In this coverage of the Tour de Samoa, we include some commentary on the various stages of the race by a local bike rider, Lachlan Hurse. The commentary is taken from Lachlan’s Facebook page and the videos from his Strava record. the commentary on the videos is all mine, and I take responsibility for the comments made. Ian Curr, Editor WBT 19 August 2026.
Stages 1 & 2
One of the From Australia to Cuba with Love organisers, Lachlan Hurse, has taken his riding skills to Samoa, where he is a participant in the 10 day Tour de Samoa bike race. We have been following him on Strava, having completed stages one and two on an epic ride with many achievements.
Lachlan writes:
“Tour of Samoa 2026: Monday 17th August
Our first day of racing! We left Apia before dawn, riding in a neutral stage along the coastline for a little over 20 km to Falefa village, where we regrouped. Stage 1 started with a climb to Le Mafa pass followed by another climb over the mountains heading east. A long downhill descent followed (thankfully) to the coast and onto the finish at Lalomanu, an idyllic beachside village.
After a rest, Stage 2 began, another 40 km ride along the southern coast, a very rough road with plenty of ups and downs. I was flagging by the end. It was a very humid day, but I was very happy to finish without incident.
Overall, we rode over 100 km, with over 1200 m of climbing. A tremendous day with a great group of riders and faultless organisation. Thanks to the crew for wonderful support.
#tos2026
#thejoyofcycling
Lachlan 17 August 2026
Video commentary by Ian Curr
Stage 3 – ‘Scorching across the lava flats‘
Tour of Samoa 2026. 18th August. Lachlan writes:
The second day of racing. It began with Stage 3 from Apia to just past Faleolo International Airport, a distance of just over 33 km. For me, it went well. It was decided because of traffic conditions to keep it a neutral stage until the last section where racing would begin. I was in the main peloton, and when the racing started, there was a hill on which I broke away and thought I might just have a chance. But just when the finish line was in sight, the peloton broke into a sprint that rolled right over me! Still, it’s a good feeling. We called into Samoa Beach resort for coffee and a short rest. It was a lovely outlook over the ocean towards Savai’i, the other main island.
Pretty soon, we were on the ferry to Savai’i and on docking prepared for Stage 4. Because of the heat (a very humid 35 degrees), the organisers decided to ride a neutral 20 km, take a break, and decide on the rest of the stage. After drinking a couple of litres of water, it was suggested that some of us shift the bikes to the top of the next hill and ride in a neutral formation until the last 5 km for a final race. I had just caught the peloton when the 5 km flag fell, and the sprinters were of leaving me behind. Nevertheless, I had a top 10 placing, which made me feel pretty good.
The rest of the afternoon was spent having lunch and resting at Tanu Beach Fales, another idyllic spot, where I could snorkel (yes, I brought my mask, snorkel and flippers in anticipation) over the fringing coral reef, with its colourful array of fish.
The night finished with dinner and a show of Samoan song, dance, and fire-twirling, a great end to the day.
#tos2026
#thejoyofcycling
From Lachlan’s Facebook page we get an action packed description of the stage:
Tour of Samoa 2026: 19th August
Stage 5. The time trial. After packing and having a local breakfast, we headed out on the time trial at one minute intervals. I was eighth in a field of 17 so you can see I’m ninth in the general classification (which is also the bottom half!) The route took us along the northern coastline, a very pretty outlook across the palm trees, the volcanic sandy beaches and the incredibly blue ocean. At about 12 km we turned inland and rode through a series of climbs, the temperature rising and little breeze to cool us. By this stage I had passed everyone who had started ahead of me, but the stronger riders started overtaking me, one by one, nine passing me. And then came the final killer of a climb to the finish line. There were few smiles at the end, most of the bunch looked pretty drained.
It was fresh coconut juice all round and a wonderful downhill ride to the Vaimoana resort where we relaxed, swam in the ocean and were treated to singing and dancing after dinner.
#tos2026
#thejoyofcycling
Tour of Samoa 2026. 20th August
The final day of racing. Stage 6 – a 52 km ride- began with a staggered start, the bottom half starting an hour earlier. I was happy enough to do this, missing a bit of the heat and humidity for which Samoa is well-known.
I soon overtook all the other riders in my group and headed up the first climb, 5 km in length and a bit steep in places. From there there were two more major climbs, generally though, it was up and down for the rest of the stage, with more than 760 m of ascent. Riding alone, it became like an individual time trial, passing through villages, waving to school children, avoiding dogs (one persistent pair chased me for almost a kilometre) seeing pigs, horses and the occasional cow grazing (worried they might stray onto the road) and passing a local cricket game intently watched by a fair crowd of people. All the while, occasional views of the coastline were there to entice me, providing relief from the grind of the hills.
I was first across the finish line, my riding friend Vicky Cairns arrived about 10 minutes later. The main peloton followed with a sprint finish, their times were about 20 minutes quicker than me. There are some good legs on this tour!
After coconut juice, water and a rest we began Stage 7, a 33 km ride with Les elevation than the preceding stage. I was feeling a bit seedy and rode with Vicky until Wes Phillips passed us, when Vicky hung onto his wheel and they soon dropped me. In the end I arrived at the finish about 8 minutes after Wes and Vicky, and lost some time on this stage. Nevertheless a great day. Congratulations to Jett and Piper on their stage wins.
Our final ride was going further around to the Amoa Resort which is comfort plus! After a rest I saw a demonstration of traditional weaving (making a basket from a coconut frond) and sharing dinner with the riders and the crew.
Finally, I wore my ‘From Australia to Cuba with Love’ jersey today (as I did on the same stages of the tour last year) and dedicate this ride to my Cuban friends, the cyclists and other friends who have been generous in their support, I’ll be seeing some of you soon!
Tour of Samoa 2026. 21st August
A rest day followed by the awards ceremony. The day started casually. After breakfast at Amoa Resort, some of us took the tour van to Afu Aau Falls on the south coast. We swam in the cool clear fresh water, a perfect way of relieving the stress of the past four days of intense riding.
In the afternoon half a dozen of us participated in an ocean swim challenge organised by Seti Afoa, the Tour Director, where we would swim around 300 metres around a pier adjacent to the resort. The water was warm and choppy, and I was buffeted around by the waves and wind, but nevertheless it was great to do it, as I had done it last year as well.
Later, just before sunset we had the awards ceremony. Awards were given to the two winners of the general classification, Jett Curtis and Summer Karras, both aspiring young cyclists who rode exceptionally well. An award was given to Vicky Cairns as the best Samoan rider, to all the crew and all participants received a special carved wooden medal as well. A nice ceremony which capped off a fantastic Tour of Samoa.
Thanks to Seti and the team for making this 10th anniversary Tour of Samoa such an inclusive and memorable event!
#tos2026
#thejoyofcycling
