Photo Epic: Tornado Waiting - Enduro World Series, Round 8 - Finale Ligure

Oct 2, 2015
by Matt Wragg  
The only sun today. EWS round 8 Finale Ligure Italy. Photo by Matt Wragg.


TORNADO WAITING



WORDS AND PHOTOS: MATT WRAGG & DAVE TRUMPORE






There's a storm gathering over Finale Ligure. Not some metaphorical, artistic device that we wheel out to entice you into these articles, but an honest to goodness weather front that is moving in on town threatening to rip the tiles from the roofs and tear the trees from the ground. Overnight the maximum wind speed is predicted to somewhere around the 120km/h mark and while residents of tornado alley may be shrugging about now, here in Europe that kind of ferocity is exceptional. Today riders took to the track for what was to be the sole day of practice - the original plan was for two days of staged training, but with the extreme weather tomorrow's practice is cancelled and riders had to cram all six stages into one day. Now we wait to see what the night brings and what that means for race day...



The mountains that ride out of the sea above Finale hold some of the finest trails you could ever hope to ride.
The mountains that ride out of the sea above Finale hold some of the finest trails you could ever hope to ride.

Slow down relax don t worry. You re in Italy.
Slow down, relax, don't worry. You're in Italy.

Its amazing what you find when you poke your head inside the some of the centuries old churches that dot this region of the world.
It's amazing what you find when you poke your head inside the some of the centuries-old churches that dot this region of the world.

Step 1 Enjoy the final rays of sunshine in the main square.
Step 1: Enjoy the final rays of sunshine in the main square.
Step two Catch a pigeon
Step 2: Catch a pigeon

Step 3 Feed the hungry pigeon.
Step 3: Feed the hungry pigeon.
Step 4 Release your new pigeon friend.
Step 4: Release your new pigeon friend.

Wise words from Aaron Gwin.
Wise words from Aaron Gwin who was here earlier this year.

EWS round 7 Ainsa Spain. Photo by Matt Wragg.
EWS round 7 Ainsa Spain. Photo by Matt Wragg.

Coffee is a huge part of daily life here in Italy - it is the punctation arond all the important times of the day.
Coffee is a huge part of daily life here in Italy - it is the punctuation around all the important times of the day.

Chris Ball lead the way through the awkward rocks on the media recce on Wednesday.
Chris Ball leads the way through the awkward rocks on the media recce on Wednesday.

The Pope of Enduro Enrico Guala takes a moment to reflect on the way to the stages - a moment of calm amidst the swirling madness of the race for the man at the centre of it all.
The Pope of Enduro, Enrico Guala, takes a moment to reflect on the way to the stages - a moment of calm amidst the swirling madness of the race for the man at the centre of it all.

Brandon Ontiveros the promoter of both the Big Mountain Enduro and next years EWS in Aspen is here to see how they do things in Italy. So far he seems quite impressed.
Brandon Ontiveros, the promoter of both the Big Mountain Enduro and next years EWS in Aspen is here to see how they do things in Italy. So far he seems quite impressed.

The Pinkbike s EWS filming team drops into Noli during the media recce.
The Pinkbike's EWS filming team drops into Noli during the media recce.

EWS Director Chris Ball rails one of the high speed turns above Verigotti during the media recce on Wednesday. Sadly this classic Finale weather will not be present for practice or racing as storms are forecast on and off the remainder of the week.
EWS Director, Chris Ball rails one of the high speed turns above Verigotti during the media recce on Wednesday. Sadly this classic Finale weather will not be present for practice or racing as storms are forecast on and off the remainder of the week.


We never caught these two guys names. Somehow they ended up on the media shuttle with us as a lot of journalists didn t show up. They were loving every minute of getting a free tour of some of the best trails FInale has to offer for some reason they were excited to be stuck in a shuttle all day with a crowd of media squids too.
We never caught these two guys names. Somehow they ended up on the media shuttle with us as a lot of journalists didn't show up. They were loving every minute of getting a free tour of some of the best trails Finale has to offer, for some reason they were excited to be stuck in a shuttle all day with a crowd of media squids too.

