Superenduro Round 1, Golfo di Diano Marina - Friday Setup
The longer race means they can start using the classic Maiali track (literally translated: pigs) again, which is a mixed blessing for the riders. With it's 20-odd jumps it's a great track to pin, but it's a long, long way out - the climb was so long they had to drop it from the Sprint races as it ruined too many people. There's also an all-new track, Molini, which has a few steep sections that look like they will catch a few people out on race day. 300 hundred riders are signed to come and ride on Sunday. Defending champ Andrea Bruno will be looking to hold onto the coveted red number board for a third season, but Alex Lupato and Davide Sottocornola have been able to get the better of him in the pre-season, with Andrea Gamenara and Manuel Ducci close behind. There are also the international riders like Nico Vouilloz, Al Stock and Karim Amour. One person who won't be here is Dan Atherton though, his enduro career hasn't got off to a great start as word is that he is sitting at home with a busted shoulder...
Over the last few weeks the weather on the Riviera has been a shambles, barely a day has passed without rain. This weekend is looking to be no exception to that...
The Piazza di Torre Saracena. Sure this doesn't look much now, but check back in tomorrow and you'll see why this photo's in here...
That rain has left patches like this on the trail - thick, sticky puddles and slippery clay. It's going to make tyre choice interesting as these patches can easily take a wheel, but most of the ground is far too hard to run a mud tyre.
The tiny village of Cervo perches below the final track, Antennaes, riders will run down the side of it to get back down to the paddock.
Just one riding photo today. With the ominous-looking weather conditions there weren't many people out on the trails. This is local(ish) rider and part of the FRRD crew who have helped organise the race, Davide, pinning it down CNC San Rocco.
There's always one: a lone rider pedalling up towards stages three and four.
Main man, Enrico Guala, setting up the press office with Superenduro mainstays, Laura and Alberto, for the first time this year.
In the back of the van is most of the race control for the weekend. Organisers, Enrico, Franco and Stefano get stuck into some serious marquee building.
One of the new rider packs for this year. As well as the sexy, re-designed number board, riders will now have helmet stickers.
As the light started to fade, race control was finally taking shape. Hopefully it'll still be there in the morning.
Anybody want to take a bet on what the weather is going to do tomorrow? Forecasts suggest rain and those heavy clouds look ominous, but it's always hard to tell what's coming in this part of the world...
Stay tuned tomorrow as practice begins in the day and the riders take to the streets of San Bartolomeo for the prologue in the evening.
www.superenduromtb.com
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