Apia - Chris Dunn

The 2025 Negative Split Carbon Tour of Sāmoa officially began on Saturday evening with a short but spirited Prologue in Apia, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling week of racing. The 1.2-kilometre individual time trial, raced through the capital’s streets and finishing at the iconic Sāmoan Government Building, delivered drama, speed, and history from the very first pedal stroke.

The fastest time of the evening belonged to New Zealand’s Kurt Coetzee of Whangārei, who stormed around the course in a blistering one minute and 53 seconds. However, Coetzee, who is in Samoa as a mechanic rather than a full tour rider, will not feature in the General Classification. That meant the spotlight shifted to the next man on the timing sheet—and it lit up local talent in a way never seen before at this event.

Just two seconds behind Coetzee was Samoa’s own Hastings Salanoa of the Mountain Boyz Cycling Club. His time of one minute and 55 seconds secured him second overall in the Prologue but, more importantly, earned him the honour of wearing the yellow leader’s jersey when racing begins on Monday. For the first time in the history of the Tour of Sāmoa, a local rider will start Stage 1 as the race leader, marking a proud moment for the nation’s cycling community.

In the women’s category, defending champion Lillian Gray picked up right where she left off last year. The New Zealander produced a winning time of two minutes and 16 seconds, enough to secure the pink jersey for Day 1. Gray will begin her title defence from the front of the peloton, confident and clearly in strong form.
Adding further excitement to the opening day is the introduction of a new Local Leader’s Jersey. This red jersey will recognise the top-placed Sāmoan rider across the General Classification. Since Salanoa now wears yellow as the overall leader, the red jersey will pass to the next local rider, creating an extra layer of prestige for the homegrown athletes. That honour looks set to fall to either Wally or Tyreece of Bike Samoa, the father-and-son duo who finished impressively in fifth and sixth place in the Prologue.

Race Director Seti Afoa praised the opening night’s effort, noting both the competitive spirit and the strong showing of local riders. “The main role of the time trial this year was to establish our first jersey leaders,” he said. “It was fantastic to see Hastings step into the yellow jersey, a first for Samoa, and to welcome our local riders from Bike Samoa and the Mountain Boyz alongside international talent. It was a wonderful prologue.”
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With the jerseys settled and history already made, the attention now turns to Monday’s double stage. Stage 1 will see riders leave Apia for a 26-kilometre neutral section before the racing begins in earnest at Falefa. From there, the peloton faces a challenging 42-kilometre ride over the punishing Lemafa Pass to the Sinalei Resort, which doubles as the Sāmoa national road championship. Later that same day, Stage 2 takes the riders inland on a 35-kilometre route from Sinalei to Aleisā, culminating in the steep ascent of the Cross Island Road. With jerseys already on the shoulders of a local hero and a defending champion, and with the toughest roads of Sāmoa still ahead, the stage is set for a dramatic opening day of racing.

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!

Thirty-eight runners and walkers of all ages gathered on a warm Saturday morning, March 29, for one of Samoa’s most scenic and exhilarating races—the Falefā Falls 10 km Run.

Held just 26 km east of Apia, this out-and-back course challenged participants with rolling hills, stunning views of Falefā Bay, and a peaceful yet demanding route. Shorter distances of 6 km and 4 km catered to varying fitness levels.

The course, framed by ocean vistas and mountain landscapes, offered an unforgettable experience. As runners progressed along the gradual climb, they were rewarded with breathtaking coastal panoramas below and beyond, and lush greenery all around.

With minimal traffic, the event provided the perfect balance of serenity and intensity. The 5 km ascent tested endurance, while the return was a welcome reward aided by gravity. 

The start of the race was held up by  a wayward and obstinate bovine who refused to mooove and blocking the run course on the narrow mountain road. After some cowjoling by the owner, the animal hoofed it aside to let the race pass. 

More than securing line honours, completing the demanding course was the goal for all. At the end, Stuart Young and Elizabeth Helm led the pack  in the 10 km race, finishing as first male and female runners. Other winners were Soraya Jayne and James - 6 km, and Natalie Moore and Jared Willains in the 4 km distance.

Stuart has a strong history with this race, having competed in it multiple times. The last time he participated, in 2016, his wife Mel walked the 4 km event while heavily pregnant with their first child. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, a US Peace Corp Volunteer based in Falelatai, is experiencing her first run in Falefā.

The Sāmoa Run Series continues on Saturday, April 26, with a flat course along the beautiful villages of the South Coast, running between Maninoa in Si'umu and Vaie'e, Safata. This leg of the series features three distances with the longer distance of 12 km, an out-and-back course.

The ultimate goal of the series is to help runners prepare for the Sāmoa International Marathon on June 14.

Here's the link to run results. 

