Race Report VE25- Stage 5

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. 

With a finishers’ medal around his neck, Musgrove said “I’ve had an amazing time here, it's been so awesome. Awesome people. It’s been great volunteering - setting up and packing down, I’ve had a lot of fun, I’ll be back next year.”

Women’s Solo GC was taken by Priscilla Thompson (NZ), who’d been battling with Syd Schulz (USA) all week, who took second place.
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Good Samaritan Fox, fresh off his elite wins at the Australian National Champs and Oceania Champs, took Men’s Solo GC win with a safe margin over New Zealander, Connor Johnston.

Men’s Pairs GC winners, Barry Battlers, were stunned with their success across the five days. “It’s great, we did not expect this at all." said Will Tattersfield “It’s epic. I’ll definitely be back when I’m back from Canada”. Leaders of each stage must wear their yellow Tineli leaders jerseys, making them stand out in the group for the ones to beat. But the tight race-fit lycra isn’t something the two we’re going to adopt for future riding "Will's going to go up north with his lycra and get the roadies into it [the Volcanic Epic]” said team mate Scott Taylor.

​With just 15 seconds between the Barry Battlers and the Grand Masters Men’s team Velovault, it was still a close win.

Women’s Pair, Cunning Stunts, took a strong GC win 1:08hr up, having won each of the five Stages despite stiff competition from PURE Sports Nutrition and Hash It Honeys.

Pedal Cartel Cycling/MyRide Wellington took the Mixed Pairs and took top step overall, beating out Australian's Shimano Cycle Co-Op and Team Resicon.

With over 18 nationalities represented, the five-day event offered overseas riders the opportunity to ride different trails and locations each day. Plus, with the stages over by early afternoon, they had time to relax and explore the local attractions.

“The Volcanic Epic was spectacular,” said Ries Robinson, from New Mexico, USA. Having travelled over with friends to race the event, they were not disappointed “The trail quality - unreal.” Robinson said “I’ve never ridden that many miles of spectacular trail, [at other events] it's usually not great, too many roads.” No stranger to cycling events,

​Robinson does about 15 events a year. “I bike race a lot, I’ve done 100 mile races. In terms of organisation, I don’t know if I’ve been to one that's better organised.” On why multi-day races appeal to him and his friends, it made the travel worth it, you got to do more riding, and explore the regions. “Life's about living.” He said “You remember the weeks you do a stage race. The other 51 weeks of the year, you’re what - working?” 

One of the appeals of stage racing is riding in a pair or team. This year, 51 teams were made up of family, partners or pals. 

One of those teams was Dirt Divas from Wellington. Libby Eglinton and Ginny Baddeley met through their sons, and have been riding mountain bikes together for a few years. “Ginny  decided we should do this event, so she made me come!” said Eglinton. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the right amount of challenge, and it's been a really fun event. Everyone's been really great. Being at the back we got to meet everyone.” 

The Divas said that it’s not about being the best, but taking part and pushing yourself, and having lots of fun too. “We’re not the fittest, or the fastest, but the friendliest and the funniest,” Baddeley said. “Except maybe first thing in the morning,” admitted Eglinton.
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The pair would love to see more people like them riding events like the Shimano Volcanic Epic. “We’re calling out other women over forty to join a mate, hang out for five days, do some amazing mountain biking together, and make some amazing memories,” said Baddeley.

GC Pairs Leaders on the final Stage 5:

Men: Barry Battler 9:35:11
Women: Cunning Stunts 10:42:50
Mixed: Pedal Cartel Cycling 9:55:57
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The Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race will be returning for 2026 with all new locations, courses and features. If you’re into mountain biking and curious about exploring the best trails New Zealand’s geothermal plateau has to offer, find out more at www.volcanicepic.co.nz.

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