EWS 2016: The Lost Day

May 12, 2016
by Matt Wragg  
Greg Callaghan is another rider who has found himself behind where he would want to be. A year or two ago 20th would have been a solid result for him but his standards are much higher these days. and he was not too happy with his race. However for round three racing in his home land could be just what the doctor ordered to get himself back up to the business end of things.


THE LOST DAY



WORDS AND PHOTOS: MATT WRAGG






It was a normal drive back to the house. At least it was until I pulled my laptop from the car to find it soaked through. Somewhere between the pits and the house my hydration bladder had leaked in a big way. Getting the computer out of the sleeve and onto the desk it seemed ok. Photos were downloaded and I was well into making my selections when the screen flickered. Then it flickered again. Then it went black... Out in Alta Patagonia, there isn't an Apple store a couple of blocks away to run to in a panic. Hell, there isn't an Apple store five hours away. There was maybe a place five hours away, but only maybe... So the day was lost, my shots from the final day of the Bariloche EWS were left stuck on a memory card. Until now, that is. This is my lost day from round two of the 2016 Enduro World Series.



With a field this big the amateur were on track several hours before the pros when the beautiful golden light was still falling between the trees.
With a field this big the amateurs were on track several hours before the pros, when the beautiful, golden light was still falling between the trees.

The Chilean and Argentinian juniors were charging hard in the dust.
The Chilean and Argentinian juniors were charging hard in the dust.

By the time the faster men came down the track had changed compleletely for practice the soft mineral soil falling away at an incredible rate.
By the time the faster men came down the track had changed completely for practice, the soft mineral soil was falling away at an incredible rate.

Alex Krunkshox McGuniess gets manliness points for racing on a 110mm 29er on a big gnarly track like this.
Alex "Krunkshox" McGuniess gets manliness points for racing on a 110mm 29er on a big, gnarly track like this.

Ludo May was feeling good this weekend but 31st is not what he was looking for.
Ludo May was feeling good this weekend, but 31st is not what he was looking for.

Casey Brown was the sensation in the women s race this weekend blitzing her way to a stunning second place on her EWS debut.
Casey Brown was the sensation in the women's race this weekend, blitzing her way to a stunning second place on her EWS debut.

For many riders the deep dusty trenches were just too much and they had to dismount to get through safely.
For many riders, the deep, dusty trenches were just too much and they had to dismount to get through safely.

If you held it wide open it might just stick though as Bex Baroana foudn out.
If you held it wide open it might just stick, though, as Bex Baraona found out.

Caro Gehrig needed a slight pause mid-channel to stop things getting too loose despite this a twelfth on the first stage of the day set her up for a seventh overall - her best ever EWS result.
Caro Gehrig needed a slight pause mid-channel to stop things getting too loose, despite this a twelfth on the first stage of the day set her up for a seventh overall - her best ever EWS result.

Cecile Ravanel was supreme once more this weekend winning five out of the six stages to sweep all before her.
Cecile Ravanel was supreme once more this weekend, winning five out of the six stages to sweep all before her.

With Justin Leov struggling for form Sam Blenkinsop stepped up to make sure NZ were represented at the top of the results sheet - smashing to a might impressive third overall.
With Justin Leov struggling for form, Sam Blenkinsop stepped up to make sure NZ were represented at the top of the results sheet - smashing to a mighty impressive third overall.

After a winter plagued by injury Thomas Lapeyrie just could not find his form from last season and ended up in 41st a long way from where he feels he ought to be when he s at full speed.
After a winter plagued by injury, Thomas Lapeyrie just could not find his form from last season, and ended up in 41st, a long way from where he feels he ought to be when he's at full speed.

Nico Lau has had a tough tough winter having lost his father just a few weeks ago. He admits that three weeks earlier he didn t know whether he was going to come racing or not. In the end he decided that getting on and spending time with the Cube Action Team was good especially since they are such a tight group and he was rewarded with his best result in a while 5th.
Nico Lau has had a tough, tough winter, having lost his father just a few weeks ago. He admits that three weeks earlier, he didn't know whether he was going to come racing or not. In the end, he decided that getting on and spending time with the Cube Action Team was good, especially since they are such a tight group, and he was rewarded with his best result in a while, 5th.

Flo Nicolai is another rider who found the conditions in Bariloche challenging and found himself outside the top ten for the first time in a while in twelfth.
Flo Nicolai is another rider who found the conditions in Bariloche challenging and found himself outside the top ten for the first time in a while in twelfth.