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What a spectacular day it was for this year’s harbour crossing across the mighty Manukau! A swim in waters where many fear to tread.
The course was set from Taumanu Reserve in Onehunga to the Manukau Yacht and Boat Club at Kiwi Esplanade in Māngere Bridge.
Swimmers faced a true test of endurance and resilience, tackling the challenging conditions brought on by the biggest tide of the month. Though short in straight-line distance at 1.7 km one way, this is the most technical swim on our register. Today, it proved even more demanding than in past years due to the 1.41-meter king tide.
Thankfully, the weather was perfect—a slight easterly breeze, a hot summer day, and great visibility on the water.
The single crossing from Māngere to Onehunga was timed for one hour before high tide, which meant the double crossing had to start 45 minutes earlier so that all swimmers could return together to Taumanu Reserve. This timing follows the successful formula of past swims on a neap tide.
Six swimmers took on the double crossing—a total of 3.4 km, plus an additional 300 meters (or more) dictated by the current.
The first leg to Māngere proved slow and demanding due to the strong cross-current. However, the return to Taumanu Reserve was a completely different story—swimmers finished 15 to 20 minutes faster, with the current spreading them wide apart in the middle. Regardless, everyone emerged with great weekend stories to take back to the office on Monday.
For those completing the single crossing from Māngere, the incoming tide provided great assistance but also presented its own challenges.
First to complete the double crossing was Gary Seaman, who was quick enough to cut through the tide without leaving a large arc trail behind him. In the single crossing, James Willoughby finished first, with Shane Chubb and Skylar Orr following second and third.
Sunday’s swim brought plenty of action to this usually quiet part of the Manukau Harbour. The yacht club held its club race at the same time, adding to the spectacle on the water.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our volunteers! A heartfelt thank you to Gregory Dunning, Gavin Tasker, and Peter van Kuyk on kayaks, as well as Chris Jackson on the Gemini RIB. Your dedication ensures these swims happen safely and successfully, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions.
Here’s to another unforgettable Manukau Harbour crossing—where determination meets the tide, and every swimmer emerges victorious!

Results link here

Event photos link here.

On Thursday, March 27, the Ocean Swim Club – Ōrewa marked the conclusion of its final Thursday evening swim of the season.

For the past twelve weeks, since early January, the club has gathered at Ōrewa North every Thursday evening to enjoy the open water and foster a love for ocean swimming.

The series catered to a diverse group of participants, with adult swimmers tackling a set course, tailored to individual fitness levels and abilities.

Adding to the excitement, the club introduced a Kids Swim Run event, which provided young swimmers with a safe and enjoyable introduction to ocean swimming and multi sports.

The children swam in shallow waters close to shore, where they could always touch the ground, while parents walked alongside them to provide encouragement and support.

The Thursday evening swim series will now take a seasonal break. However, swimmers will remains active during the colder months, shifting focus to group swims that continue through winter. 

Now officially registered as Ocean Swim Club Manatōpū Inc., the club’s leadership includes President Mike Mander, who envisions a welcoming space for swimmers of all levels. "Our goal is to provide a social and fun experience for everyone—no matter your age or ability—to get out there, get fit, and have fun."
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Looking ahead, the Ocean Swim Club is enthusiastic about expanding its reach and welcoming even more swimmers to experience the joy of ocean swimming. The club aims to create more opportunities for individuals and families to connect with the sea, build confidence in open water, and cultivate a supportive swimming community on the Hibiscus Coast and the greater city of Auckland.

​The next major event is the club championships on the last Sunday of April. New members and social swimmers are encouraged to stay connected for future updates.

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Hamilton medical doctor Lillian Gray was crowned the Women’s Champion in the 8th Tour of Sāmoa. The cycling road show over a week covered both islands, Upolu and Savai’i. The spectacle is the biggest cycling event in the country each year since 2014.

In the women’s tour, nine riders competed for the coveted pink jersey, equivalent of the men’s yellow jersey for the tour leader.

Lillian secured the women’s pink jersey on day one at the end of the first stage. She maintained the lead throughout the week despite giving away two stages. One each to Glynis and Ella.

Lillian is seen here enjoying the winning moment with 2nd-placed finisher Glynis Te Maipi-Kemp and Cahterine Moran who finished third.

Te Maipi-Kemp was the 2023 women’s champion. She collected a stage win this time but the pace of the tour, for men and women was elevated to a new level this year.

The women’s tour is a big feature of the Tour of Sāmoa. The Sāmoa tour is one of very few cycling tours in the world where the women ride the same course as the men’s tour.

For the first time, three Samoan women riders also completed the tour. Vicky Cairns (Auckland), Ella Simanu (Auckland) and Patricia Brooks (Town Clock Racing, Sāmoa Cycling) also finished the tour. It’s the first tour for Ella and Patricia while Vicky rode the tour in 2023.

