Fifty Alexandra Primary School students met their mountain biking idols at an autograph session yesterday (Wednesday March 1).

Mountain bikers Sam Gale (Queenstown), Baxter Maiwald (Victoria, Australia) and Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (Rotorua) signed posters, shoes, hats, bikes and scooters much to the delight of the youngsters.

William (10) got his bike signed by Tuhoto-Ariki. PHOTO: The Central App

Tom (7) got his shoes, hat and poster signed. PHOTO: The Central App

Tuhoto-Ariki initialled seven year old Xzavier’s bike. PHOTO: The Central App

James (10), Alyssa (10), Gabby (8) and Angus (9). PHOTO: The Central App

The response from the students was enthusiastic and many said they couldn’t wait to go to watch the finals. 

Approximately 70 international and national riders are in town for Crankworx Summer Series (CSS). 

The enduro finals were at Matangi Station MTB park yesterday afternoon, with many spectators enjoying the event village atmosphere and tight finishes.

Local riders had a chance to race the best national and international riders, providing a path for development, and a chance to prove themselves in their own backyard.  

Crankworx has confirmed it has New Zealand Major Event funding for 2024 through to 2027, which will contribute to securing the event hosting beyond 2023.

Riders take a breather on practice day for the enduro at Matangi Station MTB park. PHOTO: Crankworx 

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”.

Next up in CSS it’s Wānaka’s turn as Glendu Bay hosts the head to head dual slalom on March 4-5.