Richie Rude had no problems with the conditions winning three of the six stages this weekend and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
Richie Rude had no problems with the conditions, winning three of the six stages this weekend and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

With an hour or so to kill there was time to thoroughly inspect the bikes to make sure everything was in toip condition for the final push to the line.
With an hour or so to kill, there was time to thoroughly inspect the bikes, to make sure everything was in top condition for the final push to the line.

Cube s Jan Witmaack has just two riders to focus on this year Greg Callaghan and Nico Lau so he had time to ensure everything was working with proper German precision.
Cube's Jan Witmaack has just two riders to focus on this year, Greg Callaghan and Nico Lau, so he had time to ensure everything was working with proper German precision.

There was some time to rest between stages five and six so Anneke Beerten slipped off for a wee nap while her team prepped her bike.
There was some time to rest between stages five and six, so Anneke Beerten slipped off for a wee nap, while her team prepped her bike.

Seb Claquin muscled his way ahead of the the junior field to take a maiden victory.
Seb Claquin muscled his way ahead of the junior field to take a maiden victory.

Cous Cous streaking towards the final stage finish.
Cous Cous streaking towards the final stage finish.

This photo kinda sums up Jesse Melamed s weekend here in Argentina. Riding through a torn rotator cuff is no small feat so for him to just to get to the finish is worthy of your respect.
This photo kinda sums up Jesse Melamed's weekend here in Argentina. Riding through a torn rotator cuff is no small feat, so for him to just to get to the finish is worthy of your respect.

Ines Thoma s health is back to 100 and she landed a solid fifth this weekend.
Ines Thoma's health is back to 100% and she landed a solid fifth this weekend.

Isabeau Courdurier is up to speed already this season and bagged another third spot in Bariloche.
Isabeau Courdurier is up to speed already this season and bagged another third spot in Bariloche.

Martin Maes charging for the line. While Richie is dominant right now Martin Maes has been there pushing him all the way for three out of the last four races going back to Ainsa last year. He s giving up a bit to the big American right now but not so much that Richie can feel comfortable out front.
Martin Maes charging for the line. While Richie is dominant right now, Martin Maes has been there pushing him all the way for three out of the last four races, going back to Ainsa last year. He's giving up a bit to the big American right now, but not so much that Richie can feel comfortable out front.

Maes was the first to congratulate Richie for another hard-fought win.
Maes was the first to congratulate Richie for another hard-fought win.

Cody Kelley and Marco Osborne have their post-race recovery routine dialled in pretty well.
Cody Kelley and Marco Osborne have their post-race recovery routine dialled in pretty well.

South America always provides for an unforgettable trip and this was no exception it was smalls around in the pits on Sunday evening.
South America always provides for an unforgettable trip and this was no exception, it was smalls around in the pits on Sunday evening.

Number one baby. We don t get to see much of the junior racing as they run so far ahead of the pro field but make no mistake the racing is no less serious for them - and Seb Claquin was savouring his first win.
Number one baby. We don't get to see much of the junior racing as they run so far ahead of the pro field, but make no mistake, the racing is no less serious for them - and Seb Claquin was savouring his first win.

First time EWS champagne for Casey Brown.
First time EWS champagne for Casey Brown.

The women s podium - Ravanel Brown and Courdurier.
The women's podium - Ravanel, Brown and Courdurier.

Martin Maes didn t wait for the champagne to start drinking so was in high spirits when it was time to uncork the bubbly stuff.
Martin Maes didn't wait for the champagne to start drinking, so was in high spirits when it was time to uncork the bubbly stuff.

Only Cedric right
Only Cedric, right?

Last light over Cerro Catedral.
Last light over Cerro Catedral.

After four days of battling through ankle deep dust and dial-up speed internet to bring you coverage of the race a beer is well earnt.
After four days of battling through ankle deep dust and dial-up speed internet to bring you coverage of the race, a beer is well earned.

One last look out over the stunning views of Alta Patagonia before it was time to pack up and hit the road once more.
One last look out over the stunning views of Alta Patagonia, before it was time to pack up and hit the road once more.

