The First Day of School - Enduro World Series, Round 1

Apr 19, 2014
by John Wellburn  
EWS Logo - image by Matt Wragg

The first day of school is a pretty good analogy for the first race of the season. Nobody has seen each other for several months, everybody gets back together in one place and there are the obvious questions on people's minds. Who got lean? Who got fat? Who has a shiny new toy to go and play with? Swapping off-season stories and sizing up the competition, the world's elite enduro racers descended on Nevados de Chillan, and as practice opened many riders saw their friends and rivals for the first time since the season ended.

For safety reasons, practice here in Nevados is very strictly structured - on Thursday riders could practice stage two in the morning and stages one and three in the afternoon. On Friday it was stages four and five in the morning and the long stage six in the late afternoon. This was so the organisers could make sure there was proper medical support on each stage - as stages two and six are long tracks that start a ways out from the beaten path, they are also technically demanding, so you wouldn't want to be getting up to race pace unless you were sure there was someone to help if things got ugly.


SRAMs John Chancellier gives Clementz bike a last minute check before he heads on out for practice.
  SRAM's Jon Cancellier gives Clementz's bike a last minute check before he heads on out for practice.

Toby Woggon is one of only three Germans here in Chile this weekend - it s a sign that enduro still hasn t really caught on in Germany yet and many riders are sticking to their staple diet of techical climbs and fireroad descents.
  Toby Woggon is one of only three Germans here in Chile this weekend - it's a sign that enduro still hasn't really caught on in Germany yet and many riders are sticking to their staple diet of techical climbs and fireroad descents.

Adam Craig about to drop into the ultra steep chute in the monstrous Stage 6. It starts on top of the World plummets down open slopes and feeds into loose-dirt-high-speed-mega-steep-gnar.
  Adam Craig about to drop into the ultra steep chute in stage 6. Stage six is a monster. It starts on top of the world, plummets down open slopes, and feeds into loose dirt high speed mega steep gnar.

Richie Rude laying down some power out in the open just below the start of Stage 2 against a forest of fire.
  Richie Rude laying down some power out in the open just below the start of stage two below a forest of fire.

Manuel Ducci through a tunnel of reds oranges and greens on Stage 2. Nevados de Chillan has such a variance of terrain from insanely steep chutes to high-speed open rock and sand there is a little of everything to test every skill set.
  Manuel Ducci through a tunnel of red, orange and green on stage two. Nevados De Chillan has such a variance of terrain, from insanely steep loose chutes to high speed open rock and sand - there is a little of everything to test every skill set.

Chris Ball showing the World how to execute a proper manual. The volcanic background certainly doesn t detract from the display.
  Chris Ball showing the world how a manual is done. Doesn't hurt either that there is a volcano in the background.

While the volcanic sands may make for good roost it is thick and will quickly suck you off your bike if your cornering is not on point.
  While the volcanic sands may make for good roost, it is thick and will suck you off your bike if you are off line and not carving turns.

Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
  Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Over a rise lay this snow patch just out of sight from the track in the shadow and in front of a little lip. The dilema was to to blast through it or try to ollie it.
  Over a rise lay this snow patch, just out of sight from the track in the shadow and in front of a little lip. The dilemma was to to blast through it or try to ollie it.

Alex Lupato in full charge over a rocky section of the trail that slowed down most riders today.
  Alex Lupato in full charge over a rocky section of the trail that slowed down most riders today.

Spot the rider in this huge landscape perfect single track transitions the rocky alpine to the forest below.
  Spot the rider in this huge landscape, perfect single track transitions the rocky alpine to the forest below.

The sand hike to the start of stage two is pretty brutal by the end. But that s what Chillean mountain biking is - with their soil many climbs simply aren t possible in the saddle and coming to Chile the EWS wanted to reflect what mountain biking is really like here. For the most part the racers were ok with it especially because the trail waiting for them after the climb is so good...
  The sand hike to the start of stage two is pretty brutal by the end. But that's what Chilean mountain biking is - with their soil many climbs simply aren't possible in the saddle and coming to Chile, the EWS wanted to reflect what mountain biking is really like here. For the most part the racers are okay with it, especially because the trail waiting for them after the climb is so good...

