CHRIS DUNN / NEGATIVE SPLIT CARBON - As the sun rises over the capital city of Apia, anticipation builds for the start of the 2025 Negative Split Carbon Tour of Sāmoa. Set against the tropical backdrop of one of the Pacific’s most picturesque nations, this year’s Tour promises a thrilling blend of world-class racing, cultural celebration, and personal endurance. With the support of presenting sponsor Negative Split Carbon and under the stewardship of Sāmoa Events, the event continues its legacy as a premier fixture in Oceania’s cycling calendar.

Founded in 2014, the Tour of Sāmoa is the brainchild of Seti Afoa, who serves both as Race Director and the visionary behind Sāmoa Cycling, the country’s UCI-accredited governing body for the sport. Afoa’s dual role ensures a seamless fusion of local insight and global professionalism, allowing the Tour to grow in both prestige and participation. This year’s edition features some of the biggest names in Southern Hemisphere cycling, including defending Women’s Champion Lillian Gray and decorated cycling veteran Gordon McCauley.
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​The 2025 edition begins on Saturday, August 16, with a compact yet intense prologue time trial in the heart of Apia. Riders will complete two laps of a 1.7-kilometre city circuit, starting and finishing in front of the iconic Sāmoan Government Building. Though short in distance, the 3.4-kilometre prologue is anything but casual. Technical corners, high-speed straights, and roaring support from Apia’s locals will set the tone for the week-long contest ahead. With general classification positions on the line from the first pedal stroke, precision and power will be paramount. Every second will matter.

Looking beyond the prologue, riders are bracing for an intensely packed schedule, particularly on Monday, August 18. Stage 1 begins with a neutralised 26-kilometre roll-out from the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Apia to Falefa, followed by a 42-kilometre stage over Lemafa Pass to the Sinalei Resort. This stage also doubles as the Sāmoa national road championship, adding an extra layer of prestige and pressure. Just hours later, Stage 2 will challenge riders with a 35-kilometre route from Sinalei Resort to Aleisā, culminating in a gruelling climb up the Cross Island Road. It’s the kind of day that could shake the leaderboard early and reward the most resilient climbers.

Tuesday, August 19, offers a change of pace with Stage 3, a relatively flat 33-kilometre ride from Apia to Mulifanua, after which the entire tour will board a ferry to the island of Savai’i. There, Stage 4 begins later that same day with a 46-kilometre route from Salelologa to Manase. This stretch offers some respite to sprinters, and the scenic ride along Savai’i’s northern coastline will be as visually rewarding as it is physically demanding. That evening, the peloton will be welcomed with traditional hospitality by the family at Tanu Beach Fales in Manase, an experience that blends Sāmoan culture with the camaraderie of the cycling world.

Stage 5 on Wednesday, August 20, presents a race against the clock. A 31-kilometre individual time trial from Manase to a remote inland finish near Asau will demand everything riders have in terms of pacing, technique, and self-belief. This solitary test could be a turning point in the Tour and will play a crucial role in reshaping the General Classification standings.

The intensity escalates on Thursday, August 21, with the longest stage of the race. Stage 6 covers 54 undulating kilometres from Asau to Taga, beginning with a steep climb that sets the tone for a rugged, leg-breaking journey. That afternoon, Stage 7 delivers the final competitive push—a 35-kilometre flat dash from Taga to Salelologa. While not as punishing in elevation, the speed and stakes will be high as it represents the last official race stage before two ceremonial days.

Following a well-earned rest at Amoa Resort, some riders may take on the unofficial 180-kilometre challenge of circumnavigating Savai’i, while others opt for recovery or a casual coastal ride. The Tour then concludes with Stages 8 and 9 on Saturday, August 23. These non-competitive, ceremonial rides from Amoa to Salelologa and from Mulifanua to Apia celebrate not only the athletic achievement but the spirit of unity, culture, and exploration that defines the Tour of Sāmoa.

Weather could play a pivotal role across the stages. August in Sāmoa typically brings warm temperatures hovering around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius, with intermittent tropical showers. Humidity will be high, demanding careful hydration and heat management from every rider.

Seti Afoa has summed up the ethos of the event best: “This Tour blends sport, culture, and environment. Every turn—from Apia’s bustling streets to volcanic ridgelines—tells Sāmoa’s story.” It’s a story that will unfold over nine stages, two islands, and hundreds of kilometres, with a new chapter written every day.
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As the riders take their marks for the Prologue, the road ahead is filled with possibility. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines, following online, or cheering from afar, one thing is certain: the Negative Split Carbon Tour of Sāmoa is back—and it’s ready to deliver an unforgettable journey.

​Sāmoa Events / French Polynesia - In the July window, we had three swimmers take on three swims in French Polynesia. Two were in Bora Bora and the third swim was in the Mo'orea Channel from Tahiti to 'Āfareaitu, Mo'orea. ​

Eric Bateman from Sydney, Australia, completed ​t​he 24 km swim around the island of Bora Bora. He started his swim at Matira Beach and swam anticlockwise around the ​m​otu, finishing the loop in 9 hours and 15 minutes.
Eric was supported by fellow swimmer Christine Freak, who acted as his feeder throughout the swim. He described the experience as magical, highlighting the beautiful blue waters and the challenge of navigating coral and currents. "This is probably my favourite swim ever," said Eric.
Eric now joins a small group of swimmers who have completed the full circumnavigation of Bora Bora.

