Alexandra will announce itself on the world mountain biking stage this weekend, when Crankworx Summer Series pedals into town. 

Alexandra locals have known for many years that the tracks and trails in an epic landscape they have been privileged to explore, provide some of the most challenging technical mountain biking around. 

“The community input into developing the network of trails to explore cannot be underestimated, and the excitement is building to have their backyard showcased to the world.

It is these trails on Matangi Station that have attracted the Crankworx team to kick off the inaugural summer series with the Super DH event this weekend (27 – 28 November). About 100 riders are expected.

Local talent, like Sam Sole and Matt Scoles - who podiumed at the Junior Downhill worlds in 2009.

Bradley Harris who is currently featured on the Pinkbike Academy (a reality MTB show – where participants compete for a pro contract), have all learnt their skills on these local trails, and they are amongst the local invited riders racing in the Matangi Station MOB team.

The Crankworx Summer Series gives local up-and-coming riders the chance to mix, mingle and drop in with some of the world’s best mountain bikers at locations across Central Otago, Queenstown and Wanaka over the next four weeks.  

The local community has embraced this opportunity with a local mountain biking legend, Phil Oliver employed to assist with the operational requirements of the event, and local suppliers, accommodation and facilities being used wherever possible.

“This is Alexandra’s entrance onto the world stage, showcasing just how special this place is, and offers opportunities for local talent to mix it with the best in the world,” Tourism Central Otago general manager Dylan Rushbrook says. 

“For those involved in bringing the event together, it has meant working alongside a world class event team well versed in delivering major events to New Zealand. 

“These learnings will be retained in the region to the benefit of future events,” Dylan says. 

The Crankworx crew are committed to running a safe and successful event working to government guidelines, which unfortunately means that there can be no spectator race village or designated audience viewpoints set up for this year’s event.

Despite the inability for the event to have an audience watch the action this year the experience will be shared far and wide through both the global Crankworx distribution channels and the invited athletes own channels which reach over 765,000 on Instagram alone. 

It is this reach that will ensure that the legacy of the event continues for weeks and months to come.

Dylan says this plan ensures there will be an amazing experience for the athletes and our community.  

The event is also supported by a programme of opportunities for local riders to share their back yard with invited athletes in the days prior to the event proper. 

“There are sure to be some up and coming local riders inspired to take their sport to the next level with opportunities to meet the likes of the 2021 King and Queen of the Crankworx World Tour, or an 8 x BMX and Mountain Bike World Champion and a two time Olympian all possible in the coming days.

“It is well known that the region has a strong pull for cyclists, with its existing network of great ride cycle trails, and the planned opening of the new Matangi Station MTB park this summer is something to watch out for. 

“Hosting the Crankworx event is an exciting opportunity for the station and local mountain bikers to celebrate what they already knew was special. 

“This is a big step forward in acknowledging the depth and quality of the mountain biking options in Central Otago, extending the welcome to even more riders in the future,” Dylan says.