MENTIONS: @EnduroWorldSeries


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66 Comments
  • 79 3
 That picture from Cedric is pure gold Big Grin
  • 6 2
 just put it in as my new desktop background Smile
  • 16 1
 That would make a sick poster in my man cave/garage/bike shop.
  • 7 0
 Was he hitting a blunt?
  • 2 0
 It's pure Raw!
  • 4 0
 @DylanDaSilva: that'd be a 'J' ..done right with a tip and raw papers.
  • 15 13
 I agree pure gold as a 30 year old. Cedric lives his life like a dream, carpe diem my hero. But lots of children cruise this site Pinkbike editorial staff, maybe this photo should have been left there as a memory instead.
  • 10 5
 @lumpys: Actually I agree to a certain degree with you, since he's a role model for a lot of the youngsters.
  • 2 1
 @mattwragg
Time to get a Windows Latop
  • 3 0
 Channeling Snoop Dogg for this shot. such a legend
  • 13 3
 No kid is ever going to see a photo of gracia smoking a doob and think man ive gotta go get high. Maybe people that already smoke might think hmm lets skin up. Cant blame cedric for peoples choices
  • 2 4
 @drfunsocks: no one implied blame on CG except you.
  • 3 1
 When did i blame him? The guys a legend!
  • 6 7
 @drfunsocks: You didn't. People's choices are often influenced by legends,especially the youth. Its pinkbikes responsibility to sensor how our legends influence the next generation.
  • 20 2
 @lumpys: It's not any worse than the beers they're showing, aside from the general public's misconceptions.
  • 3 1
 @DeepThought: discuss that point in Texas USA .
  • 10 2
 @lumpys: Hes not in texas in that picture, hes in Argentina where personal drug use of any form, be it alcohol, or marijuana is not illegal. Don't be hypocritical and point out just the one picture on the moral grounds of kids seeing the alleged use of an intoxicant, but you glance right over 5 pictures with open alcohol with no concern? This stuff exists in the world, if your worried for the kids go advocate proper drug use etiquette to school children so when they see this picture, or come across it in real life, they know the legality surrounding it, appropriate usage and non-appropriate usage in society just like we do with alcohol.
  • 6 0
 Kids need to be treated with respect (I own 3 of them) and allowed to make their own choices. If you didn't raise them to understand the consequences of their actions and the value of waiting until they get the college scholarship their parents can't afford before getting all squirrelly, don;t blame 1 shot of CG gettin all backwoods
  • 6 2
 @lumpys: Weeds gon be legal errwhere before long. Even in Red states.
  • 3 5
 @Danielmbowyer: I'm not against pot. I'm not hypocritical. Never has a medical professional implied smoking pot is healthy in moderation. It's supposed to be used medically as a injested pain relief for disease. Where as alcohol in moderation can improve blood circulation. It's not about the law, it's about kids not being influenced rather then educated
  • 4 1
 @lumpys: Weak man, We weren't discussing health effects. All smoke is unhealthy, even camp fire smoke. Again, its legal in Argentina, so he isnt required to ingest it as medicine, he can smoke it recreationally. You are hypocritical if you think that picture is gonna influence under age kids to smoke pot more than the pictures of open beer are gonna cause under age kids drink booze. The problem with youth and drugs is more of a developmental problem than it is about smoke inhalation health complications. So again, it's not a crime, it's no worse than the open beer pictures, and we should put our energy towards educating youth about moderation, legality, and responsible use of ALL drugs rather than advocating the removal of pictures to spare them.
  • 1 0
 @DeepThought: absolutely!
  • 27 2
 I have to disagree with Cody Kelley's post-race recovery routine, Corona beer blows...Cedric's though...
  • 2 6
flag mxben13 (May 12, 2016 at 8:31) (Below Threshold)
 Corona's most definitely do not suck. Ask America.
  • 23 1
 @mxben13: Corona's suck, you're asking the wrong Americans
  • 2 0
 It sucks, but that's half the point. You can toss it back like water, and it costs about as much as water too.
  • 1 0
 @ryetoast: not in Europe. I can buy proper Belgian beer for about a third of what they demand for that crap over here!
  • 1 0
 Agreed. If I'm going to drink Mexican piss beer it's going to be Tecate.
  • 17 1
 NIce pics!! bummer on the laptop! and yes...that internet conecctions whas dreadfull!!!
Just wanna let you know, that the "Amateur" on second pic is Sebastian Vasquez, 3 times master DH world champion.
  • 9 0
 First Picture
Rockshock reverb remote
How are you supposed to trigger that?
  • 6 0
 by head Wink
  • 6 0
 slamming it down with your fist! as if it was a bell on a counter.
  • 2 2
 It's a reverb, the remote could be attached to his finger and it wouldn't work properly.
  • 2 0
 With your palm, like on a game show.
  • 2 0
 @Thustlewhumber: No Wammies, No Wammies, No Wammies, No Wammies, STOP!
  • 9 1
 No Toni Ferreiro pics? Well man...
  • 3 0
 +1