Jesse Melamed is more used to loam and roots than the loose deep rock on stage four but it didn t seem to be slowing him down or diminishing his natural flair on the bike.
Jesse Melamed is more used to loam and roots than the loose, deep rock on stage four, but it didn't seem to be slowing him down or diminishing his natural flair on the bike.

It is Marco Osborne s first time in Finale and he sent the sketchy steeps of stage four faster than anyone sight unseen.
It is Marco Osborne's first time in Finale, and he sent the sketchy steeps of stage four faster than anyone sight unseen.

Florian Nicolai comes from just an hour or so down the coast from here in Finale so knows well how to ride on these kind of trails. He has yet to get his maiden EWS win but that is precisley what he needs if he wants to stand a chance of denying Richie Rude his crown.
Florian Nicolai comes from just an hour or so down the coast from here in Finale, so knows well how to ride on these kind of trails. He has yet to get his maiden EWS win, but that is precisely what he needs if he wants to stand a chance of denying Richie Rude his crown.

Riding through the history of human settlement along the Mediterranean coastline.
Riding through the history of human settlement along the Mediterranean coastline.

Jerome Clementz was all in black and heckled by most of the media for it today flying under the radar. He is still in with a mathematical chance of taking the title but more realisticall he could overtake Florian Nicolai in the standings to take second - which would be a testament to his consistency where things have gone quite as perfectly as he would have liked them too.
Jerome Clementz was all in black (and heckled by most of the media for it) today, flying under the radar. He is still in with a mathematical chance of taking the title, but more realistically, he could overtake Florian Nicolai in the standings to take second - which would be a testament to his consistency where things have gone quite as perfectly as he would have liked them too.

2nd at the last two rounds and the leader after day one here in Finale last year Yoann Barelli is at the top of our list of riders to watch this weekend.
2nd at the last two rounds and the leader after day one here in Finale last year, Yoann Barelli is at the top of our list of riders to watch this weekend.

Francois Bailly-Maitre took a few runs down stage four today to get a feel for it - he may not be as wild as some of his rivals but he definitely looked smooth and very fast.
Francois Bailly-Maitre took a few runs down stage four today to get a feel for it - he may not be as wild as some of his rivals, but he definitely looked smooth and very fast.

Nobody quite knows what to expect from Fab this weekend - with the championship out of his grasp at least as far as he s concerned will we see his usual all out attack or a more relaxed Fab The smart money says that Fab has never entered a race without the intention of winning...
Nobody quite knows what to expect from Fab this weekend - with the championship out of his grasp, at least as far as he's concerned, will we see his usual all out attack or a more relaxed Fab? The smart money says that Fab has never entered a race without the intention of winning...

Thomas Lapeyrie was looking wild yet completely under control on track today.
Thomas Lapeyrie was looking wild yet completely under control on track today.

This isn t a sight you will get to see often - current XCO world champion Julien Absalon on an EWS race track - charging down the steepest rockiest part of the track no less.
This isn't a site you will get to see often - five-time XCO world champion Julien Absalon on an EWS race track - charging down the steepest rockiest part of the track, no less.

Anneke Beerten s bad weekend in Ainsa dropped her to fourth in the rankings so she needs a strong weekend her in Finale ro regain the third spot.
Anneke Beerten's bad weekend in Ainsa dropped her to fourth in the rankings, so she needs a strong weekend her in Finale to regain the third spot.

Isabeau Courdurier is siting 3rd in the overall currently and is looking well up to speed here once again.
Isabeau Courdurier is siting 3rd in the overall currently and is looking well up to speed here once again.

The wind was so strong it was blowing the waves back out to sea.
The wind was so strong it was blowing the waves back out to sea.

