Race Report VE24 - Stage 1

Excitement was palpable today as over 260 mountain bikers, representing over 18 nationalities, started the five-day long Shimano Volcanic Epic MTB Stage Race, based in Rotorua New Zealand.
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Now in its third year, the multi-day event showcases the world-class singletrack trails of the geothermal plateau, this year featuring 182kilometers of the best of Rotorua and Taupō.

Today was Stage 1, a 21km introduction to the Whakarewarewa Forest and awarding the first leaders of the race, who are awarded the yellow Tineli leaders jerseys.
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“We’ve been to New Zealand a couple of times, mainly for bike related adventures.” Said Em Viotto, half of returning Australian Pairs team Shimano Cycle Co-Op, with Karl Michelin-Beard.  “This event is really different to others. The stages are shorter, giving us time to explore the local areas”.
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Ride, relax, repeat is the mantra - with each day’s racing done by early afternoon, riders are then free to explore the region's sights and delights – a real bonus for those who’ve travelled from overseas with friends and family.

“That was so much fun, that dirt is hero dirt the whole way - I had a blast!” said Sean Cassily from New Mexico, USA. Sean is riding alongside his wife Susie and 15 year old son, Col, who is riding in the 2 Day event at the weekend. “It’s our first time in New Zealand, we have some great travels, met so many cool people, and had some great riding up until now. We love this place.”
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Some riders are on a quest to find the worlds best MTB races, like USA professional mountain bikers and YouTube stars, Syd Schulz & Macky Franklin “We’ve been to New Zealand three times, exploring and racing the Enduro World Series” said Macky “We heard great things about Volcanic Epic and had to check it out”.

Today’s leaders included Masters Men Pairs team, Volcanic Steamers 3.0. Teammates Dan Boulton and & Mark Johnston (Nelson, NZ) arrived back today from tackling eight days of riding at South Africa’s Absa Cape Epic.
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Tomorrow’s Stage 2 is where the race really starts, with a loop course in Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest. The following three days include native forests of the Western Okatina Walkway, Taupō’ Craters MTB Park, and return to Rotorua, starting at the beautiful Te Puia.

Pairs Leaders at the end of Stage 1:
Open Men: Barry Battler 1:01:38
 Open Women: Cunning Stunts 1:08:06
 Mixed: Pedal Cartel Cycling 1:03:48

See all Stage 1 results here.