Practice: EWS 2016 Round Two - Bariloche

Apr 1, 2016
by Dave Trumpore  
EWS Round 2


SE VIENE LA TORMENTA

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY DAVE TRUMPORE & MATT WRAGG





The trail conditions here in Bariloche are unlike anything anybody has raced on before. It feels more like powder skiing than riding at times. In these loose conditions the trail changes so much, so fast. What might start the day as virgin singletrack cut across a piste can rapidly turn into a deep, sandy rut where you cannot see what is in front of your wheels. While it may look fun, smashing the insanely sandy tracks is nothing less than treacherous. We don't think we have ever seen this many crashes in an EWS before - fortunately the sand means that there is usually a fairly soft landing waiting for you. This constantly evolving race course and the unknown perils beneath the dust make for an unpredictable combination and would not be surprised to see a few upsets come race day. Although, if you are of a nervous disposition and cannot see a roost shot without worrying about IMBA's sustainability guidelines, maybe you should look away now...

EWS Round 2

First light on the first day of practice and the current 1 of Richie Rude was already getting down to business.
First light on the first day of practice and the current #1 of Richie Rude was already getting down to business.

Bariloche is certainly a very pretty place to go racing but behind the beauty there is a savagery to these tracks.
Bariloche is certainly a very pretty place to go racing, but behind the beauty there is a savagery to these tracks.

After missing last weeks round due to injury Hannah Barnes is happy to back in action here in Bariloche.
After missing last week's round due to injury, Hannah Barnes is happy to be back in action here in Bariloche.

Cool nights mean the leaves are starting to change color here in Bariloche.
Cool nights mean the leaves are starting to change color here in Bariloche.

Sadly we won t be seeing anymore of this guy in Argentina. Jared Graves went down hard on stage 3 practice and is out with what looks to be a separated shoulder.
Sadly we won't be seeing anymore of this guy in Argentina. Jared Graves went down hard on stage 3 practice and is out with what looks to be a separated shoulder.

Seb Claquin has decided it s like moto track here so is manualling everything in sight this weekend to keep his front wheel out of trouble.
Seb Claquin has decided it's like a moto track here, so he's manualling everything in sight this weekend to keep his front wheel out of trouble.

Anita Gehrig sets off on the rocks of stage two.
Anita Gehrig sets off on the rocks of stage two.

BMC s Lew Buchanan and Francois Bailly-Maitre have been running tight together in practice. With Francois coming from an XC background and Lew from DH they seem to work well together to pull each other forwards.
BMC's Lew Buchanan and Francois Bailly-Maitre have been running tight together in practice. With Francois coming from an XC background and Lew from DH, they seem to work well together to pull each other forwards.

Adrian Dally always looks fast and smooth and is the rider to beat in the U21 men s race.
Adrian Dally always looks fast and smooth and is the rider to beat in the U21 men's race.

Yoann Barelli is definitely one to watch this weekend. Normally he picks up speed through the season to finish strong but seeing as he started off just off the podium last weekend where he goes from here is going to be exciting to watch. Certainly he looks ones of the more attacking riders in practice.
Yoann Barelli is definitely one to watch this weekend. Normally he picks up speed through the season to finish strong, but seeing as he started off just off the podium last weekend, where he goes from here is going to be exciting to see. Certainly he looks ones of the more attacking riders in practice.

While deep brown powder on every turn sounds like a dream it can turn treacherous quickly as you cannot know what lies beneath - as Cedric Ravanel found out to his cost.
While deep, brown powder on every turn sounds like a dream, it can turn treacherous quickly as you cannot know what lies beneath - as Cedric Ravanel found out to his cost.

Marco Osbourne has the loosest style and where ever he goes the roost follows.
Marco Osbourne has the loosest style, and where ever he goes the roost follows.

Mark Scott is loving the loose and drifty trails here in Bariloche.
Mark Scott is loving the loose and drifty trails here in Bariloche.

Casey Brown brown pow surfing.
Casey Brown, brown pow surfing.

Sooooo much roost.
Sooooo much roost.

Mason Bond drifts it into one of the loose and rutted corners on stage 3.
Mason Bond drifts it into one of the loose and rutted corners on stage 3.

