Crankworx » RockShox Taniwha Downhill

2024 saw a heated battle between the local heroes and international legends, Crankworx brought fans live coverage of DH racing on Red Bull TV from the famed Whakarewarewa and Tītokorangi forests. Returning again in 2025, the RockShox Taniwha Downhill will see top downhillers get loose on, what’s been described as, the OG DH track in New Zealand, known for high speed, high risk, and high adrenaline racing.

Event Information

REGISTRATION
Registration will open on TBA for 2025.
Registration will close on TBA for 2025.

No onsite registration available.

Entry Fee
TBA for 2025.
Includes athlete accreditation for access into the venue for the event week.

Entry Fee
UCI Licensed Racers: TBA for 2025 (includes GST and fees)
Non-UCI Licensed Racers: TBA for 2025 (includes GST and fees)
Includes athlete accreditation for access into the venue for the event week.

Cancellation Policy
Entry fees are refundable (less processing fee) providing cancellation notice is received in writing to athletes@crankworx.com by the registration deadline. Registration deadline is TBA for 2025. All entries are non-refundable or transferable after the registration deadline (even in the case of injury or mechanical problems).

Competitors who need to withdraw after the registration deadline should email athletes@crankworx.com to confirm their withdrawal otherwise they will appear on the start list as a DNS.

ATHLETE CHECK IN / RIDERS OFFICE
Location:
Waipa MTB Carpark Waipa State Mill Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3074

Hours:
Will be confirmed closer to event.

PARKING / SHUTTLES TO THE COURSE
Athlete parking is available at Waipa Mountain Bike Carpark ONLY. Please refer to the Taniwha DH Venue Map HERE for full details on parking, shuttles and access to the course

Please note:
– Race plates are needed to access the shuttles (so please check in and collect your race plate before heading to Track Walk / Training)
– Riders are responsible for mounting / securing bikes on the shuttle trailers.
– Riders can take bikes on the shuttle to the DH Hub and leave them there while they complete the Track Walk.

RACE LICENSES
The RockShox Taniwha Downhill is sanctioned by the UCI and Cycling New Zealand. All categories will require a race license.

The Elite and U19 categories are sanctioned by the UCI as a C1 race. A UCI license is required to race in the Elite and U19 categories. Only riders with UCI Elite licenses can register in the Elite category.

The U15, U17, Senior, Master and Veteran categories are sanctioned by Cycling NZ. Either a Cycling NZ or UCI license is required to race in the U15, U17, Senior, Master or Veteran categories. Non-licensed competitors will have the option to purchase a 1 event Cycling NZ license (cost $10 – can be added onto entry fee at time of registration) and will be subject Cycling New Zealand’s Terms and Conditions.

TRAINING GROUPS
Group A = U19 and Elite categories
Group B = U15, U17, Senior, Master and Veteran categories

TRAINING REQUIREMENT
There is a mandatory training requirement for the event. Minimum 2 training runs must be completed during the scheduled training sessions and verified by a commissaire. Riders who have not completed the training runs during the scheduled training sessions won’t be allowed to start in Finals or the Seeding Run (Elite and U19 Only).

Riders must start all training runs at the official start gate.

FORMAT
Finals Only, 1 Run for the following categories: U15, U17, Senior, Master and Veteran categories
Seeding Run & Finals for Elite and U19

SEEDING RUNS
Seeding Runs are for the Elite and U19 categories only.

Seeding Runs are mandatory. If a rider does not start for the seeding run, they will not be placed in the start list to race in finals.

Start order for finals for the Elite and U19 categories will be determined by the results of Saturday’s Seeding Runs.

PROTECTION RULES Cycling NZ Rules

Ages 17+:
Compulsory:
-Full face helmet (Any 1 or 2-Piece helmet with approved Safety Certification is permitted – see Cycling NZ Rules for approved safety certification standards)
-Elbows/Forearms
-Knee/Shin

Spinal/shoulder protection, neck brace and full finger gloves highly recommended.

Ages 16 and under:
Compulsory:
-Full face helmet (Any 1 or 2-Piece helmet with approved Safety Certification is permitted – see Cycling NZ Rules for approved safety certification standards)
-Neck brace
-Elbows/Forearms
-Knee/Shin

Highly Recommended:
-Spinal/shoulder protection
-Hand protection (full finger gloves)

Contact for more information:
Contact athletes@crankworx.com .