While the valley floor isn t too cold when you get to the peaks for the start of the stages it was cold enough overnight for the ground to freeze over which could mix up the conditions on race day.
  While the valley floor isn't too cold, when you get to the peaks for the start of the stages, it was cold enough overnight for the ground to freeze over, which could mix up the conditions on race day.

Richie Rude is maybe the biggest unknown in this weekends race. His Junior DH World Champion stripes make it clear that he has the raw pace and he s certainly not lacking strength. Yet he s a monster among men and many of the riders who have crossed to enduro like Graves and Barel have had to shed a lot of their weight to gain endurance for the long stages. So the question is whether his muscularity will be a help or a hinderance come race day
  Richie Rude is maybe the biggest unknown in this weekend's race. His Junior DH World Champion stripes make it clear that he has the raw pace, and he's certainly not lacking strength. Yet he's a monster among men and many of the riders who have crossed to enduro, like Graves and Barel, have had to shed a lot of their weight to gain endurance for the long stages. So the question is whether his muscularity will be a help or a hindrance come race day?

Walker Shaw bombing into Stage 6 among the the peaks and clear blue Chilean skies. Stage 6 is going to be the real crux here It s long it s fast and it gets super technical. Much could go wrong - it could make or break the race for some.
  Walker Shaw bombing into stage six amongst the peaks up in the clear blue Chilean skies. Stage six is going to be the real crux here. It's long, it's fast, and it gets super technical. Much could go wrong here, it could make or break the race for some.

Scott Laughland on the final open slope of Stage 6. The views are breathtaking but these guys are going far too fast to take it all in.
  Scott Laughland on the final bits of open slope on stage six. The views are breathtaking, but these guys are going far too fast to take it all in.

It s best to save energy. Riders pick which part of the transfers to ride and which to hike.
  It's best to save energy and pick which part of the transfers you are riding and which ones you are climbing.

Iago Garay enters the forest section of Stage 2. The dirt here is a rich coffee bean brown fine and just perfectly damp below the surface. Perfect hero dirt.
  Iago Garay enters the forest section of stage two. The dirt here is a rich coffee bean brown, fine, and just perfectly damp below the surface. Perfect hero dirt.

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Jerome Clementz is looking fit and ready for the challenge that Nevados has to offer. Rest assured however that Jared Graves will not make easy a repeat of last year for the Frenchman. Coming off a hard season of training and a second place at the Australian national champs Graves has the skills to walk away with a win here in Chillan.
  Jerome Clementz is looking fit and ready for the challenge that Nevados has to offer. Rest assured that Jared graves will not make easy a repeat of last year for the Frenchman. Coming off a hard season of training and a second place at Australian national champs, Graves is fit, and has the skills to walk away with a win here in Chillan.

That fine Nevados de Chillan volcanic dirt makes for truly incredible roost.
  That fine Nevados De Chillan volcanic dirt is perfect for truly incredible roosting.

In the middle of stage two riders enter this high canopied Jurassic-looking forest where a river of perfect dirt corners wind their way through.
  In the middle of stage two, riders enter this high canopied, Jurassic-looking forest, where a river of perfect dirt corners wind their way through.

The only rider racing with a fanny pack this weekend is Californian Aaron Bradford. Make of that what you will. Despite the questionable style choice he seems to be keeping pace with his teammate Francois Bailey-Maitre pretty well so could be one to look out for this weekend.
  The only rider racing with a fanny pack this weekend is Californian, Aaron Bradford. Make of that what you will. Despite the questionable style choice, he seems to be keeping pace with his teammate, Francois Bailey-Maitre, pretty well, so could be one to look out for this weekend.

