Rotorua is ready to welcome the world back for the ultimate experience in mountain biking for an impressive twelfth year. Set on the mountainside of Ngongotahā, at Skyline Rotorua, Crankworx Rotorua returns with five days of elite competition, community racing, culture and connection.
Crankworx Rotorua 2026
From March 11-15, Rotorua will once again take its place alongside Christchurch, Whistler, SilverStar, BC and Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec as a cornerstone stop of the Crankworx World Tour. Now in its twelfth year, Crankworx Rotorua continues to cement its reputation as one of the most iconic mountain bike festivals on the planet, blending world-class racing with deep local roots and a uniquely Aotearoa atmosphere.
Fresh from a hugely successful Crankworx Christchurch only two weeks ago, the energy is rolling straight into Rotorua. Excitement is building daily, with a growing buzz across the region as athletes and spectators begin arriving from around New Zealand and the world.
A Week Packed with World Class Racing
Across five action-packed days, Crankworx Rotorua delivers a full spectrum of competition, welcoming back the crowd-favourite Rotorua Roulette alongside Crankworx staples.
From the legendary downhill course on Mount Ngongotahā to the revised Slopestyle Super League format and Pump Track racing under the lights at Skyline Rotorua, the schedule is stacked from training through to finals.
The 2026 programme features:
- Specialized Kārearea Downhill Rotorua
- Crankworx Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza
- Official Oceania Whip Off Championships
- Crankworx Air DH presented by Rotorua Canopy Tours
- Crankworx Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by The Rock
- Crankworx Dual Slalom
- Skyline Double Down
Crankworx Rotorua will partner with Cycling New Zealand, MTBNZ, and the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club to host the nation’s top-tier races, including the MTB National Downhill Championships during Crankworx week (March 11–15), and Cross Country (XCO/XCC) and Enduro Nationals the following weekend (March 20–22). All of the Nationals Downhill action will be live at Crankworx Rotorua on Thursday 12th March.
More Than Just Racing
Crankworx Rotorua is not just a competition. It is a full festival experience. The Expo village will be packed with industry brands, exclusive deals, athlete signings and activations. Food vendors, live entertainment and family friendly zones ensure there is something for all ages and stages.
From CWNEXT categories and Kidsworx contests to amateur racing opportunities, Rotorua remains committed to building the next generation of riders and keeping the festival accessible to the community that helped shape it.
Rotorua is not just a host city. It is part of the DNA of Crankworx. The countdown is on, and Rotorua is ready to ride.
Follow @crankworxnz and @crankworx for announcements, athlete updates and more.
About Crankworx World Tour
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, Kidsworx contests for young riders, participatory events, and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing amazing destinations.
Official website: crankworx.com
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