Mountain biking youngsters get involved in Kidsworx

The mountain biking stars of tomorrow will get the chance to take a starring role alongside the very best riders from around the globe when the world's biggest mountain biking festival Crankworx rolls into Rotorua this month.

With seesaws and skinnies, berms and rollers, the Kidsworx events were designed to get children and families involved and connected with the Crankworx festival, not just as spectators but as participants, said Kidsworx operations manager Marcello Ojerio.

"We want to maximise the fun for kids by giving them their own space to play, learn new skills and be inspired by what they see the pros get up to."

"It is not very common to have this sort of access to grounds and athletes at an event of this calibre and we are so excited to be able to offer these opportunities as part of Crankworx Rotorua."

As well as having their own specially designed tracks to ride on at the Skyline Gravity Park, kids would have the chance to try the same pump track that will be used by the pros, and can meet the Crankworx legends in the outdoor lounge.

For those kids who weren't able to bring bikes with them, there will be bikes available to borrow, and all kids would be able to 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, he said.

Families will be well-catered for at the Kidsworx zone with VIP parking spots for kids' bikes when they're not being used and a Kidsworx passport for children to collect all the signatures they please, along with a scavenger hunt to ensure they get the most out of the Crankworx village.

All Kidsworx activities are available as part of ticketed entry to the Crankworx festival.

Crankworx Rotorua runs from March 25-29, 2015. Events include the Oceania Whip-Off Champs, Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by RockShox, Mons Royale Dual Speed and Style, Rotorua Downhill presented by iXS, Giant Toa Rotorua Enduro and the Rotorua Slopestyle.

There will also be an expo at the Skyline Gravity Park and a free Bikes and Beats Music Festival, featuring New Zealand's top artists at the Rotorua Village Green. Stay tuned for details at www.crankworx.com.

To get your tickets, visit Ticketmaster, and to find out more about the schedule go to www.crankworx.com.