Giants new signing Yoann Barelli keeping it under control in the powder. Unfortunately his teammate Josh Carlsen was doing so well taking a huge slam on the wideopen third stage and ruling himself out of active duty once more.
  Giant's new signing Yoann Barelli keeping it under control in the powder. Unfortunately his teammate, Josh Carlsen, wasn't doing so well, taking a huge slam on the wide open third stage and ruling himself out of active duty once more.

Jared Graves tends to keep a low profile in practice he doesn t like stopping if he can help it and has been quietly putting the runs in. It s hard to gauge where his speed is as he isn t a hugely flamboyant rider he doesn t seem to need to do a lot to ride at speeds that would scare the piss out of most people.
  Jared Graves tends to keep a low profile in practice, he doesn't like stopping if he can help it and has been quietly putting the runs in. It's hard to gauge where his speed is, as he isn't a hugely flamboyant rider, he doesn't seem to need to do a lot to ride at speeds that would scare the piss out of most people.

Red bushes blue rider 1 25th of a second.
  Red bushes + blue rider + 1/25th of a second.

The chair to the top of stage 6 is a long one...Nice views though.
  The chair to the top of stage 6 is a long one...Nice views though.

The forest in Chillan is somewhat of enchanting especially when the last rays of the day speckle down the sun beams.
  The forest in Chillan is somewhat of enchanting, especially when the last rays of the day speckle down the sun beams.

Right beside the start of stage 4 there are boiling natural hot springs called fumarolas. Some of the locals were enjoying the show during practice in style.
  Right beside the start of stage 4 there are boiling natural hot springs called fumarolas. Some of the locals were enjoying the show during practice in style.

The lift passes straight over stages one and two meaning you can some wild panning shots from directly above the riders.
  The lift passes straight over stages one and two, meaning you can some wild panning shots from directly above the riders.

Martin Maes has moved up into the senior category this year but his wild riding doesn t look to have calmed down too much. Watching him ride in practice he has to be one of the frontrunners for bagging at least a podium spot this weekend.
  Martin Maes has moved up into the senior category this year, but his wild riding doesn't look to have calmed down too much. Watching him ride in practice, he has to be one of the frontrunners for bagging at least a podium spot this weekend.

A few people have asked in the comments whether Jamie Nicholl will be riding a Santa Cruz Nomad this year. Seeing as he signed to the Hutchinson Polygon team this winter the answer is a resounding no. He certainly looks comfortable on the new bike and he says he s really enjoying the added support of having a proper team around him.
  A few people have asked in the comments whether Jamie Nicholl will be riding a Santa Cruz Nomad this year. Seeing as he signed to the Hutchinson Polygon team this winter, the answer is a resounding no. He certainly looks comfortable on the new bike and he says he's really enjoying the added support of having a proper team around him.

Kyle heading into the red zone
  Kyle Warner taking the corner and not holding back as he enters into the colourful forest of Chillan.

Some of the riders were taking a moment to take a little detour before the start of practice to check out the boiling hot springs at the top of the mountain.
  Some of the riders were taking a moment to take a little detour before the start of practice to check out the boiling hot springs at the top of the mountain.

Shadows of the last hour of sun creeping over the landscape.
  Shadows of the last hour of sun creeping over the landscape.

Ninety nine percent of stage six is beautiful single track. Judging from the howls of joy I heard today from the racers I think they were enjoying this stage a lot.
  Ninety nine percent of stage six is beautiful single track. Judging from the howls of joy I heard today from the racers, I think they were enjoying this stage a lot.

Jerome leads the cannondale team through the corners
  Jerome leads the Cannondale team through the corners.

The sun was shining and the traction was prime but this corner coming out of the sun into the trees through most riders for a loop.
  The sun was shining and the traction was prime but this corner coming out of the sun into the trees through most riders for a loop.

The upper part of the transfer to Stage 4 is unrideable at least if you want to do well on the downhill. It is brutally steep. Best to push up and save energy for the stage.
  The upper part of the transfer to stage four is unrideable. At least if you want to do well on the stage. It is steep, brutally steep. Best to push up and save your energy for the stage.

