Crankworx allows children to get among the action at Rotorua's Kidsworx

Tommy Teat, 4, (left) and Travis Isemonger, 6 at Kidsworx at Crankworx. Photo/File

Children can get among the action and get inspired by their biking heroes with a range of Kidsworx events on offer as part of Crankworx Rotorua 2018.

Kidsworx is designed for children 12 and under, and their parents.

The zone offers all the races, demo bikes, and expo fun of the main festival, with extra coaching opportunities to help youngsters get in on the action.

Kidsworx starts on Day 5 of Crankworx, March 21, when the event gets under way at Skyline Rotorua.

This year's Kidsworx zone will have specially built new trails.

The events on for Kidsworx includes Tiki Tour Scavenger Hunt, Pimp My Ride, Tamariki Track, Kidsworx Pump Track Arena Sessions, Hipster DH Race, Pump Track Challenge and Kidsworx Sprint Warrior Downhill Race.

Kidsworx operations manager Marcello Ojerio says the zone was launched to get children and families involved and connected with Crankworx, not just as spectators, but as participants.

"Some kids come to see the pros, others look forward all year to simply riding the Tamariki Track and Kidsworx pump track all day, every day, soaking up the Crankworx vibe.

"To me that is the standout feature of Kidsworx - there really is something for every kid, every day of the festival, and the parents really appreciate that."

He says children bring their bikes and are so excited to be riding their bike at this world-class bike festival.

"To provide a venue for them is really special and fun."

Marcello says it is not common for kids to have this sort of access to grounds and athletes at an event of this calibre, so is excited to offer these opportunities.

What is particularly awesome and unique about the mountain biking community in both Rotorua and New Zealand is how family-centred it is, he says.

"What is different this year is that the main Kidsworx arena has been moved closer to the action, near the expo zone, and is located where the old Pump Track used to be.

"For those kids who aren't able to bring bikes with them, there are bikes available to borrow, and all kids walk away with their very own personalised Kidsworx number plate, stickers and lots of bike bling to 'pimp their rides' - either at the festival or when they get home."

About 1000 children took part in the 2015 event, which tripled in 2016, and in 2017 there was another significant increase, with 50 per cent of the children being 5-years-old and under.

"The parents absolutely love Kidsworx and the kids just can't get enough - we have kids who ride the trails all day, and return 18 hours later amping to do it all over again."

Marcelleo says the reason they can successfully provide a world-class Kidsworx experience is because they have enthusiastic and passionate track builders and group of volunteers.

For more details on events and entry information go to www.crankworx.com.