An international mountain bike festival will receive Government funding to secure events in Rotorua and across the South Island.

Crankworx will receive up to $8.1 million from the Government's Major Events Fund to support the delivery of six Crankworx Rotorua mountain bike events including the Grand Finale in November 2022 and the return of Rotorua hosting the first stop on the Crankworx World Tour from 2023–2027.

It will also secure the future of up to 24 Summer Series events, hosted across the South Island, after a successful launch in 2021.

'I'm thrilled to be able to support the future of Crankworx global events in New Zealand," says Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash.

"This is one of the most important mountain bike festivals in the world with a huge international following, so it's great to continue to host it in Rotorua, a city that has a well-deserved reputation as a global mountain biking destination."

Rotorua, dubbed the ‘Soul of Crankworx', has been a staple on the Crankworx scene since its beginning in 2015.

Some of the world's best riders will go head-to-head from November 5 to 13, according to an event spokesperson.

They'll be competing for the year's number one spots, including the King and Queen of Crankworx and Slopestyle World Champion.

"The cumulative economic impact of the 2015-2021 events has been independently assessed at over $25.9 million, which doesn't include the ongoing economic benefit of international visitors who spend travel beyond the event, as well as the lasting awareness and hype generated for Rotorua," says Nash.

"As we welcome back our international visitors, it's the perfect time to broaden our commitment to the mountain bike festival. This funding will support extended Summer Series events, which help to distribute social and economic benefits across our South Island communities, in particular to Central Otago, Queenstown, and Wanaka.

"I attended Crankworx in Rotorua last year and it was a fantastic event, even without the crowds. I can't wait to be back in November and cheer along with all the international mountain bike fans."

Last year saw the rise of Kiwi riders, who gave international pros a run for their money, and the rare Triple Crown awarded to Slopestyle super-star Emil Johansson.

This year, we're set to see more of the same as international and local riders face off in the Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza, Specialised Dual Slalom Rotorua, Crankworx Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by Torpedo7, CLIF Speed & Style Rotorua, RockShox Downhill Rotorua, and the Trek Official New Zealand Whip-Off Championships presented by POC.