Mini shredders show off skills at Kidsworx

Photo by Clint Trahan/Crankworx

The next generation of mountain bike pros have been testing their skills, learning new tricks and battling it out against each other at Kidsworx 2016, at Crankworx Rotorua.

Kidsworx 2016 saw the addition of a specially designed kids' pump track - built by Empire of Dirt who also built the official Crankworx pump track, as well as daily skills sessions hosted by Kiwi BMX coach based in Canada, Andrew Hickey.

Photo by Clint Trahan/Crankworx

Added to the mix were scavenger hunts, meet and greets with the pros, 'pimping their rides' and three competitive events.

Tilly Ryan (2) was one of the youngest to take part. Photo by Clint Trahan/Crankworx.

Kidsworx operations manager Marcello Ojerio said Kidsworx 2016 was a huge success, attracting over three times the number of families compared to last year.

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

"It was amazing to create a space where kids could literally play for 10 hours and not get hurt - we didn't have a single injury and the parents really loved the fact that it was safe, yet challenging.

"A real highlight of the week for me was the self management of the children, the civility and the good sportsmanship they showed. We managed to give kids the freedom to ride on their own and the kindness towards each other that came out of it was really special.

"Another real highlight was having Andrew Hickey on board for the pump track skill sessions - he's a Kiwi BMX rider who teaches kids the sport over in Canada. His skills added another dimension to the week and we hope to have him with us again next year."

The first of the Kidsworx competitive events kicked off on Friday with the Skyline Warrior DH race and over 50 mini shredders take part. Jenna Hastings earned herself the title of the 10-12 year girls champion and Cameron Beck for the 10-12 year boys.

Next on the schedule was the Hipster DH race presented by Spawn, which was held on Saturday. The race had over 100 kids take part - triple from last year - and saw kids weave their way down chiseled berms and flowy trails from the top of the Skyline gondola. Taking the win for the 10-12 year girls was Megan Williams and for the boys, Cameron Beck who earned back-to-back wins.

On Sunday, the little groms graduated from their own Kidsworx pump track to the official pump track used by the pros for the Kidsworx Pump Track Challenge.

Designed to mirror the Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by Rockshox two days prior, the head-to-head competition saw 50 kids advance through the competition. Champions for the 10-12 year girls was Megan Williams, and Finn Currie for the boys.