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.

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.

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. 

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.