These three words summed up what mountain biking meant to the spectators, athletes and amateurs who attended the ninth Crankworx in Rotorua.
As the event came to an end yesterday evening, Crankworx organiser Ariki Tibble said the week had capped off “quite a summer” for mountain bikingevents in Rotorua.
“It’s been a lot for the team.
Image 1 of 19: Jonty Taylor from Waikato with his sons Cohen Taylor, 14, and Ryder Taylor, 9. Photo / Maryana Garcia
“I’ve been really impressed with the calibre of the people behind the scenes who are just totally on board with this event and really stoked about it.”
Tibble said the local support for the event has been “fantastic as always”.
“The local support is always good, whether you’re looking at the volunteer workforce or the people who turn up for the locals’ days.”
Crowds watch the Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza on Sunday at Crankworx Rotorua 2023. Photo / Ben Fraser
Tibble said Crankworx was an event that delivered for the community by generating income for suppliers and local businesses.
Tilsley said the atmosphere of the event was great for families, and the mountain biking community as a whole was “super supportive”.
“Being in the races gives kids a big confidence boost, and they learn to see the value in working hard and making their goals happen.”
Leona Hudson was at Crankworx with her grandsons Marko Hazelwood, 13, and Mateo, 11.
“My favourite part was meeting all the riders and getting free stuff,” Hazelwood said.
“I’ve been mountain biking for six or seven years. It’s cool. I feel really flowy when I hit the big jumps, and I learn how to be tough even when I crash.”
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell. Photo / Felix Desmarais
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said Crankworx Rotorua was a unique blend of riding, culture and “lots of good vibes”.
“My family and I love watching the world’s best riders compete in our own backyard,” Tapsell told the Rotorua Daily Post.
“It’s great that the rest of the world also gets to see how beautiful our home is, as Crankworx is broadcast to a number of different countries.”
Tapsell said Crankworx was “so valuable” for Rotorua.
“Since it began in 2015, we’ve repeatedly been acknowledged as one of the world’s best mountain biking destinations.”
Tapsell said the Rotorua Lakes Council was proud to support Crankworx as a 49 per cent shareholder and to continue promoting Rotorua as a world-class destination.
According to Rotorua NZ data, mountain biking contributes $139.8 million to our local economy and supports anywhere from 800 - 1000 jobs.