OMG, don't interest? He is 6th overall
  • 1 0
 I had a shot of Toni on the same angle as Lapeyrie, but the Laperyrie shot was better.
  • 7 0
 That Nico Lau shot! Looks like the Grim Reaper emerging from ash and roost!
  • 2 0
 @mattwragg - just realized how dirty the lenses get (see pic www.pinkbike.com/photo/13449435).... FTW!! I'll never buy 2nd hand glass from you, man :-)
p.s. I always thought you guys would back your cards to a portable drive before dumping on to the 'puter...
  • 2 0
 To be fair, he's stopped right down to f/32 for this shot (to allow the slow shutter speed). He's also possibly got a filter on, which protects the lens but makes specks more visible as they are further away from the front element. Otherwise, especially wider open at 200mm, none of these specks would be visible. Source: I shoot with a 70-200 f/2.8 as well.
  • 5 1
 It's the sensor that's dirty, not the lens
  • 2 0
 @ictus: I thought that too at first, but then I checked the EXIF info, and saw that none of the other pics in the series have any sign of the dirt (look particularly at the sky). And I doubt he broke out the sensor swabs in the field half-way through the session. So it's just the single shot at f/32. @mattwragg, enlighten us...
  • 2 0
 @cor1nthian: just to make it clear - I wasn't dissing on @mattwragg or anything. That pic there has the classic quality you'd see in old-skool BW photography (Capra, Frank, etc). Specs only add moah reality ;-)
  • 2 0
 @cor1nthian @UncleGroOve I actually have a suspicion that it is dirt on/inside the lens - I have found specs on shots with this kind of aperture even after I have cleaned the sensor. Even professional lenses aren't perfectly sealed - in fact I have to send my 24-70 this week as a piece of stick managed to get inside it somehow...
  • 1 0
 @mattwragg: haha.. never trust sticks on the trail, somehow always manage to disrupt yer ride :-)))
  • 6 1
 Matt Wragg - nails it again. Some amazing shots.
  • 3 0
 Stoked to see Casey doing so well in enduro. She's clearly been training hard.
  • 2 0
 Amazing shots as always Matt! Glad you were able to recover the shots. The photo of Nico with the dust coming off the helmet and the rest of him is my favorite!
  • 1 0
 Looks like a rad place to ride..anyone know a good place to book a trip to Barolich/Alta Patagonia??...any suggestions would be great. Planning ride there Dec-Jan 3 weeks.
  • 1 0
 Hi! Talk to the Guys at "Girando bike trips", :girando@ridesrl.com.ar
Those are the guys that put together the argentina EWS event so they now a thing or two about the area Wink , Ask for Martin or Kittu, they will take great care of you!
  • 1 0
 valdivia, Chile it's the place!
  • 2 0
 I am so confused. Those are not lost. I've seen then in one of the previous sets.
  • 1 0
 awesome photos, always inspires me to go ride and shred down the trails. keeps the amazing photos coming Matt.
  • 1 0
 ... or even a case of beer tucked under your arm. Glad you recovered your photos!
  • 1 0
 Damn electronics. Well these photos are definitely worth posting late. The one of Nico Lau should be a future POD.
  • 1 0
 These pics are amazing. Casey Brown is glowing and Nico Lau looks like the Lone Biker of the Apocalypse!
  • 1 0
 Think that's the way forward post stage nap
  • 1 0
 Lighting and framing on that Casey Brown shot. Smile Nailed it.
  • 1 0
 Jesus christ, your poor sensor haha
  • 2 0
 Nico Lau shot = awesome
  • 1 0
 Well it was worth the wait - some stunning images in there.
  • 1 0
 Nice!!!
  • 1 3
 Whaaa my computer got wet and it was dusty and the internet was slow
  • 1 0
 I personally really enjoyed getting some surprise and incredibly high quality EWS coverage, and thought that the story from @mattwragg gave some extra flavor to the already awesome photos. Without the photographers we don't get to enjoy any of this free content, and so I think it's cool to hear things from their perspective every once in a while--they work super hard and deserve our respect. But that's just my opinion, I'm looking forward to seeing your coverage from the next EWS @mrgonzo
  • 1 0
 @satchscratch: don't hold your breath hahaha I can appreciate hard work and good photography but this matt wragg character always manages to work in some degree of complaints in his articles. All of the other pinkbike contributors manage to do their work without complaining







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