MTB cup bid could bring in millions

Rotorua's economy could be millions of dollars better off if a local bid to host World Cup mountain biking events is accepted.

Rotorua is bidding to host three rounds of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike World Cup for the next three years.

Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson said a bid for three events in 2015, 2016 and 2017 - to tie in with other World Cup rounds scheduled for Cairns and Hobart, Australia - had been sent to the sport's governing body today.

Rotorua last held a UCI event in 2006 when the World Championships were successfully staged in the city.

Mr Donaldson said an economic impact report produced after the 2006 event estimated a $12 million boost for the local economy and he predicted, if Rotorua was successful, each event would bring at least the same amount, if not more, into the city.

"As a proven venue with local expertise, the UCI said it makes sense for Rotorua to bid for events to complement Cairns in 2015, Hobart in 2016 and Cairns in 2017."

Mr Donaldson said that during the 2014 Rotorua Bike Festival he was approached by UCI officials and encouraged to put in a bid.

"World events are now coming knocking on our door following the exposure of the bike festival and our growing reputation as an amazing place to ride and visit," he said.

The bid was discussed and endorsed by Rotorua district councillors last week.

There is no cost to the council to make a bid and a decision from the UCI is expected sometime in June.

Events & Venues events manager Martin Croft said rounds of the World Cup would bring the best international riders to the city which would have other positive spin-offs.

"The local community would get the chance to see the best up close while there would be huge international media exposure of our trails and the unique natural environment and culture that the Rotorua district offers," he said.

Mr Donaldson said three races, staged at different locations, would be held as part of a World Cup round held in Rotorua.

The bid puts forward Whakarewarewa Forest trails to host the Olympic-style cross-country race, the Government Gardens could host the short course cross-country eliminator and Mt Ngongotaha and Skyline Rotorua could host the international downhill race.

Grow Rotorua chief executive Francis Pauwels said cycling brought an estimated $16 million annually into the local economy and that was predicted to grow to about $31 million in 10 years.

"Based on the annual cycling visitor growth of 10 per cent, cycling in Rotorua is growing at a similar rate to countries such as France, Austria and Scotland, all of which are investing significantly in cycling strategies," Mr Pauwels said.