Five days of racing across Rotorua, Taupō and Tokoroa came down to one final stage and the Shimano Volcanic Epic delivered a fitting conclusion under warm, dry conditions.
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After a week that tested riders across every element, the final stage provided a fast and decisive finish, locking in the overall champions and closing out one of the most dynamic editions of the event to date.

From alpine helicopter drops in the Kaimanawa Ranges, to rain-soaked trails on the Queen Stage, through to high-speed flow in Tokoroa and a fast final day in Rotorua, the 2026 edition of the Volcanic Epic showcased the full spectrum of New Zealand riding.
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Across all categories, the event delivered not just standout performances at the front, but depth of competition throughout the field.

The Shimano Volcanic Epic tightened in Tokoroa, with Stage 4 delivering fast, high-intensity racing and sharpening the battles that will define the final stage. After a week of challenging conditions, riders were met with dry trails and high-speed flow at Cougar MTB Park, but the intensity remained as high as ever.

New Zealand’s Fletcher Adams continued his dominant run, taking the stage win in 1:30:57 and extending his overall lead. But behind him, the race is far from settled.

Stage Three of the Shimano Volcanic Epic delivered the Queen Stage in full force, as the remnants of an ex-tropical system swept across Rotorua, bringing wild winds and relentless rain that pushed riders to their limits across the region’s legendary trails.
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Conditions led to a late course adjustment, with one of the final climbs removed, but the stage remained a demanding test of endurance, skill and resilience.

From the opening kilometres, riders were met with saturated trails, standing water and energy-sapping conditions, turning Rotorua’s world-class singletrack into a true battle of control and composure.

Stage Two of the Shimano Volcanic Epic delivered a complete contrast to the alpine opener, with relentless rain transforming Taupō’s Craters MTB Park into a true test of skill, control and resilience.
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From start to finish, riders faced wet, slick and demanding conditions across 46.9 kilometres of singletrack, with the weather and local knowledge both playing a decisive role in reshaping the General Classification.

With seeded starts rolling riders into the course, there was no easing into the stage. The rain set in early and never let up, turning what is typically a fast, flowing trail network into a technical and unforgiving challenge.
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Endless ribbons of singletrack wound through pine forest and geothermal terrain, but in the wet, even the smallest mistake carried consequences. Riders were forced to balance speed with control, knowing that pushing too hard could quickly unravel their day.

The Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race has burst into life ahead of schedule, with organisers bringing forward Stage two to stay ahead of an approaching ex-tropical storm. The decision delivered immediate intensity, with riders thrown straight into one of the most unique and demanding stages of the five-day event.

Stage racing is often seen as a team affair, matching kit, coordinated pacing, shared highs and lows. But for those who dare to ride solo, the experience can be equally powerful, if not more rewarding.
Whether you couldn’t convince your mate to join or simply prefer riding your own line, entering a stage race as an individual opens the door to a unique kind of challenge and freedom.

Taking on the Volcanic Epic is one hell of a ride and like any good adventure, it’s even better with the right teammate by your side. But how do you find that perfect match

Today saw the final leg of the Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race, presented by Tineli. Over 260 riders from around the world set off at the start horn as the sun rose through the steam of Te Puia. They reached the finish line after 38km of Rotorua's famous singletrack.
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First over the line at the Government Gardens finish line venue were the top three eBikers. There was drama out on course as the young Stephan Grant, got a flat tyre early, eating into his overall lead as Jason Musgrove and Steven Gray powered by. Only when Sam Fox, Open Men lead shared his spare tube and CO2 inflater, did he get back on track. Despite the big setback, Grant won the eBike General Classification (GC) by 2 minutes. 

144km raced and 4,677m of vertical climbing completed by the end of day 4 of the Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race, and there is still one final stage to go.
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Taupō’s Craters MTB Park hosted the five-day event’s 260 participants, representing over 18 nationalities, coming to ride the world-class trails of the North Island’s geothermal plateau in New Zealand’s premier multi-day MTB event.

​Now into their third day of riding world-class singletrack, riders of the Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race embarked on something a little different. 

Starting at the stunning Lake Rotoiti, participants representing over 18 nationalities rode deep into the native forest towards Lake Okareka before turning into the Western Ōkataina Walkway. 

The wild backcountry trail, lined by ferns and mossy forest was a big change compared to the previous two days of hand-crafted singletrack of Rotorua’s Whakarearea Forest. Challenging climbs opened into faster sections, punctuated by technical roots and ruts, all design by nature rather than trail-builders.