Video: The European Enduro Series In Punta Ala

Last weekend the European Enduro Series presented by XS Power Drink started into its first season at the enchanting Punta Ala. While most of us were busily looking for Easter-eggs, the race hungry enduro riders of Europe were hunting for the fastest overall time on the 52 km track with 1,700 m of up- and downhill riding and a rather appealing start directly from the sea.

Stop One of the European Enduro Series might have to deal with the absence of some “big names” of enduro racing, since at the same time the Enduro World Series was on in Chile. Nevertheless a huge number of riders form Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland Germany and Austria gathered in the region that had already hosted the EWS last year.

Denny Lupato (ITA) and Lorraine Truong (SUI) were the fastest riders of the day, and therefore standing on top of the first podium of the European Enduro Series 2014.

Italian Denny Lupato (right, FRM Factory Racing Team) was the fastest rider of the day and is the winner of the first race of the new European Enduro Series 2014. ©Trail Solutions

Although Italy and Germany were the strongest nations of the field, which itself was pretty international and even some riders from the islands found their way to the Italian Tuscany. Amongst which were Daniel Wolfe (Specialized Ireland) and Scottish rider James Shirley (Radon Factory Enduro Team) who made the journey, to start into the season at Punta Ala. The two full-on mountain bikers have known each other since last year’s Enduro World Series stop in Val d’Isere and are competing together this year. “Dan’s a better rider as opposed to his car-driving skills, he needed someone to get him around in Europe,” states James grinning, adding: “And we get to split the costs and save money. Additionally we have someone to train with during the week who’s on the same level.”

Daniel Wolfe, who‘s still called “Danny Boy“, came from DH-Racing and has re-discovered racing after years of injuries. He sees the EES as a good opportunity to get back into racing. For James Shirley, at home in the fog surrounding the “Dudes of Hazard”, it’s the affordable financial aspect of the EES that makes it attractive. “I had loved to race in Chile, but for that kind of money I can race a whole season in Europe.”

Trail with a view: Daniel Wolfe (IRL, Specialized Ireland) on his way down to the sea, ending up with the 6th fastest time of the day. ©Axel Brunst

The first stop of the European Enduro Series in Punta Ala has proven that it can keep up with the EWS in terms of attractiveness. “We found the trails in Punta Ala to be quite fun and the location next to the sea adds to that. We definitely think about coming back here. The trails are tough and very long, which are perfect training conditions,” the two islanders conclude. James Shirley, who made seventh place, plans to compete in all races of both the European Enduro Series and the Specialized-SRAM Enduro Series.

James Shirley (GBR, Radon Factory Enduro Team) made it to the seventh place at the European Enduro Series #1 in Punta Ala. ©Axel Brunst

After the first race in Punta Ala the European Enduro Series will continue on July 4th and 5th with the second race of the series in the Swiss city of Flims.

Find the race report and more pictures here.

All results and details about the European Enduro Series #1 Punta Ala can be found here.