Ready to Ride: Crankworx Rotorua 2026 Is Almost Here
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.
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.
Spectators can catch the action live on site at Skyline Rotorua, with tickets still available for the full festival experience. The Anytime Pass is back – offering max action and entertainment for fans without breaking the bank, unlocking all festival days with just one ticket.
Fans who cannot make it to beautiful Rotorua can tune in to watch the Specialized Kārearea Downhill Rotorua and Crankworx Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza on TVNZ+, the Crankworx YouTube channel and Pinkbike.
Full daily schedules and session times are available here
Riders to Watch in Rotorua
As the second stop of the 2026 Crankworx World Tour, the tone has already been set in Christchurch and continues to build on New Zealand soil. With season-long battles ahead in the Slopestyle Super League, Crankworx Downhill Series, and the race for the King & Queen of Crankworx titles, a lot is on the line and we can expect riders to show up hungry for the podium.
International heavy hitters are lining up alongside a powerful Kiwi contingent determined to defend home soil. The Specialized Kārearea Downhill track has long been known as a true test of early season form, rewarding riders who can balance raw speed with technical precision on loose volcanic terrain. Only being accessible during Crankworx Rotorua, home advantage is ruled out, and the racing is expected to be tight.
The second stop of the inaugural Slopestyle Super League will see the world’s best will drop into one of the most iconic courses on tour. With Diamond-level points on the line, Rotorua attracts athletes chasing points, progression and early-season dominance.
Preliminary start lists can be found here.
Women’s Categories Across Disciplines
A number of riders will roll into Rotorua to continue their 2026 Crankworx Downhill Series campaign. For some, it is a chance to carry momentum forward, while others will be looking to reset and climb the standings early in the season.
Once again, the Series rewards athletes who show up, perform and deliver across multiple Crankworx festivals.
Jenna Hastings and Shania Rawson return to test their skills and gather valuable points across the Downhill and Pump Track events, continuing a local rivalry that always delivers exciting racing.
They will be joined by fellow Kiwi Eliana Hulsebosch, fresh from an incredible swansong Junior season on the World Cup circuit. Racing Elite for the first time in 2026, she will line up against fellow NZ downhill specialists Erice van Leuven, Sacha Earnest and Jess Blewitt.
International talent is also strong in Rotorua. Sian A’Hern (AUS), Louise Ferguson (GBR) and Matilda Melton (USA) will be ready to challenge the Kiwi riders across the week.
Sabina Košárková (CZE), who made her Crankworx debut in Christchurch last year, continues her rapid rise after an incredible 2025 season, ready to nip at the heels of reigning Queen of Crankworx, Jordy Scott (USA) in this early race for
Male Athletes to Watch
Two-time King of Crankworx Ryan Gilchrist (AUS) returns in 2026 to begin his third run at the royal title. Close behind will be Tegan Cruz (CAN),Jackson Frew (AUS) and his close friend Luke Meier-Smith (AUS), both aiming to knock him from a third consecutive reign from the outset of the season.
The Specialized Kārearea Downhill roster is stacked with Kiwi heavy hitters lining up to take on international stars on home turf. Lachie Stevens McNab, Brook Macdonald, Tuhoto-Ariki Pene, Sam Blenkinsop and rising star Oli Clark will go toe to toe with internationals Luke Meier-Smith (AUS), Richie Rude (USA), Kye A’Hern (AUS) and Tegan Cruz (CAN) among many others in a battle for Downhill Series points that will continue to shape the 2026 season.
Slopestyle at Skyline Rotorua
Fresh from the heated Ōtautahi Christchurch Slopestyle, it is clear the field is hungry. Erik Fedko (GER) arrives in Rotorua hot off his latest Crankworx Slopestyle victory, while last year’s winner Tim Bringer (FRA) and 2024 Triple Crown champion David Godziek (POL) will be fighting to secure valuable points and position themselves among the top riders. Veteran Nicholi Rogatkin (USA) continues to show strong form as he heads into his legendary twelfth Slopestyle appearance in Rotorua.
In the women’s field, Robin Goomes (NZL) makes her highly anticipated return after missing Ōtautahi Christchurch. She will face strong competition from rising stars Alma Wiggberg (SWE) and Patricia Druwen (GER), both of whom continue to build momentum with increasing confidence, style and an expanding arsenal of tricks. Shealen Reno (USA) also arrives with confidence after claiming victory in Ōtautahi Christchurch, setting the stage for an exciting battle in Rotorua.
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.