The Lamb of God atop the climb to the start of Stage 4. There are also bubbling geothermal vents and the air smells of sulfur. A reminder of the activity going on underground.
  The Lamb of God atop the climb to the start of stage four. There are also bubbling geothermal vents and the air smells of sulfur, a reminder of the activity going on under ground.

More lovely Chillan roost.
  More lovely Chillan roost.

Nobody else in enduro throws shapes on the bike in quite the same was Nico Lau can. He s the antithesis of Graves conservative riding style so it will be interesting to see which approach pays of come race day.
  Nobody else in enduro throws shapes on the bike in quite the same was Nico Lau can. He's the antithesis of Graves' conservative riding style, so it will be interesting to see which approach pays off come race day.

Francois Bailey-Maitre is a rider we missed from our 20 riders to watch list this year - and more than any other rider he s the one insiders are saying we really dropped the ball on and this could be his year. He s certainly looking fast on track and even though he was protesting he couldn t jump he has plenty of style to make this little fly off look good.
  Francois Bailey-Maitre is a rider we missed from our 20 riders to watch list this year - and more than any other rider, he's the one insiders are saying we really dropped the ball on as this could be his year. He's certainly looking fast on track and even though he was protesting he couldn't jump, he has plenty of style to make this little fly off look good.

With time on track limited racers were queueing to make sure they got on that last lift up to get one more practice run in before the lift and trails shut down.
  With time on track limited racers were queueing to make sure they got on that last lift up to get one more practice run in before the lift and trails shut down.

While there is virtually no mud here the amount of dust means bikes need a quick hose down at the end of each day.
  While there is virtually no mud here, the amount of dust means bikes need a quick hose down at the end of each day.

There s a really chilled out relaxed air to the pits. With most of the team setups half a world away it s dominated by the Chileans - talking laughing drinking beers playing with their families and getting to speak to the racers that they usually only seen on screen. While as a racer we wouldn t doubt that the big setups are helpful and it looks impressive for keeping the sport approachable and accessible then there are definite upsides to the smaller pits.
  There's a really chilled out, relaxed air to the pits. With most of the team setups half a world away, it's dominated by the Chileans - talking, laughing, drinking beers, playing with their families and getting to speak to the racers that they usually only seen on screen. While as a racer we wouldn't doubt that the big setups are helpful, and it looks impressive, for keeping the sport approachable and accessible, then there are definite upsides to the smaller pits.

Nico Lau describes how his riding has been better than we could hope to...
  Nico Lau describes how his riding has been better than we could hope to...

After a hard day both in the saddle and hiking the bike Curtis Keene takes five in the pits. Racing with him this weekend is Specialized s marketing manager Sam Benedict who has escaped the office to try his hand at an EWS race.
  After a hard day, both in the saddle and hiking the bike, Curtis Keene takes five in the pits. Racing with him this weekend is Specialized's marketing manager, Sam Benedict who has escaped the office to try his hand at an EWS race.

Iago Garay had a close call on track today but walked away smiling. Even a crash didn t dampen his enjoyment of the trail network here he was grinning from ear to ear come evening.
  Iago Garay had a close call on track today, but walked away smiling. Even a crash didn't dampen his enjoyment of the trail network here, he was grinning from ear to ear come evening.

Cedric was sporting this shortened version of the DVO Jade shock on his Santa Cruz Nomad.
  Cedric was sporting this shortened version of the DVO Jade shock on his Santa Cruz Nomad.

Nico Lau tearing up the corners at the head of stage two.
  Nico Lau, tearing up the corners at the head of stage two.

If views like this don t get your heart beating you may want to check your pulse. You might be dead. This has to be one of the most amazing places in the World to hold a race.
  If views like this don't get your heart beating, check your pulse. You might be dead. This has to be one of the most amazing places in the world to hold a race.

