call for Crankworx volunteers

PHOTO/CLINT TRAHAN

The world's top gravity-mountain biking athletes are heading for Rotorua for five days of the world's premier competitions, concerts, kids' events and mountain bike revelry, and volunteers are needed.

This March 9-13, New Zealand will host the second annual Crankworx Rotorua, the first stop of the Crankworx World Tour and the only place to see the world's top gravity-athletes, from nearly every discipline of mountain biking, in the southern hemisphere.

Crankworx is considered the defining celebration of world-class mountain biking, and bringing all the moving parts together to make each festival a success takes an army of volunteers willing to assist along the way.

"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," said Tak Mutu, Crankworx Rotorua event director.

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

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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 creme de la creme 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.

The experience culminates in a volunteer wrap-up party at Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park where volunteers get to spend an evening celebrating the success of the events they helped put on, meeting the other amazing volunteers and snagging some pretty epic mountain bike swag.

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.

Fill in the volunteer application form at crankworx.com/rotorua/volunteer. Shifts are available beginning Monday 7th March.