Nico Lau is loving these conditions running hot and loose all the way down.
Nico Lau is loving these conditions, running hot and loose all the way down.

Ines Thoma has looked fast and composed in practice.
Ines Thoma has looked fast and composed in practice.

Remi Gauvin may be relatively new to enduro but he bagged a solid result last weekend and knows how to make these courses look good.
Remi Gauvin may be relatively new to enduro, but he bagged a solid result last weekend and knows how to make these courses look good.

Anneke Beerten roosting right up over her own head on a flat g-out corner mid way down stage 6.
Anneke Beerten roosting right up over her own head on a flat g-out corner mid way down stage 6.

Nico says he is struggling a bit but you would never know it from looking at him ride. His light and precise style seems to float effortlessly down through the dust.
Nico says he is struggling a bit, but you would never know it from looking at him ride. His light and precise style seems to float effortlessly down through the dust.

It was a frosty start for day two but once you cracked through the thin frozen layer the powder was still there beneath.
It was a frosty start for day two, but once you cracked through the thin, frozen layer the powder was still there beneath.

Josh Carlson drops into stage 5 on a cold and foggy morning. Before the sun came out frost covered much of this stage.
Josh Carlson drops into stage 5 on a cold and foggy morning. Before the sun came out frost covered much of this stage.

EWS Round 2

Stage five uses a different hill to the rest of the race dropping down to a small lake.
Stage five uses a different hill to the rest of the race, dropping down to a small lake.

These loose conditions seem custom-made for an aggressive rider like Richie Rude.
These loose conditions seem custom-made for an aggressive rider like Richie Rude.

Spikes front and rear on lots of bikes can only mean one thing. Epic conditions.
Spikes front and rear on lots of bikes can only mean one thing: epic conditions.

Josh Carlson checks out the fast open start of stage 3 high above Bariloche and it s surrounding lakes.
Josh Carlson checks out the fast open start of stage 3 high above Bariloche and its surrounding lakes.

EWS Round 2

If awards were given for winning practice Martin Maes would on top of the podium right now.... PINNED all day.
If awards were given for winning practice, Martin Maes would on top of the podium right now.... PINNED all day.

Cous Cous is not scared of going big sending the final hip into the finish arena blind.
Cous Cous is not scared of going big, sending the final hip into the finish arena blind.

Rae Morrison was riding aggressive all day and seems to be handling the loose and rutted surface better than many of the other riders.
Rae Morrison was riding aggressive all day and seems to be handling the tricky conditions better than many of the other riders.

If the dirt isn t spraying above your waist you just aren t cornering hard enough.
If the dirt isn't spraying above your waist you just aren't cornering hard enough.

American Kyle Warner smashing corners on stage 6.
American Kyle Warner smashing corners on stage 6.

Cecile Ravenel is obviously the one to beat in the women s race but thus far doesn t look as dominant in practice like she did one week ago in Chile.
Cecile Ravenel is obviously the one to beat in the women's race but thus far doesn't look as dominant in practice like she did one week ago in Chile.

Iago Garay and the local trail dog pinned down stage 5.
Iago Garay and the local trail dog pinned down stage 5.

Volcanic ash killed most of the big trees on stage 5 giving it an eery feel.
Volcanic ash killed most of the big trees on stage 5 giving it an eerie feel.

Remy Absalon threads his way through the dead tree forest on stage 5.
Remy Absalon threads his way through the dead tree forest on stage 5.

Isabeau Cordurier seems to excel on the longer and rougher EWS rounds so the tracks here should suit her perfectly.
Isabeau Cordurier seems to excel on the longer and rougher EWS rounds so the tracks here should suit her perfectly.

Sam Blenkinsop knows it s a good one when you can roost yourself in the mouth.
Sam Blenkinsop knows it's a good one when you can roost yourself in the mouth.

The deep dust could be treacherous though as Robin Wallner found out.
The deep dust could be treacherous though, as Robin Wallner found out.

Jerome Clementz with roost coming out his armpits.
Jerome Clementz with roost coming out his armpits.

When the light breaks tomorrow this are going to get rowdy.
When the light breaks tomorrow things are going to get rowdy.


