It was one of the hardest days out we can remember. The sheer brutality of it all still boggles the mind. Six stages that took their toll mentally, physically, and mechanically. Wheels destroyed, derailleurs torn off, dust inhaled, bones broken, and skin shredded. This opening round of the Enduro World Series was truly something special. If you pushed hard these tracks would bite, and bite hard.
We started day two with Sam Hill in first place and Adrien Dailly withing striking distance but there were 2,600 meters of vertical descent over 16 kilometers of racing to go. Disaster struck early for Dailly when just after the start of stage four he suffered a flat and ending his weekend early. Martin Maes came out swinging to take the win on stage four, and put considerable time into Hill, only for Hill to take it right back on stage five. Sam then went on to take stage six and the race. For Hill it was all about picking up where he left off, racing his own race, and keeping his bike together. Robin Wallner held it together to take third, and Gustav Wildhaber was absolutely on fire riding to fourth place.
Cecile Ravanel Took a commanding lead of the race from the start and never relented. She won all of the stages except for stage four, but it wasn't enough to cost her the race. Isabeau Courdurier took second, and Katy Winton put in a solid performance to take third. Bex Barona had a massive weekend riding to an impressive fourth place for the women. Duncan Nason took the win in the junior men. This was one of the wildest weekends of racing in recent memory, and a hell of a way to kick off the Enduro World Series season. Looking back all we can say is that it was a low down and dirty good time. See you next week in Colombia.
More: Practice Photo Report, Course Preview, Pro Bike Round-Up, Day 1 Photo Report, Final Results.
Mentions: @EnduroWorldSeries
How do the photographers earn their money? Their work is incredible and equipment is crazy expensive and getting hit with roost and dust all day must take its toll.
Keep the amazing shots coming lads. Much appreciated.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/15729293
Can't wait for the video highlights reel too!
I think he raced most of the EWS rounds last year.
What happened to Ratboy?, noticed he had a DNF.
You read into it too much. All I gathered was mountain bikes are ssssuper ssssserious business.