RACE RULES
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Race Rules
The Volcanic Epic is for riders 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.
Check out our full set of event rules below.
The race rules are in place to provide a definitive guide on how to race the Volcanic Epic, they are broken down in to 9 parts.
Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 – General Rules
Part 3 – Pairs Riding
Part 4 – eBikes
Part – Course
Part 6 – Crashes and Injured Riders
Part 7 - Anti Doping
Part 8 – Prize Money
Part 9 - Penalties
Check out our full set of event rules below.
The race rules are in place to provide a definitive guide on how to race the Volcanic Epic, they are broken down in to 9 parts.
Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 – General Rules
Part 3 – Pairs Riding
Part 4 – eBikes
Part – Course
Part 6 – Crashes and Injured Riders
Part 7 - Anti Doping
Part 8 – Prize Money
Part 9 - Penalties
Part 1 - Introduction
1.1 All rules in the Volcanic Epic are applicable to all participants and rider support crew unless stated otherwise.
1.2 Non Compliance; failure to comply with the event rules will result in a penalty which may results in disqualification. Penalties for rule violations are set out in part 9.
1.2.1 Interpretation of the rules; the Race Director will make the final decision on penalties and will be final and binding on all participants.
1.2.2 Definitions; for the purpose of rule interpretation:
Race Director, means the person in charge and has authority over the race.
Physical Assistance, means pushing, towing by physical contact between two participant but excluding any external devices. Also includes sharing of nutrition, water or bicycles parts.
Rider Separation, means the maximum time separation allowed between team mates at any time during a stage.
Rift Rider, also known as an Orange Board Rider means a member of their team has failed to complete any stage within the allocated allowed time but allowed to continue in the race. (see part 3)
DNS, means a participant who did not start the stage.
DNF, means a participant who did not finish the stage.
DQ, means a participant who has been disqualified for serious or multiple breaches of the rules.
1.2 Non Compliance; failure to comply with the event rules will result in a penalty which may results in disqualification. Penalties for rule violations are set out in part 9.
1.2.1 Interpretation of the rules; the Race Director will make the final decision on penalties and will be final and binding on all participants.
1.2.2 Definitions; for the purpose of rule interpretation:
Race Director, means the person in charge and has authority over the race.
Physical Assistance, means pushing, towing by physical contact between two participant but excluding any external devices. Also includes sharing of nutrition, water or bicycles parts.
Rider Separation, means the maximum time separation allowed between team mates at any time during a stage.
Rift Rider, also known as an Orange Board Rider means a member of their team has failed to complete any stage within the allocated allowed time but allowed to continue in the race. (see part 3)
DNS, means a participant who did not start the stage.
DNF, means a participant who did not finish the stage.
DQ, means a participant who has been disqualified for serious or multiple breaches of the rules.
Part 2 - General Rules
2.1 All rules in the Volcanic Epic are applicable to all participants unless stated otherwise.
2.2 All participants must wear a helmet approved by NZ/AUS safety standards or similar International standards.
2.3 The minimum. age of participation is 16 years of age on the 31st of December 2025.
2.4 It is the riders responsibility to ensure they are in good health and fitness to complete the event.
2.5 Headphones, earpieces or portal speakers of any sort are NOT permitted to be worn be a participant while on course.
2.6 Physical Interference: A participant is not intentionally permitted to physically contact another rider with bike, body or fluids such as liquid from a bidon or spitting, they maybe disqualified.
2.7 Passing participants MUST let the rider you are about to pass know when and on which side. E.g. "rider coming up, passing on your right when you are ready". If you are riding in a group let the rider in front know how many people will pass him/her. If you are the rider being passed you MUST yield when you find the next best place to move to the side and let them pass safely.
2.8 Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars of the bicycle. The number plate must be readable, so it must be fastened as flat as possible. Altering, cutting or placing of unauthorised sponsors' logos on race numbers will result in a penalty.
2.9 Participants may not have no participating support ride the course with them during the race.
2.2 All participants must wear a helmet approved by NZ/AUS safety standards or similar International standards.
2.3 The minimum. age of participation is 16 years of age on the 31st of December 2025.
2.4 It is the riders responsibility to ensure they are in good health and fitness to complete the event.
2.5 Headphones, earpieces or portal speakers of any sort are NOT permitted to be worn be a participant while on course.
2.6 Physical Interference: A participant is not intentionally permitted to physically contact another rider with bike, body or fluids such as liquid from a bidon or spitting, they maybe disqualified.
