Volunteers needed for Crankworx

VOLUNTEERS: Crankworx Rotorua needs an "army" of volunteers willing to assist along the way. PHOTO/Clint Trahan/Crankworx

Locals can get access to behind-the-scenes action and rub shoulders with the world's best riders by volunteering at Crankworx Rotorua.

Back for its third annual event, Crankworx Rotorua is expanding from five days to a nine-day event, which means a record number of volunteers are needed to help make the festival a success.

It is being held in Rotorua from March 25 to April 2.

This year almost 300 volunteers will be needed to bring Crankworx Rotorua to life.

Crankworx Rotorua event director Tak Mutu said bringing all the moving parts of the event together took an army of volunteers.

"Volunteers are crucial to this event and we want to make sure it's a valuable and rewarding experience for everyone who comes on board.

"In addition to rubbing shoulders with the world's top riders, volunteers receive a Crankworx T-shirt, lunch on volunteer days, access to events and tickets to a volunteer wrap-up party, with many incredible prizes including a new Giant mountain bike."

The first weekend alone will need more than 100 volunteers for the season opener of the eight-stop Enduro World Series - the GIANT Toa Enduro, as well as the new GIANT Toa Enduro Challenger event.

"In 2016 we had hundreds of people put their hands up to volunteer for positions from track repairs to helping the sports crew on course, driving riders up the mountain, scanning tickets, marshalling on the course, helping with client services and project logistics, as well as awards assistants."

Local fan Dan Phillips volunteered in 2015 and 2016, with roles including hosting Enduro World Series media, Downhill shuttle driving and Slopestyle athlete host.

He recommends getting among the action.

"The whole volunteer team were on such a buzzing vibe, being a part of the excitement of Crankworx, rubbing shoulders with the pros and up close to the action of the events, all while contributing to both the event and Rotorua.

"People should volunteer for Crankworx as the volunteer team seems to attract a fantastic group of people - there's also the chance you'll get the best seats in the house, all while helping out a great event.

"It's not all work, during downtime you get the chance to experience what Crankworx has to offer in the form of bike demos, spectating, browsing the merchandise tents, and even a spot of shopping."

Shifts range from two to 12 hours with an expectation to work at least two to three shifts for the week.

A preliminary schedule is released three weeks before the event, confirming shift lengths and crew assignment.

The minimum age to volunteer is 16, although those under 18 are required to submit a waiver by a parent or guardian.

You can fill in the volunteer application form at crankworx.com/rotorua/volunteer/.