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Stage Three of the Shimano Volcanic Epic delivered the Queen Stage in full force, as the remnants of an ex-tropical system swept across Rotorua, bringing wild winds and relentless rain that pushed riders to their limits across the region’s legendary trails. Conditions led to a late course adjustment, with one of the final climbs removed, but the stage remained a demanding test of endurance, skill and resilience.  From the opening kilometres, riders were met with saturated trails, standing water and energy-sapping conditions, turning Rotorua’s world-class singletrack into a true battle of control and composure. New Zealand’s Fletcher Adams (NZL) continues to assert control over the race, taking out the Queen Stage in 2:30:45 and extending his lead in the General Classification. After three stages, Adams now leads in 5:44:25, opening a significant gap as the race enters its final phase. Behind him, Kieran McPherson (NZL) delivered a standout performance to finish second on the stage in 2:33:45, while Matthew Fairbrother (NZL) returned to form to claim third in 2:36:16. Stage One winner Macky Franklin (USA) crossed shortly after in 2:36:18, continuing his fight to stay within reach of the overall lead, while Rotorua local Stefan Gabel (NZL) rounded out the top five. Fletcher Adams said the conditions were really slippery and pretty slow on some of the climbs, but I’m happy with how the stage went and to have a solid lead on GC now. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, I’ll just give it everything.” Macky Franklin said that was quite the day out there — totally epic. It reminded me a bit of racing the Enduro World Series here in 2015 and 2017 when it poured like that, so it was cool to be back in those conditions, even in a very different style of race. I spent a lot of the stage riding in a group of four, which eventually broke up, and came through the finish with Matthew Fairbrother. We had a great day out there. I’m super stoked, and definitely looking forward to a little less mud and rain tomorrow.” Syd Schulz (USA) delivered another exceptional performance, taking out the Queen Stage in 3:17:50 and continuing her dominant run in the General Classification. Syd Schulz said, the cleanup afterwards has definitely been a bit of a mission, so I’m looking forward to a sunnier day tomorrow and keeping the good times rolling.” In a standout ride, Schulz finished inside the top 20 overall riders, including the men, underlining the level she is currently racing at. Japan’s Maiha Takemura finished second in 3:25:57, maintaining her consistency across the week, while New Zealand’s Susannah Lynch placed third in 3:30:53. Sarah Jenkins (NZL) rounded out the top four in 3:38:40, highlighting the depth in the women’s field. Maiha Takemura said the trails here in New Zealand are amazing and very different to Japan. The conditions were tough and I crashed early, but I was able to settle in and enjoy the race.” Pairs Battle Shifts as New Contenders Emerge
The Queen Stage has reshaped the pairs competition, with relentless conditions exposing cracks and creating opportunities across all categories. In the men’s field, Team Velovault continue to assert control, taking the stage in 2:52:20 and strengthening their position at the front. Behind them, the race is shifting, with Team Slowly Faster moving into second and Team iRide holding steady in third. In the women’s category, Team Pure Sports Nutrition continue to set the benchmark, delivering another strong performance to maintain their lead. Team Decade Difference and Team Art Fetiche Racing remain in contention as fatigue begins to play a role. The most dynamic movement came in the mixed category, where Team Shell Pacific Nouvelle Calédonie remain at the front, but Team Froth have emerged as a new contender, breaking into the top three for the first time this week. Team Taranaki Tomtits continue to stay in the mix as pressure builds. As the race moves into its final stages, the pairs competition is no longer just about holding position — it’s about who can adapt, respond and capitalise as the race begins to unfold. Next, the race heads to Tokoroa. After three demanding stages, riders will shift to the fast, flowing trails of Cougar MTB Park, as the event welcomes in the two-day competitors for the final stages. At 33.8km with 717m of elevation, Stage Four offers a different kind of challenge. Shorter on paper, but packed with intensity, rhythm and speed. Voted the standout stage in previous editions, Cougar MTB Park returns with evolved trails, fresh lines and even more opportunities to ride fast and flow hard through towering pines and native bush. It’s a chance for some to reset, for others to attack, and for the race to take on a new dynamic as fresh legs enter the field. With two stages remaining, the pressure is building, and the fight for the podium is far from over. The E-bike race saw a major shake-up on the Queen Stage, with the General Classification turned on its head. Early leader Jason Musgrove suffered a mechanical issue just 14km into the stage, forcing him to continue without motor assistance for the remainder of the race. In brutal conditions, the setback proved costly, dropping him down the standings and opening the door for Philip Billings to take control of the overall lead. General Classification (After Stage Three) Men's Solo
Women’s Solo
Ebike Solo
Men’s Pairs
Women’s Pairs
Mixed Pairs
Photo Credit: Clint Trahan / Allan Ure |
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