The Crankworx Rotorua Downhill, which forms part of the week-long Crankworx event, has secured UCI endorsement for the first time.

Cycling New Zealand has supported the registration of the Crankworx event as a Class 1 status event, which will offer important UCI qualifying points as well as significant prize money for elite and junior riders.

Cycling New Zealand CEO Andrew Matheson says the national body is delighted to support the sanctioning of the event.

'Crankworx has redefined the mountain bike experience for many riders and fans over the last few years. It has been a must-do on the calendar for sports fans and delivers not only a world class event for the riders, but an experience for spectators.”

Cycling New Zealand acknowledges the work that has gone into the event over the past two years, which was part of the reason Crankworx Events Incorporated confirmed a 10-year contract for Rotorua to be part of the Crankworx World Tour.

Crankworx Rotorua Downhill race director Dave Hamilton says the news is very exciting.

'We're always looking to further every event at Crankworx Rotorua and giving riders the option to gather UCI points is a great addition for this year.”.

Crankworx World Tour general manager Darren Kinnaird believes this additional accreditation is a great bonus for the athletes.

'We're super thrilled that Crankworx has landed so well in Rotorua and to be able to offer UCI points as well is great.”

The Crankworx World Tour travels to the world's top mountain bike destinations, including Rotorua, Les Gets, France and Innsbruck, Austria, before returning to its Canadian home base of Whistler each year.

Crankworx Rotorua is coming into its third year and will host an extended programme of events for 2017, running nine days—from March 25 to April 2.

For more details see www.crankworx.com/event/crankworx-rotorua-downhill-presented-by-ixs-2/ and https://www.cyclingnewzealand.nz/