Posted In:
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74 Comments
  • 171 1
 Mr Wragg and Mr Trumpore massive kudos to you both for these amazing photos! We the fans thank you very much. If I ever meet either of you beers are on me.
  • 18 1
 Seconded. That's TWO free beers mates you earned it!
  • 3 19
flag savage47 (Apr 1, 2016 at 23:52) (Below Threshold)
 Except its of the same people over and over. But great pics!
  • 9 1
 Blenki looking rad but I think he left his go pro lens cap on while recording........ scrolls up checks .... yup haha Rae looking sooo good ! POD right there Rudes got this, kids an animal Yeow
  • 3 0
 My eyes are popping. These places on EWS circuit look unrealistically amazing!
  • 60 1
 Dude...graves. bummer man.
  • 9 1
 yeah bummer I'm choked.
  • 10 0
 Heeling vibes
  • 9 0
 Dude... conditions epic. FUCKING AWESOME! I wish Graves was in the running. It's going to be really interesting to see how everyone finishes.
  • 2 1
 I thought it was an April fools joke. Frown
  • 2 0
 such a shame, heeling vibes from me as well.
  • 1 0
 gutted
  • 52 0
 Dear Pinkbike, can you please do an article on the kind of maintenance these bikes get after conditions like this, how things wear out, what get`s replaced and when, etc, etc... Thanks
  • 11 0
 A touch of insight on this topic that i witnessed anf worked yesterday:
Pro team(top ten): full bike rebuild, new tires, maybe a new rear wheel, always new chain for race day, and both suspensiones serviced and tunned! New cables all arround, bearing maintenance or change if needed.
Not so pro team(top 60): same as before, minus the suspensión service.
  • 5 0
 @JUGIZMO: so.......I won't ever ride stuff like this
  • 1 0
 @JUGIZMO: This is the kind of information I was looking for ! Thanks !
  • 17 0
 Those conditions are making for some amazing photos, but no way would I want to race in those conditions. Pinned with a maxed out heart rate in axle deep sand does not sound fun. My guess is that we will see more injuries than normal from this round.
  • 5 1
 my thoughts exactly. Awesome for photos, crap for racers.
  • 6 4
 I wouldn't even want to ride that shit! I was expecting rocky trails but I guess its all volcanic gnarr. Beautiful area, trails dont look fun.
  • 10 2
 @SteveDekker: the trails are absolutely amazing to ride... Dust and all it is an increadible place.

You'll miss out on lots of good stuff if you pass judgment so quickly.
  • 3 2
 @davetrump: Its an amazingly beautiful area, great pics all! I did some climbing at Frey years ago. The climbing was so amazing I barely remember the daily 4 hour approach. Guess I'm just not as big a fan of the roost as you guys! Wink
  • 2 1
 @SteveDekker: most of the riders are loving the trails. Its a challenging and very different terrain to what they are all used to but it's great to ride! And while you may crash more than usual, the dirt is so soft you normally dont hurt yourself. Its like crashing on snow
  • 5 6
 @SteveDekker: so you think a trail that is super flow, steep and amazing to ride is shit just because powder and dust fling off your tires the whole way down? I assume you'd be the skier who sticks to the groomers on a powder day too then ;-)

But it's cool... You saw a few pics and know for certain it must be shit LOL
  • 3 1
 @davetrump: Just your pics dave, thats all I have to judge from.
And I only ski the passes.
  • 3 3
 Wow, what an incredibly unprofessional response from someone who works for PB. Just lost a lot of respect from me. The fact that your response is a load of bollocks didn't really help either. Anyone who has ever ridden in dust halfway up to your axles would know its just like normal riding but slower. I much prefer riding in the pouring rain to deep dust. The grip is just as unpredictable, which is fun, but you can go way faster which is more fun. Bermsplosions look cool in a picture, but thats about it. And even the pics are getting a bit played out these days. Try doing something original...
  • 5 5
 @gabriel-mission9: cool story bru, sorry for hurting your feelings. And as for shooting something original, I'll get right on it. I've asked the promoters to provide rain just for you, thst way you won't have to look at played out images anymore.
  • 2 0
 @nehuen93: Antigrip madness! Maybe on a borrowed bike. But theres got to be lots of other great trails in the area, like the one on your #REALvsUNREAL vid. Nice effort by the way. I actually do have some experience crashing on Andean snow, its not as soft as it looks. Cheers!
  • 7 3
 So now we all know Dave trump is a dick with a fragile ego.
  • 4 4
 @LaXcarp: half right. The ego isnt weak though. Must be nice for all of you to sit at home and bang those keyboards, calling people's photos played out and trails you've never ridden shit.