2.7 Passing participants MUST let the rider you are about to pass know when and on which side. E.g. "rider coming up, passing on your right when you are ready". If you are riding in a group let the rider in front know how many people will pass him/her. If you are the rider being passed you MUST yield when you find the next best place to move to the side and let them pass safely.
2.8 Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars of the bicycle. The number plate must be readable, so it must be fastened as flat as possible. Altering, cutting or placing of unauthorised sponsors' logos on race numbers will result in a penalty.
2.9 Participants may not have no participating support ride the course with them during the race.
Part 3 - Team Riding
3.1 No rider in a Pairs team is permitted to ride an eBike.
3.2 The maximum separation at anyone time is two minutes. Rider separation is measured at the timing check points on the course but can be enforced at any time. Rider separation can be measured more than once during any stage of the event. Penalties are applied on each breach of the separation rule.
3.2 A rider may double back on course in order to re-join their team mate or access the nearest feed or tech zone if it does not endanger any other rider.
3.3 Riders may provide physical assistance within their pair only. For the purpose of the rule, "Physical Assistance" is sharing of nutrition, bike parts and accessories, mechanical assistance and physical contact by the means of pushing. No towing is permitted using any device including physical contact.
3.4 If a team rider DNFs on a stage or needs to withdraw for any reason, the other rider may continue however they will not be eligible for general classification in a category or be eligible for prize money. The rider will receive a finisher medal.
3.5 Orange Board Riders
3.5.1 Orange Board Rider (unable to complete a stage)
1st Occurrence; Any rider who does not finish a stage within the allocated time will be classified as an Orange Board rider, also known as a rift rider. These riders may continue as an orange board rider, they will not be placed in the general classification as a race finisher.
2nd Occurrence: If an orange board rider does not finish another stage within the allocated time they will not be allowed to continue in the race for the subsequent stages.
3.4.2 Injured team rider
Any rider whose team mate exits the race or becomes an orange board rider due to the above will also become an orange board rider.
3.2 The maximum separation at anyone time is two minutes. Rider separation is measured at the timing check points on the course but can be enforced at any time. Rider separation can be measured more than once during any stage of the event. Penalties are applied on each breach of the separation rule.
3.2 A rider may double back on course in order to re-join their team mate or access the nearest feed or tech zone if it does not endanger any other rider.
3.3 Riders may provide physical assistance within their pair only. For the purpose of the rule, "Physical Assistance" is sharing of nutrition, bike parts and accessories, mechanical assistance and physical contact by the means of pushing. No towing is permitted using any device including physical contact.
3.4 If a team rider DNFs on a stage or needs to withdraw for any reason, the other rider may continue however they will not be eligible for general classification in a category or be eligible for prize money. The rider will receive a finisher medal.
3.5 Orange Board Riders
3.5.1 Orange Board Rider (unable to complete a stage)
1st Occurrence; Any rider who does not finish a stage within the allocated time will be classified as an Orange Board rider, also known as a rift rider. These riders may continue as an orange board rider, they will not be placed in the general classification as a race finisher.
2nd Occurrence: If an orange board rider does not finish another stage within the allocated time they will not be allowed to continue in the race for the subsequent stages.
3.4.2 Injured team rider
Any rider whose team mate exits the race or becomes an orange board rider due to the above will also become an orange board rider.
Part 4 - eBikes
4.1 An E-Mountain Bike is a bike operated with two energy sources, human pedal power and an electric engine, which only provides assistance when the rider is peddling.
4.2 Peddling assistance only (no twist throttle), although a start-up assistance not exceeding
6km/h without pedaling is allowed.
4.3 Engine of maximum 300 watts as required by in New Zealand law although peak power maybe higher.
4.4 Engine assistance up to 32km/h and must not be modified to override the speed restriction
4.5 The top 3 eBikes may be tested at the finish line to ensure rule 4.4 is upheld, riders must
allow their bikes to be tested or they may be disqualified.
4.6 Riders can only use the battery(s) in place on their bike and cannot carry an additional battery during the competition.
4.7 Riders cannot have a supporter provide a battery once on course.
4.2 Peddling assistance only (no twist throttle), although a start-up assistance not exceeding
6km/h without pedaling is allowed.
4.3 Engine of maximum 300 watts as required by in New Zealand law although peak power maybe higher.
4.4 Engine assistance up to 32km/h and must not be modified to override the speed restriction
4.5 The top 3 eBikes may be tested at the finish line to ensure rule 4.4 is upheld, riders must
allow their bikes to be tested or they may be disqualified.