The Cube Action Team head to Noli after stagr four.
The Cube Action Team head to Noli after stage four.

Anka Martin through thee think forest above Noli.
Anka Martin through the thick forest above Noli.

Tracy Moseley navigates one of the hairpin switchbacks on stage three that lead into the village of Noli.
Tracy Moseley navigates one of the hairpin switchbacks on stage three that lead into the village of Noli.

Nico Lau is never one to count out when things get technical.
Nico Lau is never one to count out when things get technical.

Tight switchbacks and gnarly steep sections are the name of the game on stage four above Varigotti.
Tight switchbacks and gnarly steep sections are the name of the game on stage four above Varigotti.

Josh Carlson will be looking for a strong finish to his season.
Josh Carlson will be looking for a strong finish to his season.

The rocks in Finale are vicious everywhere but stage four takes the aggression to a whole new level. We anticipate many riders pedaling flat tires home from Varigotti to Finale at the close of Saturday.
The rocks in Finale are vicious everywhere, but stage four takes the aggression to a whole new level. We anticipate many riders pedaling flat tires home from Varigotti to Finale at the close of Saturday.

Matteo Raimondi sending it for the Italians on the transfer down from stage four.
Matteo Raimondi sending it for the Italians on the transfer down from stage four.

Th sunsets on the village of Finalborgo.
The sunsets on the village of Finalborgo.

This be the last time we see the beautiful blue sea this weekend. BIG storms are rolling in and may stick around all weekend.
This may be the last time we see the beautiful blue sea this weekend - the big storms are rolling in and may stick around all weekend.


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52 Comments
  • 39 2
 Well it looks like Absalon is A) tired of getting dropped in the technical DH sections B) tired of the media posting tons of photos of Nino styling the jumps C) realizing that XC is changing to favor a more technical skill set.

Good on him for not just sitting back and taking it.

Great photos BTW PB.
  • 26 0
 or Maybe he just want to ride good trails ?
  • 6 3
 hold on... didn't Nino get to be world champion? the captions says "Absalon current XCO Champion"
  • 39 2
 It was supposed to say 5-time, but meh. 15 hours day, etc.
  • 8 0
 I don't think that because Nino is faster Absalon is lacking skills... And season is over, so time for a bit of fun for him I guess. Gonna be interesting to see where he lands, but I assume not too far from the top!
  • 7 0
 A few years ago Absalon senior won the Reunion Mega, technical skill is one thing he doesn't lack.
  • 9 1
 Would be cool to see Nino there as well, ley them fight in a different field Big Grin A pity that top XCers show up on EWS so rarely
  • 2 0
 I believe Julien and Remy Absalon crossed the line next to each other in La Reunion a few years ago...
  • 4 3
 Hmmm. I read that the sections are really pedally and we have an XC world champion on course. Is there a plan to push Rude down the standings?
  • 1 0
 I don't know where to find start lists, but I would be very, very surprised if Absalon is the only top 10 XCO guy out there this weekend. If Nino isn't out there, he'll easily be the strongest dude in the race.
  • 3 2
 The muttering I am hearing from the XC racers there is the this round is pretty well an XC race. There is a whole lot of climbing. However, I suspect that the usual suspects will still be on top.
  • 10 1
 Well the muttering you are hearing is from someone who is, well, wrong. 3 of the 4 stages on Saturday are pretty much straight DH stages... And 4, Mens DH, is the nastiest track on the circuit this year.
  • 3 0
 You only have to look at the pics to see this is nothing like an XC race course. That is super tech, super steep switchback land. "pretty much an XC race" - no man, be serious. Are they doing laps or something. Show them the rule book!
  • 4 0
 Check the quotes from the riders who are actually riding the course on enduromountainbike
  • 1 0
 I guess it was after pre-riding stage two that they were muttering about all the climbing (And it wasn't just one person BTW). Funny who one stage can skew perceptions.
  • 2 5
 Stop this fuckin' discussion, xc dh enduro whatever it's mountain bike ...
  • 9 0
 Those are some epics pics, PB. Well done, well done.
  • 1 0
 Absolutely. Beautiful!
  • 4 0
 Got the chance to ride Finale during a wet November weekend last year. Some of the most incredible all around trails I've ever ridden, and the people there are awesome. Highly recommend making the trip if you ever get the chance.
  • 1 0
 I can only second that, I've already been there twice this year. Great place, great trails and great people. Finalborgo is particularly nice with its beautiful old town populated by laid back sports enthusiasts.

