Crankworx set to bring world-class mountain biking tour to the South Island of New Zealand

November 27 to December 14, the ultimate MTB road trip hits Alexandra, Queenstown, Cardrona and Wānaka

Alexandra, New Zealand, November 26, 2021 – With the excitement of Crankworx World Tour final in Rotorua settling, crew and riders have turned their sights to the South Island – gearing up for the first ever Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand. This multi-stop festival brings a taste of the world-renowned Crankworx festival to destinations outside the World Tour.

Along for the ride are locals, up-and-coming young riders, and some of the world’s top riders mixing, mingling, and dropping in.

Who’s on deck to take on these all-new events, and where is it all kicking off? Here’s a taste:

Pro Women

Pro Men

Race 1: Alexandra Super D

The new Matangi Station MTB park unearths some of Alexandra and Central Otago’s most raw, rocky and technical trails. For years local riders have said the trails on Matangi Station are world-class, now riders will get to find out for themselves.

What awaits racers is a Super D inspired race. Three tracks linked together, with riders shuttled to the top of each. Race times will be combined for the final time.

The three tracks will include:

Entrails + Appendix

Trail grades: Double black

Distance: 1.36km

Elevation Drop: 207m

Average gradient: 15.2%

Estimated race time: 3:10

Overall vibe: Starts rocky, opens up, then finishes through the trees.

Unique features: Steep switchback tree section to the finish

Hazard County + 5th Amendment

Trail grades: Double black

Distance: 1.83km

Elevation drop: 242m

Average gradient: 13.2%

Estimated race time: 4:27

Overall vibe: Big rock rolls and very technical rock sections.

Unique features: Rocks galore!

Drain Pipe

Trail grade: Double black

Distance: 1.81km

Elevation grop: 229m

Average gradient: 12.7%

Estimated race time: 3:03

Overall vibe: Fast open trail at the top, into tight rocky switchbacks to the end.

Unique features: Dropping into the last zone, through the drain pipe, brings riders into a natural stadium.

Total 3 section course distance: 5km

Total 3 section elevation drop: 678m

Total 3 section estimated race time: 10:40

A total of 86 total racers will be tackling the first race of the series, including 25 CWNext racers, 14 amateurs and 47 pros.

For pros, the race win will be up for grabs, along with points for the overall M/F Crankworx Summer Series New Zealand champs titles.

Fans keen to follow the action from Alexandra should following along with @crankworx and @crankworxrotorua on Instagram for updates and results as they come.

Overall, the Crankworx Summer Series brings the best of summer – sun, road trips, bikes, friends, party shirts, adventure, and real fruit ice cream – as local riders face off against their mountain bike heroes.

The full schedule of events and locations includes:  

Disciplines/events: 

Events to be live broadcast on crankworx.com are the Queenstown Pump Track and Wānaka Dual Slalom.

For the full schedule and information about riders and destinations, visit https://www.crankworx.com/festival/crankworx-summer-series-new-zealand/

Photos for media use: CWX Media Drive

About Crankworx:

Crankworx is the ultimate experience in mountain biking. Born in Whistler, B.C. in 2004, Crankworx has evolved into a multi-stop international festival series. The Crankworx World Tour brings together the best mountain bike athletes to compete in elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines. Crankworx World Tour festivals also host races for amateurs, CWNEXT categories for next gen athletes, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.  

For additional information, visit Crankworx.com.