Pairs racing is a fast growing trend in the global mountain bike scene. The Volcanic Epic pairs event is the pinnacle of the mountain bike stage racing experience in New Zealand.
You and your teammate will ride through some of the best trails the geothermal region of Rotorua, Taupo and Tokoroa have to offer. You’ll get bragging rights, traversing unique volcanic and culturally significant areas, usually closed to cyclists.
Pedal hard and chill hard. Meet other like-minded riders on the trail, and share your day's adventures over beers, burgers, and beats at the end of each day.
You and your teammate will ride through some of the best trails the geothermal region of Rotorua, Taupo and Tokoroa have to offer. You’ll get bragging rights, traversing unique volcanic and culturally significant areas, usually closed to cyclists.
Pedal hard and chill hard. Meet other like-minded riders on the trail, and share your day's adventures over beers, burgers, and beats at the end of each day.
PAIRS CATEGORIES
Age is calculated as of the 31st of December 2022. The youngest rider in the team determines the race category.
STAGE DATES
The 4 day stages take place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 March.
STAGE COURSES
The 4 day stages take place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 March.
Age is calculated as of the 31st of December 2022. The youngest rider in the team determines the race category.
- Open Men 16+ Both riders are male
- Open Women 16+ Both riders are female
- Mixed One rider is male and one rider is female
- Masters Men 40+ Both riders are 40-49 years of age
- Masters Women 40+ Both riders are 40+ years of age
- Grand Masters Men 50+ Both riders are 50+ years of age
STAGE DATES
The 4 day stages take place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 March.
STAGE COURSES
The 4 day stages take place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 March.
PRIZE MONEY
A daily award ceremony is held at the completion of each stage. This will include awarding the leaders jersey for each of the 4 day pairs and solo age categories.
$9,000 of prize money is awarded to the overall top 3 mens, women's and mixed pairs in the general classification at the end of stage four, regardless of age group. Prize money is awarded as follows:
A daily award ceremony is held at the completion of each stage. This will include awarding the leaders jersey for each of the 4 day pairs and solo age categories.
$9,000 of prize money is awarded to the overall top 3 mens, women's and mixed pairs in the general classification at the end of stage four, regardless of age group. Prize money is awarded as follows:
- 1ST $1,500 | 2ND $1,000 | 3RD $500
RACE RULES
The Volcanic Epic is for riders of all abilities. While a few come to race, the majority come to ride in this amazing event. So remember the "D CODE". Don't be a disrespectful to other riders, event staff, the public or the environment.
TEAM RIDING
Check out the rest of the rules below.
The Volcanic Epic is for riders of all abilities. While a few come to race, the majority come to ride in this amazing event. So remember the "D CODE". Don't be a disrespectful to other riders, event staff, the public or the environment.
TEAM RIDING
- Pairs Riders must ride the entire event with their team mate.
- The maximum separation at any one time is 60 seconds. Rider separation is measured at the timing check points on the course but can be enforced at any time.
- Rider separation can be measured more than once during any stage of the event. Penalties are applied on each breach of the separation rule.
- A rider may double back on course in order to rejoin their team mate or access the nearest feed or tech zone if it does not endanger any other rider.
- Riders may provide physical assistance within their pair only. For the purpose of the rule, "Physical Assistance" is sharing of nutrition, bike parts and accessories, mechanical assistance and physical contact by the means of pushing.
- No towing is permitted using any device including physical contact.
- If a team rider needs to withdraw for any reason, the other rider may continue however they will not be eligible for general classification in a category or be eligible for prize money. The rider will receive a finisher medal.
Check out the rest of the rules below.
