Montanhas Race Enduro 2016 - 2nd Round, Mairiporã

The State of São Paulo has become the reference point for enduro and mountain biking in Brazil after hosting a series of contests over the last years. A fact that was only possible by the quality and organization regarding the races.

A pioneer in the country, the Montanhas Race Enduro has all the credits for sustaining originality, boldness and innovation. After its passage in the City of Morungaba/SP, the championship had its second stage in Mairiporã located in the Cantareira's Mountains Range.

Considered as the largest urban forest in the world the Cantareira offers perfect terrain for the practice of mountain biking enduro. Consisted of Atlantic Forest the mountains are scratched by several old tracks dated from over a century ago used by the drovers. It is unique because everyone can easily feel the weight of the wildness.










Thiago Velardi, athlete and founder of the Montanhas Race, used to select the best of these trails by building a special menu which completely changed the Enduro definition in Brazil. It is evident that for the sport to develop technically and structurally, it is essential that organizations arise from the active community of mountain biking.



Among the sedimentary rocks and granite, the riders faced difficulties over six stages during two days at two different bases (Pousada 5 Lagos, on Saturday and Quiosque do Samuca on Sunday). Coruja, Saracura, DH 42 were some of the classic trails and are considered one of the best for downhill discipline.










The contest had a massive presence of São Paulo riders, but the Cantareira's trails also received riders from Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Minas Gerais and Chile. The first three stages were timed with a different logistic. In the E1 riders were allowed to learn the trail only on foot. In the second stage riders had the opportunity to know the trail while they pushing up to the top and the last stage on Saturday there was a chance to practice on the bike before the race.






E1 - Amém

1:00 to 1:30 min trail riding through berms, curves, and roots in a very steep terrain.

E2 - Coruja

This trail in particular is very very fast demanding epic mtb skills to roll over rocks and scary crevasses. 06:30 - 09:00 min of massive ride.

E3 - Saracura

Classic downhill track. Scenery of epic downhill championships from 90's it is the backyard training camp for riders from São Paulo city. 4 to 7 min.



The last 3 stages were timed on Sunday in a two different ways. For the first two stages the riders were allowed to practice with bikes and for the last one the only way to know the trail was by walking only possible for those who still had some fuel in the tank after hours of endurance.




















E4 - Vaca

2 to 3 min trails which features jumps, curves and off-camber terrain. This trail was totally designed for the race.

E5 - DH 42

2 to 3 min of adventure. It was designed by the local riders and features the best flow.

E6 - Aranha (Spider)

Technically, you have to ride on the wall like a Spider. 2:20 to 4 min makes this trail a legend with its extremely technical crevasses.

















The rider from Minas Gerais state, André Bretas won the second round of Montanhas Race followed by Leonardo Matioli and Evandro Soldati.

The local rider Beatriz Diniz won among the ladies followed by Stephanie Camargo.


The next round will be held on the Paraíba's Valley on august 13th at Jam Bike Park Farm.

Support: Jam Bike, Fox Head Brazil, Shimano Brazil, Bike is my life, MTB Monte Verde and XRides.com.br.

[Words by Andre Bortoletto / Photos by Adilson Martins - adilsonmartins.com] @ www.xrides.com.br