2016 French Enduro Series Round 3 - Millau: Race Day
Race day was soon upon us here in Millau, in Southern France for the 3rd round of the French Enduro Series. This was also to be the final round of the E-bike series - yes this a thing and a serious one here in France. With the sun was shining and an air of anticipation, this was always going to be a race to remember, not least because Anne Caroline Chausson was back amongst the action. And what an incredible feat for her, back racing having beaten cancer. She managed to take second place and while Anne would have wanted the win, she looked more than happy to be back on the bike, racing and relieved to have made it to the finish.
The men’s race was full of drama - Florian Nicolai was fastest in timed practice, but his day didn't go to plan, having few untimely crashes which prematurely ended his race weekend getting himself disqualified. Ludovic Oget was sitting in second overall but crashed out on the third stage injuring his arm. Theo Galy put in a solid performance and took the win, closely followed by Rudy Cabirou and Alex Cure, rounding out a top three full of twenty-something riders. French enduro is piping hot with fresh talent right now...
Racing started bright and early on Sunday, as everything had to be finished early thanks to a big Motorbike meet which was coming through town.
The golden sunlight was out in the morning.
Morgane Jonnier.
Once again, riders were given lifts to the top of Stage 1 to start, but from there on out it was all pedal power...
It's pretty stunning here.
Dashing through the trees, the sunlight made sections of trail really hard to ride, creating really harsh shadows that only hid obstacles.
Theotim Trabac was the fastest junior of the day, finishing up 11th in the Elite Men's category.
Axelle Murigneux.
Adrien Dailly took the win in the E-bike race.
Taking a break...
Just the one food stop along the way this weekend.
Julien Roissard.
Adrien Dailly making this section of trail into a question mark.
Morgane Jonnier looking aggressive on the bike, finishing in 4th place this weekend.
The trails were loose and tough to get down here in Millau. It wasn't to be for Florian Nicolai today, who crashed a few times and also ended with a DSQ.
Ludovic Oget, on stage 1. He was looking quick, but unfortunately crashed out later in the day.
A second place finish for Rudy Cabirou.
Sabrina Jonnier took the win today and the overall win in the e-bike race.
Chloe Gallean, into second place in the e-bike category.
A solid result for Alex Cure today, 3rd place.
Anne Caroline Chausson... we're so happy to have you back!
The crowds made their way to all the stages to cheer/heckle/sing.
Cecile Ravanel was the fastest lady down the hill today, by just under a minute.
Theo Galy, held his own today and took the win.
Theotim Trabac.
A knowing smile from Anne Caroline Chausson.
Cecile Ravanel, victorious.
The fastest man on the hill today, Theo Galy.
Women's
1st: Cecile Ravanel
2nd: Anne Caroline Chausson
3rd: Rae Morrison
1st: Cecile Ravanel
2nd: Anne Caroline Chausson
3rd: Rae Morrison
Men's:
1st: Theo Galy
2nd: Rudy Cabirou
3rd: Alex Cure
1st: Theo Galy
2nd: Rudy Cabirou
3rd: Alex Cure
Today's winning number.
MENTIONS: @BWinder
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But how can people choose to ride e-bike instead of mountain bike ?
Personally, the pedal-assist bikes are fine by me. If more people can get to ride bikes, then maybe more people will appreciate the things I do like nature and shit (eloquent, thanks).
The bikes that are just an electric motorcycle disguised as a mountain bike just remove the whole purpose for me from the biking. I love the fact that I can just pedal to a new place, explore new trails, get lost in the woods, all under my own power.
I have had the opportunity to try the pedal-assist bikes and I was actually slower on the down...
So yeah, if it was a pedal-assist bike, I would be perfectly fine, even happy, to see them on my local trails. The other kind, they can stick to the moto trails.
In the end, anybody coming into mountain biking just needs to respect the trails and the wilderness surrounding them. That may be the main concern for people: the fact that new people will be coming into the sport who otherwise wouldn't have and these people may not respect the trails we love oh so much.
Sorry for going on and on, but hey you asked for it