The people here riding are loving it. Don't be so jealous that you have to resort to hating on things.
  • 5 2
 @LaXcarp: He's a professional photographer, and a damn good one, but he's not that professional with the audience.
  • 2 0
 @SteveDekker: Well, I ride there al year long with my own bike and love it! You have to do more maintainance to your bike that normally though. You should come here some day to ride here!
And yes, the trail in that video may look better, but the video is filmed in rain season so all the trails have great grip!
I'm actually one of the builders of the EWS trails and we were hoping for some rain for the race, usually in april there is better grip but this year has been extremely dry. You can't imagine the work we had to do everyday to keep the trails rideable! Anyway almost every rider was loving it!
  • 3 1
 @nehuen93: Ok you convinced me. Make some room on your couchSmile
  • 4 1
 wow all he said was nice pics, nice area, and don't like riding in dust/sand. i don't see what the big deal is.
  • 19 0
 the highlight video is gonna be fire...
  • 12 0
 that's not a trail, that's an excavation
  • 12 1
 WE NEED MORE ROOST!!!
  • 10 0
 Sigh... Jared get well man. Nothin' but love for ya.
  • 8 0
 POD....POD everywhere !
  • 5 0
 So much dynamic range in those fisheye shots @davetrump !
Great coverage as always. You are getting me pumped up for the upcoming races here in BC.
  • 6 0
 so many excellent shots!!
  • 3 1
 Ashes from the volcano didn´t kill the trees. It was a forest fire about a decade ago. Actually the ashes ended up being quite good for the vegetation ´couse of the nutrients. Very nice pics, cheers
  • 5 0
 That trail dog probably got the most runs in over the whole day
  • 3 0
 and the best lines by the looks of that photo.
  • 2 0
 Its a killer shot, I think the fox logos on his knee pads makes the dog even funnier!
  • 3 0
 Everyone is running spikes except for Rude on the Minion DHF and he's over there like BRAAAAP!
  • 2 0
 Awesome photos, thank you!
  • 2 0
 Anyone know why Kyle Warner is the only one with a pack?
  • 3 1
 WARNER!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Mark Scott has got some true brand loyalty!
  • 1 0
 Signing bonus in Tijuana
  • 1 0
 why do you say that?
  • 1 0
 Pretty sure it's for whatever that cranks bros charity was
  • 2 0
 Wow...memories forever guys...hope you all ride well
  • 2 0
 That was a wicked jump!!!
  • 2 0
 Trailbuilding on dry season= dusty trails
  • 1 0
 Actually all those trails have been built at least one year ago. Its just the type of dirt here that gets super dusty in summer. We have the best grip ever in rain season though!
  • 2 1
 the rocky mountain riders are such rad shredders! gutted for graves. epic pictures!
  • 1 0
 No more leftys from cannondale? not stiff enough for this rough stuff or whats the case?
  • 1 0
 Is there a live feed to watch the ews i cant find it on the website
  • 1 0
 Nope... Just wait for the 20 minute highlights package. It's the tits
  • 2 0
 fesh fesh! dakar style..
  • 1 0
 That second shot of Rude roosting that turner is EPIC
  • 1 0
 Polygon Collosus N9 like a flying dutchman :o
  • 1 0
 Excellent pictures ! For me, the favorite is Nico Vouilloz
  • 2 1
 Calling it now, a 29er will win this round! Let the hate begin.
  • 1 0
 roost out of his armpits.... i like that
  • 1 0
 insane photos. great work!
  • 1 1
 Trenching!! Awesome photos!!!
  • 1 1
 I felt like I was about to vote for photo of the year. Awesome shots!
  • 1 2
 Osborne is the #2 US hope. He consistently beats Keene. In a few years he will be dominating the EWS.
  • 2 1
 Roostapalooza!
  • 1 0
 BRAAAPP!!!
  • 1 1
 props to Matt & Dave for these most excellent images.
  • 1 1
 wooow







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