What are everybody's favorite Finale trails?

For me probably Isallo Extasy and the top part of Rollercoaster coupled with Maria della Guardia. Then again, H trail is pretty awesome too.
  • 2 0
 Toboga di Canova for the win, although all the ones you mention are also awesome. In Madonna della Guardia my fave is Kill Bill and...forget about it, all of them are my favorite!
  • 6 0
 I'm putting my money on Barelli this weekend!
  • 4 0
 money well spent
  • 14 9
 Apparently God didn't teach Gwinn how to use commas.
  • 13 0
 Or you how to spell his name correctly...
  • 1 0
 I'm out here now, weather is grand. I just want to ride. Stage 4 is incredibly steep and technical. Iv found an all new respect for the pros hitting it at those kinds of speeds
  • 2 0
 A storm and a tornado are 2 different things. You seem as enthusiastic about this coming storm as some US weathermen are about their potential weather...
  • 1 1
 My grad school department also includes the meteorological nerds. We're in VA. This weekend is going to be a wet dream for them.
  • 5 1
 Da fuk am I doing here behind my pc?
  • 3 1
 Step 5: Wash your hands thoroughly as pigeons are nasty flying rats! I hope no one ate from that plate after the poor bird did...
  • 1 0
 from ainsa to finale in one week. Sometimes I wish I was the press guy for these events. Not a racer. They have it too hard, but press get to see and record it all. sounds like a dream come true!
  • 2 0
 Hey Dave Trumpore, What lens did you use for photos 3 and 4.. love the perspective of 3!!!
  • 2 0
 Never mind... saw the photo data 17-55mm
  • 3 0
 @crazbiker4 that's a 17-55 meant for a crop sensor on a full frame so technically the equiv of a 24-70.... Why? Because my 24-70 is still under water after Ainsa and I have this lens along for emergency/backup.
  • 1 0
 Thanks Dave, I'm currently using a Tamron 17-55 f/2.8 and love it! Actually I got it to mimic the 24-70 crop until I go fx. Bummer about the 24-70 that's a bad ass lens.
  • 4 1
 On my phone, I just touch the little camera icon, and Hey Presto, picture!
  • 1 1
 I have to say though, my photos are not good.. snapshots, that's all they are, snapshots.
  • 2 0
 definitely dig the tones trumpore has in his shots. his kung fu is good. real good.
  • 1 0
 Bell's photo is a classic photo souvenir from Finale and DH MAN.. I love that trail even if scares me to death all the time ! www.pinkbike.com/photo/12411099
  • 4 1
 Nicolai for the WIN!!!
  • 3 1
 the first title picture is so mindblowing
  • 1 0
 Funny you guys talking about tornados...
  • 1 0
 I guess those are tracey moseley luck socks
  • 1 1
 "The savage beauty that leads to the sea" "Tornado waiting"

Wow these Enduro journo's are a talented, creative, bunch.
  • 1 0
 That switchback in the T-Mo's photo is a nasty b@#ch
  • 1 0
 Another round of amazing photos. Good work.
  • 1 0
 I'm all for Barel for his last race!
  • 1 0
 Haha, isn't that Steve & Dean? Riding the mediashuttle that is....
  • 1 0
 Go Josh and Barelli!!!!
  • 1 0
 go fab!
  • 1 0
 stunning photos there!
  • 1 3
 Enduro? More like endur-gay!







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