I think definitely what makes Enduro awesome as a sport in relation to ALL OTHER mediatised competitive sports, is its spirit of comradery and specifically NOT its ego drama detween top athletes and backdoor politics behind everything they do.
I'm definitely talking about, for example, UFC fighting, car racing from the F1 to NASCAR, football (euro/USA whatever), even hockey for damn god's sake.
Whereas here all the guys the champion beat have wonderful things to say about him and the champion himself puts so much emphasis on the good time he's had with everybody and how this isn't so much of a victory for him as it is for the sport (and you know they really mean it. they're mountain bikers as you and I are.)
So, in short, Enduro is so badass AND so morally healthy as a sport, it might easily be the best thing to ever happen to cycling since pedals.
Plus if you turned up to a round of the EWS, you'd probably be able to walk right up to Jerome in the pits and shake his hand or even have a chat. I remember walking up to Jared Graves the day after he won his World Championship 4X and he was so receptive and willing to chat to my friends and I. Apparently he (and most of the other UCI crew) were partying hard with fans well into the night. I'm sure the EWS would be no different.
Try doing that with F1 racers, UFC fighters, Pro-tour golfers, tennis players etc.
Awesome battle between Jay and Jared all season, with Nico and Fabien not far behind, and Jared proved how fast these guys are by getting a podium in the world champs DH. The best part about it for me is they were both on 26" wheels most/all of the season, which kinda proves the 29ers and 650b is just a big marketing financial scam and do not offer significant benefits, basically mountain bike companies running out of ideas on how to generate more sales. Although unfortunately i bet all the top guys will have to be on 650b wheels next year to keep the bikes selling. Look forward to next years battle with Jey vs Jared and hope a certain Mr Atherton is up there too. Hoping to see more footage of the racing next year
biger wheels save energy - rolls better. 650b will improve race results . they are so experienced . give jerome 24 inch wheels and he will still be in top 20.
It's my favorite style because it's the most adventurous, best DH lines & keeps you out in the scenic wilderness longer. And I think I agree with you 100 percent on this one. But WWE style drama is awesome, so entertaining and great for ratings. Wouldn't you like to see Justin Bieber and 50 cent walk out with Jerome Clementz, like they did with Floyd Mayweather before a boxing match?
He did race DH back in the day, like many other riders, I think he just identified with Enduro more, invested himself in it at the beginning and man its paid off for him!
I'm definitely talking about, for example, UFC fighting, car racing from the F1 to NASCAR, football (euro/USA whatever), even hockey for damn god's sake.
Whereas here all the guys the champion beat have wonderful things to say about him and the champion himself puts so much emphasis on the good time he's had with everybody and how this isn't so much of a victory for him as it is for the sport (and you know they really mean it. they're mountain bikers as you and I are.)
So, in short, Enduro is so badass AND so morally healthy as a sport, it might easily be the best thing to ever happen to cycling since pedals.
Try doing that with F1 racers, UFC fighters, Pro-tour golfers, tennis players etc.
Look forward to next years battle with Jey vs Jared and hope a certain Mr Atherton is up there too. Hoping to see more footage of the racing next year
What a surprise!
I was a little star-shocked.