Race report VE25 - Stage 3

​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.

Open Women’s leader, Pricilla Thompson (Canterbury, NZ) was buzzing at the finish line “That was my favourite so far. It felt like you were on an outback adventure. it was amazing the trail was so natural. It was really awesome.”

​She reckoned the hills were pretty steep. “I was on and off my bike a lot, it was quite slippery, but it was good” and the reward? “A big downhill after - so worth it.” 

With 19% of the field women, Thompson was all about getting more wāhine into the race “It’s just fun. It’s all about community and well…girl power!”

Current Open Men leader, Australian, Sam Fox, held the yellow leaders jersey for tomorrow’s Stage, having ridden with rival Connor Johnston for most of the course, before managing to break away in the last 5km, holding his GC lead of 3:08min.

Macky Franklin, USA rider and one half of YouTubers Syd & Macky, arrived third after Johnston with big smiles “So fun!” he said “So brutal on the way up, but such an incredible descent on the way down. Fast. good sight lines. You could just let it rip.” Partner, Syd Schulz crossed the line to second place in the women’s Solo GC, 4:46min behind Thompson.

Visiting New Zealand for the Shimano Volcanic Epic but with an extended visit to ride all over the country, Franklin had been “Absolutely loving it. It’s been a great race, great environment, everyone is super cool. Loving it.”

​Current Open Men leader, Australian Sam Fox held the yellow leaders jersey for tomorrow’s Stage, having ridden with rival Connor Johnston for most of the course, before managing to break away in the last 5km, holding his GC lead of 3:08min.

Macky Franklin, USA rider and one half of YouTubers Syd & Macky, arrived third after Johnston with big smiles “So fun!” he said “So brutal on the way up, but such an incredible descent on the way down. Fast. good sight lines. You could just let it rip.” Partner, Syd Schulz crossed the line to an impressive second place in the women’s Solo GC, 4:46min behind New Zealander, Thompson.

Visiting New Zealand for the Shimano Volcanic Epic but with an extended visit to ride all over the country, Franklin had been “Absolutely loving it. It’s been a great race, great environment, everyone is super cool. Loving it.”

The Pairs GC leaders continue to hold their positions, but the battle isn’t over yet - with only a moment of lapsed focus or mechanical between them and their competition.

Tomorrow’s Stage 4 welcomes the 2 Day riders at Taupō’s Craters MTB Park, before returning to Rotorua for Stage 5. Starting at Te Puia, home of the southern hemisphere's largest geyser, it’s the final tour of the incredible Rotorua singletrack before the last finish line, where the winners of the 2025 Volcanic Epic will be crowned.

GC Pairs Leaders at the end of Stage 3:
Open Men: Barry Battler 5:34:51
Open Women: Cunning Stunts 6:15:47
Mixed: Pedal Cartel Cycling 5:44:22

FULL RESULTS AND SEEDING