The countdown is on until the global mountain bike phenomenon known as Crankworx hits Alexandra next week.

With its distinctive Central Otago landscape there is no doubt Matangi Station MTB is going to provide the most incredible opening scenes for the inaugural Crankworx Summer Series, before moving on to some equally challenging terrain in Queenstown and Wanaka over the full three-weeks of events.

The series of events pits local riders against a world class international field, with the top riders on the day taking away what is important to them all, bragging rights.

Tourism Central Otago general manager Dylan Rushbrook says the event has been down to hard work, passion and commitment from locals to create a mountain bike culture. 

“Before being caught up about having and event as epic and wide reaching as Crankworx in our own back yard, we should spare a thought for the hard work of the local mountain bike community that has laid the groundwork for hosting an event of this scale. 

“For many years Alexandra’s mountain bike scene has quietly celebrated some of the best conditions in New Zealand if not the world. 

“Happening at a grassroots level, those that know, know, and those that don’t have just simply missed out.

“With the support of the owners of Matangi Station plus the blood sweat and tears of the local community and mountain bike club some of the very best mountain bike trails in the world exist here right in our backyard. 

“Yep, I did say it, we definitely do have some of the best mountain bike trails in the world.”

Tourism Central Otago has committed $50,000 to support the 2021 event as part of its destination promotion role, while Central Otago District Council as granted another $10,000 to support event costs this year. 

Councillors agree to support the event for 2021 and in principle for both 2022 and 2023 at the August Council meeting, with the decision withheld due to commercial sensitivity until the event organisers could confirm all necessary elements to run the events. 

Dylan says the event highlights the fact Central Otago has made a name for itself as a mountain biking destination and should be proud. 

“It’s true, that in typical Central Otago style, it’s not the done thing to boast too much about stuff, but when you attract a global sporting event like Crankworx to your backyard you’re entitled to feel some pride and maybe do a little boasting.

“Right from the very first conversations (we) had with the Crankworx event team, they told us they wanted to know how they could connect with and show their appreciation to the local community when they’re here. 

“So with that in mind, later next week before the event kicks off, competing athletes will be hosted by local riders and shown more of our local trails. 

“There will hopefully also be some opportunities for younger local riders to spend time with the athletes too.

“Keep an eye out for a few extra bikes around town next week. You never know, it could be the 2021 King and Queen of the Crankworx World Tour, or an 8 x BMX and mountain bike world champion and two times Olympian.”

Crankworx is the world’s biggest and most influential mountain bike festival, dubbed by Bike Magazine as “the Super Bowl of the mountain biking world.”

The series takes place at four locations over the course of two weeks, starting in Alexandra (Super D), Queenstown (Downhill and Pump Track), Cardrona (Air Downhill) and Wānaka: Dual Slalom.