Elite mountain bikers will gather in Rotorua from March 18 to March 26 for an event first of its kind.

An impressive line-up on international athletes will take part in the first stop of the 2023 Crankworx World Tour, and fans for the first time will be able to watch the RockShox Taniwha Downhill race live on Red Bull TV.

The event will be broadcast from the renowned Whakarewarewa and Tītokorangi forests.

"This high-risk, high-adrenaline race on volcanic soil promises to be a thrilling start to the international mountain bike competition season," says an event spokesperson.

Local Sam Blenkinsop experienced the full might of the Downhill track taking out the Elite Men's Gold at Crankworx Rotorua 2022 just three months ago.

'We're pretty lucky here in Rotorua, and everywhere in New Zealand now. Just how the trails are evolving. It's awesome," says Sam.

Crankworx Rotorua will also mark the start of the international mountain bike competition season, a role that Rotorua has played for six years before shifting to November during the pandemic-affected years.

'Having Crankworx as the kickstart of the season is always epic,” says Rotorua riding fan favourite, Jenna Hastings.

'Seeing all the pros come into my hometown and use it as the start to their season is always amazing to watch, and now being able to be a part of that and use it as the start of my season…it's going to be epic.”

Athlete registration is now open for professionals and amateurs, and the full schedule of pro events can be found on the official Crankworx website.

Leading the charge of elite international riders confirmed to attend are Loris Vergier (FRA), Neko Mullaly (USA), and Red Bull's Kade Edwards (GBR).

This marks the first time that Vergier will compete at Crankworx Rotorua since 2015, and the first time for Edwards and Mullaly. Additionally, world-ranked New Zealand riders Jenna Hastings, Jess Blewitt and many other homegrown elite riders are expected to join the strongest global field to have competed on New Zealand soil since 2020.

Festival passes are available for purchase on the official Crankworx website as well. Don't miss out on the chance to witness world-class riding in the breath-taking scenery of New Zealand. crankworx.com/rotorua/passes/.

This years schedule will include:

• RockShox Taniwha Downhill (to be broadcast)
• Official New Zealand Whip Off Championships
• Specialized Dual Slalom Rotorua, (to be broadcast)
• Crankworx Rotorua Air DH (back in the mix!)
• Crankworx Rotorua Pump Track Challenge presented by Torpedo7*
• Speed & Style Rotorua (to be broadcast)
• Maxxis Slopestyle in Memory of McGazza (to be broadcast)

To bookmark the broadcast ahead of the event, visit the Red Bull TV website.