Stage 3: Race Report

 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...

While one of the shorter days of the event at 35km, the course features grinding climbs followed by rewarding downhill sections to the sound of whoops and hollers. A plethora of diverse singletrack was interrupted by fire roads providing precious points to pass for those seeking out the coveted yellow Tineli Leaders Jersey.

“The Volcanic Epic is a great boon for the regions.” said South Waikato Mayor Mayor Gary Petley. “This tour of great mountain biking enables participants and supporters to explore our region while they're here, and leave them wanting to return again and again. The local community, especially the Tokoroa Mountain Bike Club has been hard at work to showcase the hospitality of Tokoroa and what's on offer here, on and off the trails.”

Today’s change of pace after yesterday’s epic 62km Queen Stage meant some teams managed to pip their rivals to the podium, but all eyes were on the General Classifications (GC), where the leaders are decided by those with the lowest cumulative times. The heat was on for the Open Men Pairs, with Australia's COMMTEL-ARA taking first for the stage, and closing the gap on current Kiwi leaders Soli Shaws, from 1:29 mins to just 56 seconds. See all the results here.

​The Shimano Volcanic Epic will see the fifth and final day return to Rotorua’s world-class trails for a final test of endurance, skill and resolve for all. Starting in the incredible Te Puia with its geothermal wonders, into the world-class trails of the Whakarewarewa Forest, the finish line will conclude a 185km, 4,484m epic adventure. Who will make the overall podium tomorrow and be crowned winners of the Shimano Volcanic Epic?