The punk sibling of international mountain bike event Crankworx, Crankworx Summer Series (CSS), takes place in Central Lakes during the next fortnight (February 28 - March 12).

The first stop is the five stage enduro at Matangi Station MTB park. 

Crankworx spokesperson Claire Dooney said riders Jenna Hastings (NZL), Robin Goomes (NZL) and Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (NZL) were big draw cards for fans. 

Practice runs for the 70 athletes take place today (Tuesday February 28) from 9.30am - 3pm.

Stages one to five are on Wednesday (March 1) from midday, with riders expected to compete in the final stages four (entrails) and five (drainpipe) from 3pm-6pm.

Viewing spots are at the bottom of the entrails drainpipe trails tomorrow afternoon, or at the event village finish line.

The event village being set up

Parking is downtown, around Rivers St, Deel St and Walton St. A 150m section of Rivers St will be closed from 8am today until 7pm Wednesday (resident access is available from McDonald St end).

Spectators who want to watch at Matangi Station mountain bike (MTB) park will need to go by foot, or by bike, across the Shaky Bridge and along Graveyard Gulley Road to reach the park.

A barbecue, coffee, waffles and altitude brewing will be available at the event village.

Following Alexandra’s racing, Wānaka hosts CSS’s head to head dual slalom (Bike Glendhu March 4-5); downhill at Cardrona Alpine Resort (March 8-9); and the series finale in Queenstown at the Kerry Drive Reserve Pump Track (March 11-12). 

Find more information here.

The enduro results will be online. Read profiles on two local MTB riders Eli Moir and Eddie Adams.

Are you heading to CSS to rub shoulders with local and international mountain bikers? Send [email protected] your photos.