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PAIRS INFO
You and your teammate will ride through some of the best trails the geothermal region of Rotorua & Taupō have to offer. You’ll get bragging rights, traversing unique volcanic and culturally significant areas, usually closed to cyclists. Pedal hard and chill hard. Meet other like-minded riders on the trail, and share your day's adventures over food, drinks and beats at the end of each day. |
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STAGE DATES
The 5 Days take place from Wednesday 26 March to Sunday 30 March 2025.
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CATEGORIES
Age is calculated as of 31 December 2025. The youngest rider in the team determines the race category. Please note, Gravel bikes and eBikes are not permitted in the Pairs event.
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AWARDS
Daily Podium Awards
A daily award ceremony is held at the completion of each stage. These awards are a non-monetary prize pack. and are for the top 3 pairs of each age group category.
Daily Jersey Awards
This is a daily award ceremony held at during the daily awards with the GC leaders of the pairs of each age group category.
General Classification (GC) Age Category Awards
On the final day will also see the winners of the the category classification awards Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for all events.
Overall Classification (OC) Prize Money
Prize money is awarded to the overall top 3 men's, women's and mixed pairs in the OC at the end of fifth day, regardless of age group.
Prize money is awarded as follows:
Daily Podium Awards
A daily award ceremony is held at the completion of each stage. These awards are a non-monetary prize pack. and are for the top 3 pairs of each age group category.
Daily Jersey Awards
This is a daily award ceremony held at during the daily awards with the GC leaders of the pairs of each age group category.
General Classification (GC) Age Category Awards
On the final day will also see the winners of the the category classification awards Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for all events.
Overall Classification (OC) Prize Money
Prize money is awarded to the overall top 3 men's, women's and mixed pairs in the OC at the end of fifth day, regardless of age group.
Prize money is awarded as follows:
- 1ST $600*
- 2ND $400*
- 3RD $200
START PROCEDURE
Start groups for the 5 day rider are released in waves of 75 -100 riders with 5 minute gaps, please read the information below to learn how the start groups are managed.
Stage 1 = Prologue
5 day riders can start the Prologue at any time between 11:30am and 3pm. Simply complete your rider check to collect your race pack then roll up to the start line before 2:45pm! All riders must start Stage 1 by 2.45pm. Pairs must complete the prologue at the same time.
STAGES 2,3,4 & 5
The start order is taken from the general classification (GC) combined stages times and reset daily. Start groups will be emailed out daily at 6:00pm and published here.
Please Note:
Start groups for the 5 day rider are released in waves of 75 -100 riders with 5 minute gaps, please read the information below to learn how the start groups are managed.
Stage 1 = Prologue
5 day riders can start the Prologue at any time between 11:30am and 3pm. Simply complete your rider check to collect your race pack then roll up to the start line before 2:45pm! All riders must start Stage 1 by 2.45pm. Pairs must complete the prologue at the same time.
STAGES 2,3,4 & 5
The start order is taken from the general classification (GC) combined stages times and reset daily. Start groups will be emailed out daily at 6:00pm and published here.
Please Note:
- It is possible to fall in or out of your start group based on your general classification combined stages time.
- Pairs & Solos may start in the same wave based on GC.
- There is no start grid priority given to the race leaders of any category.
- Starting in the wrong start group may see the rider and/or team disqualified, the onus is on the rider to ensure they start in the right group on a daily basis.
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STAGE 2 & 4- Start Times
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STAGE 3- Start Times
Stage 3 is a mass start at 10:00am All riders will be starting together, and not in waves. If you have not booked a shuttle to Stage 3 start, you will need to make your own way there. |
STAGE 5- Start Times
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COURSE CUTOFFS
The course checkpoints are in the interest of participant safety & course management. The times are based on a participant averaging 9.6kmph. If you fall behind a cut off time you will be directed to stop at the aid station checkpoint (CP) and transported back to the venue. You will be classed as a DNF (Did Not Finish) for that stage.
Stage 2 | Rotorua: CP1: 1:00pm @ 25km | Exit Old Chevy Trail
Stage 3 | Rotorua: CP1: 1:29pm @ 21.1km | Miller Road Aid Station
Stage 4 | Taupo: CP1: 11:52am @ 13.09km | First time through Aid Station
CP2: 1:18pm @ 26.9km | Second time through Aid Station
Stage 5 | Rotorua: CP1: 9:31am @ 9.67km | Yellow Brick Road Trail entry
The course checkpoints are in the interest of participant safety & course management. The times are based on a participant averaging 9.6kmph. If you fall behind a cut off time you will be directed to stop at the aid station checkpoint (CP) and transported back to the venue. You will be classed as a DNF (Did Not Finish) for that stage.
Stage 2 | Rotorua: CP1: 1:00pm @ 25km | Exit Old Chevy Trail
Stage 3 | Rotorua: CP1: 1:29pm @ 21.1km | Miller Road Aid Station
Stage 4 | Taupo: CP1: 11:52am @ 13.09km | First time through Aid Station
CP2: 1:18pm @ 26.9km | Second time through Aid Station
Stage 5 | Rotorua: CP1: 9:31am @ 9.67km | Yellow Brick Road Trail entry
COURSE MARKING
Volcanic Epic course marking is set out to direct you in the right direction. There are many different signs on the trails we ride that are unrelated to the event, please take time to learn our course marking and signs.
As riders approached turns and junctions there will be blue ribbons, the closer the ribbons are together the closer it is to a turn. Three blue ribbons on the side of the track indicate a turn is approaching on the same side as the ribbons. All event marking has our logo on it.
It is your responsibility to:
Volcanic Epic course marking is set out to direct you in the right direction. There are many different signs on the trails we ride that are unrelated to the event, please take time to learn our course marking and signs.
As riders approached turns and junctions there will be blue ribbons, the closer the ribbons are together the closer it is to a turn. Three blue ribbons on the side of the track indicate a turn is approaching on the same side as the ribbons. All event marking has our logo on it.
It is your responsibility to:
- Know and follow correct signage.
- Know your ability, and heed B Line, Drop, XXX and Caution markers
- Not assume a rider in front of you is going the same way (e.g., DNF rider or non-athlete on trail)
- Not rely on GPS as we may have had to make last minute course changes.
RACE RULES
The Volcanic Epic is for riders from across the globe and of all abilities. While a few come to race, the majority come to ride in this amazing event. So remember the "D CODE". Don't be a disrespectful to other riders, event staff, the public or the environment.
The Volcanic Epic is for riders from across the globe and of all abilities. While a few come to race, the majority come to ride in this amazing event. So remember the "D CODE". Don't be a disrespectful to other riders, event staff, the public or the environment.