Remy Absalon is looking fast composed and comfortable on his new Scott Genius LT. Will he be able to get back to sparring with his old rival Clementz this weekend
  Remy Absalon is looking fast, composed and comfortable on his new Scott Genius LT. Will he be able to get back to sparring with his old rival, Clementz, this weekend?

www.enduroworldseries.com

Author Info:
JHellburn avatar

Member since Jun 20, 2010
7 articles

85 Comments
  • 81 0
 From this weekend alone we'll have about 3 months wirth of PODs!
  • 3 0
 I agree. These guys just put on a clinic.
  • 6 0
 amazing pics!
  • 2 0
 Yeah. Colors are awesome. Can some one figure out what species of trees the red\ umber ones are...and then smuggle one back in to oregon for me. Perfect for Bonsai. Seriously...i have money...
  • 2 0
 So it turns out Chile is the most awesome ride spot on the planet.
  • 30 0
 Did I just see the word ollie used?
  • 2 2
 Yeh, nice crosspollination, even more steez for trail racing Wink
  • 5 4
 as a skateboarder, I find the use of the word "ollie" insulting and inappropriately used. Wink J/K
  • 11 0
 I'm guessing most of the riders blasted through the snow, I didn't notice a single skateboard strapped on anyone's back
  • 2 0
 I actually audibly laughed when I read that sentence.
  • 3 24
flag stacykohut (Apr 19, 2014 at 8:47) (Below Threshold)
 you laughed out loud?
i just threw up in my mouth...

lol.

talk about having no clue.

who ever wrote that needs to be taken out and shot, then ran over by a carbon v10 with 26 inch wheels.


besides, i believe in the 70's we called a jump on a bike without a takeoff a 'bunnyhop'............
it hasn't changed people.

and for the record, nobody bunnyhops their skateboard over the channel on a backyard vert ramp.


god, enduro is gay.
i got suckered in by the nice shots of the volcano.......should have never even read the the picture comments.

