- START PROCEDURE.Pairs & Solo 4 Stage Riders
Start groups are released in waves of 80 -100 riders with 5-10 minute gaps, please read the information below to learn how the start groups are managed.
Prolouge
Prologue start times will be allocated at random with pairs or a solo rider setting off every 30 -45 seconds. Failure to complete the prologue will see the riders relegated to start group 5 for stage 1.
STAGE 1
The start order is taken from the prologue results held on day zero. Riders will be placed in starting groups for stage 1 based on the their prologue results.
STAGES 2,3 & 4
The start order is taken from the general classification (GC) combined stages times.
Please Note:- It is possible to fall in or out of your start group based on your general classification combined stages time.
- Pairs & Solos may start in the same wave based on GC.
- There is no start grid priority given to the race leaders of any category.
- Start list will be published daily online at 6pm.
- Starting in the wrong start group will see the rider and/or team disqualified, the onus is on the rider to ensure they start in the right group on a daily basis.
2 Stage Solo Riders
All 2 Stage riders will start in group 6, no matter their ability.
START TIMES.STAGE 1- 8:00am Yellow Group 1
- 8:05am Orange Group 2
- 8:10am Green Group 3
- 8:15am Blue Group 4
- 8:20am White Group 5
STAGES 2- 9:00am Yellow Group 1
- 9:10am Orange Group 2
- 9:20am Green Group 3
- 9:30am Blue Group 4
- 9:40am White Group 5
STAGE 2- 9:00am Yellow Group 1
- 9:10am Orange Group 2
- 9:20am Green Group 3
- 9:30am Blue Group 4
- 9:40am White Group 5
- 9:50am Black Group 6
STAGE 4- 8:00am Yellow Group 1
- 8:05am Orange Group 2
- 8:10am Green Group 3
- 8:15am Blue Group 4
- 8:20am White Group 5
- 8:30am Black Group 6
COURSE CUTOFFS.
The course checkpoints listed below are in the interest of participant safety & course management. The times are based on a participant averaging 9.6kmph. If you fall behind a cut off time you will be directed to stop at the aid station checkpoint (CP) and transported back to the venue. You will be classed as a DNF (Did Not Finish) for that stage. - On this page you will find information about what daily onsite services are available during the event.
CHILL ZONE.
The Volcanic Epic finish line is the coolest place to hang out in NZ mountain biking.
Sit back and savour the hardest earned beer in the country thanks to some amazing local craft beer with friends and family. The finish line area will have everything you need to refuel and celebrate you epic ride while waiting for your riding buddies to catch up. We have a great selection of food trucks, beer garden, massage and coffee.
TRANSPORT.
There will be supported transport options for at an additional cost.
Stage 1 Shuttle
Stage 1 is a point-to-point stage with the start and finish line being about 12km apart. Drop your bike off to the start line on Wednesday evening, where it will be securely stored overnight. On Thursday morning, drive to the finish line and jump on the shuttle to the start line. The bus trip is 25 minutes. - PRIZE GIVING.
Daily Podium Awards
A daily award ceremony is held at the completion of each stage. These awards are a non-monetary prize pack. and are for the top 3 pairs/solo riders of each age group category in both the five day and two day events.
Daily Jersey Awards
This is a daily award ceremony held at during the daily awards with the GC leaders of the pairs/solo of each age group category in the five day event
GC Category Awards
As well as the daily awards the final day will also see the winners of the the category classification awards Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for all events.
Overall GC’s Awards
This is the award ceremony for overall general classification no matter their age category:
Pairs Event- $9,000 of prize money is awarded to the overall top 3 men's, women's and mixed pairs in the general classification at the end of Stage 4, regardless of age group. Prize money is awarded as follows:
- 1ST $2000
- 2ND $1,250
- 3RD $750
4 Stage Solo
$3,000 of prize money is awarded to the overall top 3 men and women in the general classification at the end of Stage 4, regardless of age group. Prize money is awarded as follows:- 1ST $750
- 2ND $500
- 3RD $250
2 Stage Solo - Overall top men& women will receive a non-monetary prize.
- 1ST $750 non-monetary prize
- 2ND $500 non-monetary prize
- 3RD $250 non-monetary prize
- $9,000 of prize money is awarded to the overall top 3 men's, women's and mixed pairs in the general classification at the end of Stage 4, regardless of age group. Prize money is awarded as follows:
- 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. Please note, the rules are updated annually in September