Adams Tightens Grip as Rivalries Build Ahead of Final Stage

The Shimano Volcanic Epic tightened in Tokoroa, with Stage 4 delivering fast, high-intensity racing and sharpening the battles that will define the final stage. After a week of challenging conditions, riders were met with dry trails and high-speed flow at Cougar MTB Park, but the intensity remained as high as ever.

Team Froth (David Frances, Larissa Roth) are on the move in the mixed pairs race.

New Zealand’s Fletcher Adams continued his dominant run, taking the stage win in 1:30:57 and extending his overall lead. But behind him, the race is far from settled.

American Macky Franklin finished second in 1:31:25, with Kieran McPherson close behind in 1:31:40, as the three riders spent much of the stage locked together. The decisive move came inside the final 5km, where the race finally split.

​“The three of us were together until about 5km to go, and then it split. It was just an awesome day of racing,” said Franklin.

With experience, youth, and local knowledge all in play, the battle at the front is set for a dramatic conclusion. With Adams holding a strong lead, the fight for the remaining podium positions is set to come down to the final stage.

Syd Schulz remains firmly in control of the women’s race, leading the General Classification in 9:06:09 after another consistent performance. Japan’s Maiha Takemura continues to impress in second in her debut international stage race, with Susannah Lynch holding third heading into the final stage.

Teams – Froth Emerges
The teams competition continues to evolve, with one of the standout stories coming from the mixed category. Team Froth has emerged as a major player, moving into podium contention and applying pressure in one of the tightest battles of the race.

Just two seconds separates Froth from Team Taranaki Tomtits in the fight for second place, while Team Shell Pacific Nouvelle Calédonie leads the category.

In the men’s standings, Team Velovault continues to lead, with Team Spin Doctors and Team Iride rounding out the podium positions.

Depth across the field remains a defining feature of the event.In the Masters 40+ category, Gav My Ride / Wheelworks edged out Yuki Ikeda in a tight Stage 4 contest, highlighting the competitiveness across all divisions.

Philip Billings leads the E-bike General Classification in 6:55:23, ahead of Hendrik Cornelius and Matthew Brown heading into the final stage.

After a week of varied conditions, riders will be welcomed by warm and sunny weather for the final stage in Rotorua.
Fast trails, dry conditions, and one final opportunity to shape the podium.

​Five days come down to one. The leader is clear. But the podium is not.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION (After Stage 4)

MEN – SOLO 

1. Fletcher Adams (#1011) — 7:15:23
2. Macky Franklin (#1008) — 7:24:42
3. Kieran McPherson (#1020) — 7:29:30
4. Matthew Fairbrother (#1018) — 7:36:24 
5. Stefan Gabel (#1019) — 7:42:40 

WOMEN – SOLO 

1. Syd Schulz (#2003) — 9:06:09
2. Maiha Takemura (#4511) — 9:33:02
3. Susannah Lynch (#2006) — 9:39:16
4. Sarah Jenkins (#2002) — ~9:55 

E-BIKE GC

1. Philip Billings (#3502) — 6:55:23
2. Hendrik Cornelius (#3508) — 7:25:16
3. Matthew Brown (#3510) — 7:30:28

PAIRS  – MEN

1. Team Velovault (#510) — 8:20:30
2. Team Spin Doctors (#104) — 8:36:23
3. Team Iride (#502) — 8:53:53

PAIRS – WOMEN

1. Team Pure Sports Nutrition (#203) — 9:19:58
2. Team Decade Difference (#202) — 10:24:42
3. Team Art Fetiche Racing (#201) — 11:05:48

PAIRS – MIXED

1. Team Shell Pacific Nouvelle Calédonie (#311) — 9:47:34
2. Team Froth (#303) — 10:23:34
3. Team Taranaki Tomtits (#305) — 10:23:36

Full results can be found here

Photos: Clint Trahan