A five-day, multi-town mountain bike race gets under way in Rotorua today featuring hundreds of riders from around the world.
The second edition of the Shimano Volcanic Epic, a stage race traversing “185 kilometres of epic trails” in Rotorua, Taupō and Tokoroa, goes from April 3 to 7, a statement from organisers said.
A 10.2km prologue race starts at the Te Putake O Tawa Carpark on Tarawera Rd from 11.30am today before Stage One on Thursday sees riders tackle a 44.8km course around the Whakarewarewa Forest.
Stage Two moves to Taupō's Owen Delany Park on Friday for a 62.1km race along the trails of the Waikato River, pass Huka Falls before crossing into the the Craters MTB park.
![Two riders traverse Rotorua’s Sulphur Flats as they approach the final finish line for a well deserved feed, beer and finisher’s medal at Government Gardens. Photo / Nduro Events / Chris Chase](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MUNTYPZZYJCFXEIA2WODOWWUVU.jpg?auth=dbc829411a00d078bbf6da0a8576d3c6315c617d772625beb3c506127a1f0634&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)