i gotta go watch bob hannah supercross reruns on youtube to just respect myself again.............
  • 26 8
 What a bullshit comment... No idea about Germany. Toby Woggon is one of only three Germans here in Chile this weekend - it's a sign that enduro still hasn't really caught on in Germany yet and many riders are sticking to their staple diet of techical climbs and fireroad descents.
  • 17 2
 yes, this was really off. the author doesnt seem to have any clue at all...
  • 13 2
 He might be north american. We keep reading we wear spandex....
At the last Bluegrass enduro tour in Dabo (France) my guess is that 1/3 of the field was german. Or is that cause you guys speak so loud??? Don't think so! Wink
  • 12 1
 "Europenas started this Enduro shit and this the motherf*ckin thanks they get?" - Toby Wagon Wink
  • 2 0
 Well, it is not as popular as it is in France. But its slowly taking off, first local series started this year. Marathon racing is for example very popular tons of events you can participate.
  • 28 2
 Just looked up last years Finale Ligure results. Only 5 Riders from the USA, looks like they are sticking to their staple diet of techical climbs and fireroad descents.
  • 3 1
 Get em! Hahah
  • 5 0
 One fact is that it is rather expensive getting to Chile from Europe, that kind of limits the non-pro euro riders chances to participate too... I think there will be quite a different mix of nationalities racing in Tweedlove...
  • 11 4
 Sorry guys, but lets be honest: He's right. Considering the total number of riders in Germany, we certainly lack some in these categories compared to the countries around us. It splits up in the DH/Park crowd and the endurance focused group, with the latter being the vast majority. I'd like to think of myself as someone right in between, now obviously called "Enduro" or "Agressive Trailriding", but I certainly don't see to many people doing this. That doesn't mean its not getting more popular recently, but it's definitely still a far way to go. Let's push it and change this!
  • 2 0
 Reality is majority of the riders at ews are sponsored so the average joe or smith will just half to settle on local races even if some may have the skills but not enough to pay the bills.
  • 5 5
 Cmon guys give him a break and take yourselves a bit less seriously - he might have been to Lake Garda festival... It is traumatic
  • 9 1
 Hey! The author is Canadian not from the USA. Don't pull us into this.
  • 9 8
 Canadians already apologized for Bryan Adams when will US fonaly apologize for Miley Cyrus?! You guys are like a wrecking ball!
  • 3 0
 If you can't laugh at yourself from time to time, you definitely won't make a good riding partner. Cheer up! Have a great Bier!
  • 3 1
 waki we will never apologize for bryan adams!!! only beiber and mayor ford
  • 2 0
 Ford is the shit! Rather apologize for celine dion. But then you brought us arcade fire...
  • 2 2
 Canadian?, go figure! ,I was talking to a shimano employee and he told me that the only reason they still make a triple crankset is because the Germans like to do technical climbing !
  • 3 2
 Stopcomponents: I represent Poland and we demand your apologee for Justin Bieber and a fee in form of 50 mln litres of Maple Syrup. I also require a dyplomatic location in form of a 120sqm house with 1 acre of backyard on Nort Shore Vancouver + at least 4500$ diplomatic monthly salary for me and my family. Failure to meet our demands will result in regrouping of our construction workers, strawberry pickers and plumbers from UK, Germany and France and sending them to Canada which will cause a default in your jobs system. That will also cause the collapse in the construction sector in forementioned countries where the only native employers are project leaders eventually a few engineers.
  • 5 1
 sounds like war! we are preparing the planes and will be bombing you with unsold justin beiber cds and dvds and the fake maple syrup made downtown toronto
  • 1 0
 kingofbike It is a bullshit comment indeed, everyone knows Germans have a staple diet of Sauerkraut and Bratwurst. Pfffftttt, get your research right Pinkbike.
  • 3 0
 Just dont touch the americans, they are going to retaliate with mileysirup XD
  • 1 0
 Is there any live timing?
  • 2 0
 @waki during the Olympics Canada and USA had a bet, loser keeps Bieber. ca.askmen.com/news/entertainment/loser-keeps-bieber.html
So blame the USA now
  • 1 0
 Sorry, Olympic Hockey.
  • 1 1
 MendelMu stop changing the subject you Danish lover boy! Go check Melodi Festivalen! Bla bla bla blaaahahahaha!!! Troll fest!!!
  • 2 0
 Wack(i), you just trying start a war in hope of the extradition treaty with Canada will be used - well, you will not be sent to BC, rather some rural akward french talking part of Canada. Hah!
  • 4 0
 Oh I'am sorry I didn't notice he is from Canada.
Well only one rider from Canada in Finale Ligure. I guess they're just not into this mountainbiking thing at all Wink
  • 1 0
 Stage 1
Men: Maes, Nicolai, Clementz. One second separates them.
Women: Chausson, Moseley(+11), Ravanel(+15).
  • 1 0
 Guess the most germans where somewhere in italy for racing this weekend?!
  • 1 0
 Just to clarify! The captions on each photo are made by the photographer not by who posted the post.
  • 14 3
 Practice? Enduro? How does this match? I thought Enduro was all about riding unfamiliar terrain?
  • 5 0
 That's not what the ex-DHers and ex-XC guys wanted I guess...
  • 8 1
 maybe a 15min descents you get a couple of runs at? this isn't exactly extensive practise... not like 4 days on the same track the DH boys get
  • 4 0
 It's not exactly what happened at Punta Ala and Finale Ligure last year. And traditionally enduro is run blind. It's great fun, and not unsafe like some people like to say it, as you just ride a little slower, on the safe side.
  • 2 0
 In Chile they could of raced blind cause its not the home of the top rides - although some very good riders. A lot of places i europe will give some of the top racers an advantage cause its their stomping ground.
  • 1 0
 In the french enduro series it's not necessarily the top local who won the race. Now if you're about to answer "yeah but the series is surely not that difficult" I invite you having an eye on the top 10 of the EWS. I am actually convinced this gives them a strong advantage on the competition; they can better read the terrain and that's good cause you can't memorize 20 km of special stages, no matter how often you watch your gopro footage.
  • 8 0
 I say send Richie Rude to Cairns next weekend Yeti!!! Come on!!
  • 1 0
 That would be awesome - but you don't just "send" a guy to a WC. Ya kinda need to send an entire support team too. thus the reason the venerable Yeti has concentrated resources on EWS this year and not split between the two. They'll be back in DH, depending on Rude and Graves' season results and desires.
  • 11 3
 Yay for grammar editing!
  • 12 1
 I think the problem arises after a full day out in the elements shooting; running or riding around with a 50lb camera bag. Then, doing team dinner, walking a half mile to find internet, and finally uploading and editing photos for the next 3-4 hours. By 2am, the screen probably gets a little blurry for these guys as they're trying to get content out for you in a timely fashion with enough time to catch a few hours rest before doing it all again the next day. Thank them for their coverage and efforts, but cut them a little slack.
  • 3 0
 Interesting to see Nico Lau on the new Fox 36 fork especially after looking at his bike check where he says he'll be sticking to his 34 which he tested all winter. Is the track that much rougher at spots?
  • 2 0
 Pretty sure Martin Maes is on the 36 too from that picture! Looks pretty brutal out there tbh!
  • 5 0
 Really great coverage. Photos are amazing.
  • 4 0
 I'm amazed by how strikingly beautiful this place is. Now added to my travel list.
  • 1 0
 Toby Woggon is one of only three Germans here in Chile this weekend - it's a sign that enduro still hasn't really caught on in Germany yet and many riders are sticking to their staple diet of techical climbs and fireroad descents. !!!! Such a stupid comment to make ! What the hell would you know !
  • 2 0
 the comment about the Germans is pure BS. What about the Italians: there are also only 3 of them in Chile, and still Superenduro is probably the most well known enduro series in Europe.
  • 1 0
 Jeeeesus on a hardtail!!!
Makes me want to buy me tickets to Chile right now!
Amazing pics, @Matt .... BUT - What's food like, compared to Liguria and "trofie al pesto" or a nice "fritto misto"?
  • 4 0
 This is the best publicity mountainbiking can get...
  • 3 0
 Magnifique , superbe article , great job !
  • 4 1
 What about the Ladies?!!?
  • 3 0
 What a banger location!!! bloody hell!
  • 1 0
 Is the EWS streamed live? Or do we have to wait to read race reviews and watch video edits?