Three other Sāmoan riders rode part of the tour, cousins Graceshalom Ta’aitōfaga and Maria Brooks (Town Clock Racing). Pa’ulua Toma (Itū o Tane Club) added to the success of the tour by representing Savai’i in the Time Trial on day three of the tour. Maria and Patricia Brooks were earlier this year crowned Oceania Mountain Bike medallists, 2nd and third, at the Oceania MTB Championships in Brisbane.

Lillian is presented the Women’s Trophy and Queen of the Mountain plate by District Court Judge Leota Raymond Schuster at the tour prizegiving at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.


Below - District Court Judge Leota Raymond Schuster with Patricia Brooks, Grace Ta’aitōfaga and Maria Brooks. Photo ScottieTPhoto

​Article by Seti Afoa

The 2024 Negative Split Carbon (NSC) Tour of Sāmoa was officially launched in Auckland last week. The tour is a six-day road cycle race around Upolu and Savai’i managed by Sāmoa Events and supported by Sāmoa Cycling.

The gathering on Thursday evening was hosted by NZ Cycling icon Gordon McCauley at the GMC Cycling store in Silverdale. Gordon rode the Tour of Sāmoa last year with his wife Pam. He was so impressed with the country and the tour that he is bringing back a bunch of mates for this year’s tour.

Gordon is a Commonwealth medallist in the individual time trial. He has won the men’s NZ road race championships a record five times and the NZ time trial championships three times. At 51 years of age, McCauley is still competitive but ultimately fell two back on the 2023 tour behind Andrew Westgarth who won the men’s tour and Sāmoa representative Bena Simanu.

McCauley signed up for the 2024 tour as soon as the open sign was up. “I had so much fun last year that I wanted to come back.”

” A big plus for me in the Tour of Sāmoa is there is no pressure for me to perform unlike at the Tour of Southland where I am expected to be up the front even though I am now entering my 50’s.”

If the 2023 tour was a speed up from previous tours, the2024 version looks to be even quicker. Early comments from those in the know looking at the list of new entrants, this year’s tour will be the fastest yet. The influence of McCauley is giving the tour  a big boost and attracting faster riders like Stuart Holder, a top GMC rider.

A major highlight of this year’s tour is the return of 80% of last year’s riders, including champions Westgarth (Auckland) and women’s champion Glynis Te Maipi-Kemp (Kapiti Cycling Club).

Westgarth was the fastest rider on the tour last year. He won the yellow jersey on the first day and never relinquished it. But even he can read the room and Westgarth has resigned the yellow jersey to someone else this year. Too bad for Andrew, a great sport, he will still have to don the yellow jersey for stage 1 of the first day. The handover ceremony follows at the end of that stage at Lalomanu - or is he pulling wool? Time will tell.

An unknown feature of the tour is the entry of Swiss rider Christoph Friedli. Although he has posted impressive results with the Hamilton Cycle Club this year, he remains a relative unknown in the cycling circles down under. Friedli is bringing a wingman indicating a tactical approach to the racing.

According to McCauley, he is a further four spots back from 2023 in placing this year on current entries.

The Info evening was attended by 25 people instore and more on the live link. Tour director Seti Afoa was present at the presentation as well as tour sponsor Negative Split Carbon director Chris Dunn. Chris is a regular competitor in Sāmoa Events races. He won the Sāmoa Swim Series (SSS) in 2019 and the Warrior Race Beat the Heat distance in the same year. Chris finished second in SSS in 2018.

The 2024 tour is a sellout at 50 riders with a large number of supporters joining the tour. The tour is staying at the following accommodations: Tanoa Hotels, Stevensons Manase, Tanu Beach Fales, Savai’i Lagoon Resort, Vaimoana and Vaisala Hotels, Amoa Resort, Le Rosalote and Le Alaimoana Hotel.

The tour has been the premier cycling event in the country since 2014. This year’s tour will kick start with a street race Criterium (Crit) in Apia on Saturday 17th August.

As a former NZ Criterium champion himself, McCauley is looking forward to showcasing his sprinting skills against tour riders and local riders. The Criterium might be the one event he can win - time will tell.

Local Riders - this year’s tour will field the biggest local field yet. In total, there are 12 Sāmoan riders enrolled on the tour, eight local riders and four from Aotearoa New Zealand. Local riders include tour veteran Wally Collins, and Oceania MTB medallists Maria Brooks and Patricia Brooks, Simon Brooks, Tonu’u Ollie Seumanufagai and three riders from Itū o Tane to be selected.

Sāmoa Events is subsidising all local entries. The four overseas Sāmoan riders are Galumalemana Rona Simanu, Bena Simanu and Vicki Cairns (2023 tour). Ella Simanu joins her dad and brother on the tour. Bena and Vicki were podium finishers in the 2023 tour, second and third respectively in the men’s and women’s tours, no mean feat in the competitive field that was 2023,

Article by Seti Afoa