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.

Excitement was palpable today as over 260 mountain bikers, representing over 18 nationalities, started the five-day long Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race, based in Rotorua New Zealand.
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Now in its third year, the multi-day event showcases the world-class singletrack trails of the geothermal plateau, this year featuring 182kilometers of the best of Rotorua and Taupō.

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...