Race Report: Stage 1

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.

Not one to save energy for the climb, Volcanic Steamers 2.0 show us they're raring to go.

Straight out the gate a solid climb of Hill Road separated the pack, before dropping into the fast and furious Tūkonohi. Riders then circumnavigated the Whakarewarewa Forest through native bush, before getting into the tech of it, with rooty Grinder, tight singletrack loop of Arepa, and challenging descents of Te Huinga, Gonna Gotta and Tūteata. 

With over 11 nationalities represented, many are experiencing the North Island trails for the first time. For Joel Green of Australian team, COMMTEL-ARA, it was his first time riding in Rotorua “The trails are unbelievable. Kinda similar to what we ride at home but on a way bigger scale. Just every single time you come to a corner with an opening in the trees, it's like a postcard.” 

Incredible weather graced the Whakarewarewa Forest with ideal to dusty conditions.

The leaders of the race, with combined times from yesterday’s Prologue with today’s Stage, held their positions.

Open Pairs Mens continues with local team Solis Shaw, Olly & Sam Shaw. Mixed Pairs’ jersey stayed with Australian’s Cycle Co-op Shimano, Karl Michelin-Beard & Emma Viotto. Open Pairs Women also stayed with kiwi's Lee B and GB, Lee Boon and Gabby Buchanan.

Competition was close in the Open and Mixed Pairs between New Zealand and Australian teams, with less than one and a half minutes between first and second place - it’s just a simple mistake or tactical error for the Leader’s Jersey to swap nationalities. See all the results and Stage 2 start groups here.

Australia's COMMTEL-ARA putting down the power to catch New Zealand leaders, Soli Shaws

Ride, relax, repeat was the order of the day, with the race venue at Te Putake O Tawa buzzing with post-ride banter, hot food and cold drinks. With racing in the morning, riders were then free to relax and explore the region ahead of tomorrow’s Tāupo stage. With talk of a refreshing swim at Lake Tikitapu, or keeping the action high with clay pigeon shooting or white water rafting. 

The event returns to Rotorua for the final Stage 4 on Sunday, starting at the unique Te Puia and finishing in Government Gardens.

For Stage 2, the event travels to Taupō, home of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest super volcano and Craters MTB Park. The park was sorely missed last year, due to damage from Cyclone Gabrielle. Riders and the Shimano Volcanic Epic are excited to be able to present the rebuilt trails so close to the city centre.