Over 185km and nearly 5,000m of climbing over five days, 350 riders from 11 countries have tested their skills and endurance at the Shimano Volcanic Epic, presented by Tineli. After the final day out on Rotorua’s world-famous singletrack, New Zealand’s premier mountain bike stage race champions were crowned. 

 Tokoroa’s Cougar Bike Park hosted Stage 3, presented by CamelBak, of the Shimano Volcanic Epic,with 2 Stage riders joining the now trail-toughened 4 Stage riders for the last two days.

​Voted the #1 stage last year, it took riders around an intricate network of trails, from soft pine carpeted climbs to thrilling descents, including Bam Bam and Speedy Cheetah...

Day three of the Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race saw 300 riders from around the world take on their biggest day in Taupō. 

The Queen Stage, the most difficult stage of a multi-day race, was a 62km course with 1,495m of climbing. Two days in, riders had to stay focused and on the pedals far more consistently, testing endurance and mental resolve.

At just over 44km and 1,400m in elevation, Stage 1 of the Shimano Volcanic Epic pulled no punches. 300 4 Stage riders, warmed up from yesterday's 10km Prologue, were met by some of the more formidable cross-country trails Rotorua has to offer.

Starting fresh on a beautiful Rotorua afternoon, around 300 4 Stage riders in the Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race, presented by Tineli, had their first glimpse of what was in store.

A first taste of Rotorua’s legendary golden dirt, but it’s about to get a whole lot tougher. Sorting the pack, the 10km of singletrack enabled riders to test their legs and gear out, and set their places for tomorrow’s first big day out. 

Pairs and solo riders about to embark on the four day epic warmed up on two big climbs, the smooth trails Apumoana and the forebodingly named Frontal Lobotomy, punctuated by the fast fun flow of newly opened Mahana, and top favourite Eagle Vs Shark trails.