This venue looks surreal. Makes me want to visit.
  • 2 0
 My favorite caption for a pic is of the locals enjoying the hot springs "in style".
  • 2 0
 You don't need to canadian kickout to go fast, Graves for the win.
  • 1 0
 I think Lau may continue his form from the end of last season, full helmet cam of every stage would be amazing.
  • 1 0
 Lau or Clementz!
  • 2 1
 How's the Chileian dude lying on his guts in the hot pool....... Best seat in the house!
  • 1 0
 Looks like a spectacular place to ride. Can't wait to see some of the video footage.
  • 1 0
 These guys are all living the dream. All we can do is live vicariously through them.
  • 1 0
 Amazing photography! Keep up the great work Matt and John , looking forward to race day pics.
  • 1 0
 I have no idea how richy rude is going to go this season he was going to be really competitive in the dh this year
  • 1 0
 What I find interesting is Cannondale just released that new 160mm lefty fork and NO ONE is racing on it. HMMMMMM
  • 2 0
 Got dammit - Josh Carlson!
  • 2 0
 Those pics were amazing. No wonder people are lovin this enduro thing.
  • 2 0
 Such beautiful place, great photos. Thanks for posting all of them
  • 1 0
 olalaaa ...but..alors..where is the chrono live for the race...?
  • 1 0
 Hopefully no monster esrthquakes. The enduro action is good enough.
  • 1 0
 Is the Lamb of God wearing a GoPro?
  • 2 0
 GREAT PHOTOS!!!
  • 2 0
 Warner!
  • 2 1
 Love the photos
  • 2 1
 photos are unreal







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