4.6 Riders can only use the battery(s) in place on their bike and cannot carry an additional battery during the competition.
4.7 Riders cannot have a supporter provide a battery once on course.
Part 5 - Course
5.1 The actual distance of the stages may vary from the published or briefed information.
5.2 All riders must follow the official route, obey course directions & marshals. It is the
responsibility of the rider to follow the official route.
5.3 A rider who leaves the course for any reason must return to the course at the same point in which they left the course.
5.6 Course cut offs
5.6.1 All participants must reach and pass the “Course Cut off” point as designated by the Race director. Additional cut off points maybe imposed for safety reasons through the race.
5.6.2 Any participant who fails or in the sol opinion of the Race Director is unable to reach the cut of within the allocated time will be removed from the course and classified as a DNF.
5.6.2 The Race Director has the discretion to extended the cut off times in special circumstance such as a participant assisting with a medical event or any other circumstances outside the participants control.
5.7 Roads, trails & parks
5.7.1 Shared Roads, Some sections of the race included both forestry and public roads that are open to public motor vehicles, the event does not have exclusive use of any road.
5.7.3 Traffic rules apply, When riding on any forest or public road, all participants must strictly adhere to New Zealand road rules at all times.
5.7.4 All trails are open to the public including two way trails, participants must expect other trail users and treat non-event member of the public in a polite and curiosity way.
5.2 All riders must follow the official route, obey course directions & marshals. It is the
responsibility of the rider to follow the official route.
5.3 A rider who leaves the course for any reason must return to the course at the same point in which they left the course.
5.6 Course cut offs
5.6.1 All participants must reach and pass the “Course Cut off” point as designated by the Race director. Additional cut off points maybe imposed for safety reasons through the race.
5.6.2 Any participant who fails or in the sol opinion of the Race Director is unable to reach the cut of within the allocated time will be removed from the course and classified as a DNF.
5.6.2 The Race Director has the discretion to extended the cut off times in special circumstance such as a participant assisting with a medical event or any other circumstances outside the participants control.
5.7 Roads, trails & parks
5.7.1 Shared Roads, Some sections of the race included both forestry and public roads that are open to public motor vehicles, the event does not have exclusive use of any road.
5.7.3 Traffic rules apply, When riding on any forest or public road, all participants must strictly adhere to New Zealand road rules at all times.
5.7.4 All trails are open to the public including two way trails, participants must expect other trail users and treat non-event member of the public in a polite and curiosity way.
Part 6 - Crashes & Injured Riders
6.1 A participant that locates another participant/team who is injured in a crash MUST STOP to make sure that person is okay.
6.2 If the participant is injured to the extent they need medical support, you MUST stay with him/her and send the next participant/team to the next marshal to report the medical incident.
6.3 The participants that stop to assist will be given a time adjustment based on their average speed.
6.2 If the participant is injured to the extent they need medical support, you MUST stay with him/her and send the next participant/team to the next marshal to report the medical incident.
6.3 The participants that stop to assist will be given a time adjustment based on their average speed.
Part 7 - Anti-Doping
7.1 The event meets the mission of Drug Free Sport New Zealand and enforce the World Anti-Doping Policy.
7.2 Any rider found to be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs with be removed from the event and banned from future events held by the organisers.
7.2 Any rider found to be under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs with be removed from the event and banned from future events held by the organisers.
Part 8 - Prize Money Presentation
8.1 Participants who finish in a podium position eligible for prize money MUST be present to claim their allocated prize money.
8.2 Participants are expected to present themselves to the podium in a tidy manner, preferably in their race kit or jacket.
8.3 Participants MUST make themselves available for post event photographs and interviews immediately after the overall presentations. This will take no longer than 5 minutes.
8.2 Participants are expected to present themselves to the podium in a tidy manner, preferably in their race kit or jacket.
8.3 Participants MUST make themselves available for post event photographs and interviews immediately after the overall presentations. This will take no longer than 5 minutes.
Part 9 - The Penalties
A minor breach of the rules will see a participant penalised between 5 and 120 Minutes.
A major breach of the rules that bring the integrity or reputation on the event may see a rider disqualified and or banned from participating in future events.
A major breach of the rules that bring the integrity or reputation on the event may see a rider disqualified and or banned from participating in future events.
