5 Day Pairs Race

PAIRS INFO
You and your teammate will take on five incredible stages across the geothermal heartlands of Taupō, Tokoroa and Rotorua — riding world-class singletrack and exploring volcanic landscapes.

Each day is a shared adventure, built on trust, teamwork and momentum. Off the bike, unwind with fellow riders over great food, local drinks and evening entertainment designed to match the atmosphere of each region. From start line to finish zone, this is a journey made better together.

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The Stages

More Information

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 riders of each age group category.

Daily Jersey Awards (5 day only)
This is a daily award ceremony held at during the daily awards with the GC leaders 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.

Open Men
Open Women
Mixed team
Masters 40+ Men
Masters 40+ Women
Grand Masters 50+ Men
Super Grand Masters 60+ Men

Overall Awards
On the final day after the General Classification awards, the overall positions will be awarded with prize money and non-monetary prize packs.

Overall Men 5 Day Solo
Overall Women 5 Day Solo
Overall Mens 5 Day Pairs
Overall Womens 5 Day Pairs
Overall Mixed 5 Day Pairs

START Times & PROCEDURE

5 Day Riders
Stage 1 - Heli-Bike

7.40am, 5 Day Rider check-in open 40 minutes before first uplift
8.00am, First uplift
3.15pm, Last uplift

Stage 2 - Taupo

10am, Mass start in self seeded waves of 75 -100 riders with 5 minute gaps, results will be based on mat to mat (net time)

STAGES 3 & 4

10am, In waves of 75 -100 riders with 5 minute gaps. 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.

STAGES 5

8am, In waves of 75 -100 riders with 5 minute gaps. 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.

What to expect On COURSE

2COURSE 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.

All stages are marked with red directional arrows that are placed at every turn and intersection. We also hang blue ribbons along the route to let you know that you are still on course between arrow locations. 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.

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 1 | Taupo, Kaimanawa Heli Bike