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Christine Freak Tackles Tough Currents in Bora Bora Swim
​5 July 2025 – Bora Bora ​

Two days after Eric’s swim, Christine Freak from New South Wales, Australia, completed her own 24 km circumnavigation of Bora Bora. Starting and finishing at Pitiu'u-uta Island, Christine swam clockwise around the island in a time of 7 hours and 25 minutes.
Her swim started fast, covering 10 km in just 2.5 hours. However, the second half was much tougher due to strong currents. “It felt like swimming in a river,” said Christine. Despite the challenge, she was proud of her effort and found strength in the moment—especially when two turtles appeared during a difficult stretch.
Christine’s determination and resilience were on full display in what she called a swim to remember.

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Stacey Wong from California, USA, completed a 20 km swim across the Mo’orea Channel, from Tahiti to Mo’orea, in 6 hours and 48 minutes. 
Stacey enjoyed mostly calm seas early on, but later faced rolling swells of up to 3 metres. She finished her swim at ‘Āfareaitu on Mo’orea just before 2:30 pm.
“This swim made my soul dance,” she said. “The water, the view, the support—everything was perfect.” Stacey thanked the crew for their guidance, including kayak support, boat pilot Kiko, and swim captain Kirill.
Her successful swim adds to the growing list of marathon swims in French Polynesia and shows the power of determination, preparation, and a love for the open water.


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SETI AFOA / APIA - In an inspiring debut performance, Phoebe Long completed her very first full marathon in an impressive time of 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 13 seconds, earning her the title of Women’s Winner of the 2025 Sāmoa International Marathon.

Phoebe was greeted at the finish line by her proud family and a group of enthusiastic supporters who had followed her journey from the early hours of the morning. Their cheers and encouragement added to the emotional moment as she crossed the finish line in front of the Government Building in Apia.

On hand to congratulate Phoebe and present her with the winner’s medal were Acting Prime Minister Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefa Ponifasio and his wife Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio, making the occasion even more special and memorable.

Phoebe’s achievement is a testament to her determination, strength, and the spirit of adventure that led her to sign up just one day before the race.

Congratulations, Phoebe – you are a marathoner and a champion!

Phoebe Long Steps Up as the Sole Female in Sāmoa International Marathon​

At 26 years old, Phoebe Long stands out as the only female competitor in this year’s Sāmoa International Marathon.

In a bold, last-minute move, Phoebe signed up for the marathon just one day before the race. After a brief assessment by organisers to confirm she could safely complete the 42.2 km course, she was officially cleared to start.

From Aotearoa New Zealand, Phoebe is visiting Sāmoa with her partner to spend time with his family. When she learned about the marathon, she didn’t hesitate — seizing the moment to run her first marathon.

She has completed ten half marathons, all with solid results and steady pacing.

Pictured above at the 1:00 a.m. start line in Manono-Uta early on Saturday morning, Phoebe is calm, focused, and ready for the challenge.

This year’s marathon features five runners, each supported by a dedicated vehicle along the course and a Red Cross volunteer. In Phoebe’s case, her support crew is a full family team, cheering her on every step of the way.

We’ll bring you updates on her progress later today

Go, Phoebe!

Women in Marathon in Sāmoa
Since 2016

2018 - 1 Prudence Raine (NZL)
2019 - Chiaki Sakakibara (JAP)
2023 -
Kirsty Sesto, Kelsey Waters, Susan Petrie, Ruby Spark (NZL)
Muantawan Arsraira (THA)
Karen Michelsen (CAN)
Deborah Lazerson, Parvaneh Moayed, Elizabeth Gmerek (USA)
2024 - Khalida Cox (UK)
2025 - Phoebe Long (NZL)


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Sāmoa Events-Apia​

Tom Zawalnyski, 25, from Perth, Australia, has won the 2025 Sāmoa International Marathon with a time of 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 34 seconds.

“It’s a bit slower than I was aiming for,” Tom said after the race, “but I’m still really happy with the result. The humidity was a big factor — very different from what I’m used to coming out of Perth and the Australian winter.”

Despite the conditions, Tom said he enjoyed the experience. “The first 30 km felt great, really comfortable. It got a bit tough after that, but overall I really liked the race.”

This was Tom’s first full marathon, marking the beginning of his marathon journey. “You always remember your first marathon — and it’s nice that mine was here in Sāmoa.”

One highlight for Tom was the dedicated support vehicle provided to each marathon runner. “That’s something quite unique — it worked really well for me. At one point, I even got some ice from someone in the truck, which really helped.”

Tom spent the week leading up to the race preparing in Apia. “The Vaea Hotel was a very nice place to stay — they looked after me well and were really pleased to be hosting a champion I think,” he said.

Tom’s running community in Australia has been following his journey closely. He’s expecting the race — and his victory — to be mentioned in an upcoming podcast they produce.

Congratulations, Tom!