Ludo May was on the cusp of big things a couple of years ago and anybody who has seen him ride will know that he has all the tools there - this year he is working hard to make it all line up and run consistently at the sharp end.



Back In Business


Words and photography: Matt Wragg and Dave Trumpore







bigquotesAnd now we back again, so if you think about gamblin', you better come prepared


EPMD



Where did the winter go? Maybe we write the same thing every year, but somehow the long winter months since the last round in Finale Ligure have flown past faster than we can comprehend once again. In what seems like the blink of an eye we are already at the first race of an all new season that will take us through eight races in seven countries and on three continents. So, without further ado, this it where it begins: practice at the opening round of the Enduro World Series 2016...



Good morning Corral. Lets get the first EWS of 2016 started.
Good morning Corral. Lets get the first EWS of 2016 started.

It all starts here - riders board the early morning ferry to Corral ready for practice to begin.
It all starts here - riders board the early morning ferry to Corral ready for practice to begin.

If you weren t on the main ferry then the bike carrying situation was a little more tricky.
If you weren't on the main ferry then the bike carrying situation was a little more tricky.

Alex wins the award for the most committed rider this weekend. He is camping here with his bike in the pits each night.
Alex wins the award for the most committed rider this weekend. He is camping here with his bike in the pits each night.

Florian Nicolai warmed up in the morning with some casual bench-to-bench manuals.
Florian Nicolai warmed up in the morning with some casual bench-to-bench manuals.

Shawn Hughes keeping the turquoise machines well oiled and fast as...
Shawn Hughes keeping the turquoise machines well oiled and fast as...

Giant s Josh Carlson and Yoann Barelli are good mates as well as teammates - you just have to remember that Josh has an Aussie sense of humour.
Giant's Josh Carlson and Yoann Barelli are good mates as well as teammates - you just have to remember that Josh has an Aussie sense of humour.

It s always awesome to fly half way around the world and find awesome trails and enthusiastic fans waiting for you on the other end.
It's always awesome to fly half way around the world and find awesome trails and enthusiastic fans waiting for you on the other end.

Francois Bailly-Maitre knows how to ride fast here in Chile. Earlier this year he beat Jerome Clementz at the Andes Pacifico stage race here. With a lot to prove this season he certainly looks like he is up to speed in practice.
Francois Bailly-Maitre knows how to ride fast here in Chile. Earlier this year he beat Jerome Clementz at the Andes Pacifico stage race here. With a lot to prove this season, he certainly looks like he is up to speed in practice.

No matter where in the world he goes Krunk Shox always brings the style.
No matter where in the world he goes, Krunk Shox always brings the style.

It s strange not seeing Jared Graves dressed in turquoise on track and more than anyone else all eyes will be on him come race day to see how he is getting on with his new bike.
It's strange not seeing Jared Graves dressed in turquoise on track and more than anyone else, all eyes will be on him come race day to see how he is getting on with his new bike.

Mark Scott putting the big wheels of his new Santa Cruz Hightower to use on Stage 2.
Mark Scott putting the big wheels of his new Santa Cruz Hightower to use on Stage 2.

Sarah Leishmann is healed up after her shoulder injury and flying the flag for Julianna here this weekend.
Sarah Leishman is healed up after her shoulder injury and flying the flag for Juliana here this weekend.

Martin Maes is one year older one year wiser and one year stronger. At 18 years of age he already has three full seasons under his belt and is definitely going to win one of these rounds very very soon.
Martin Maes is one year older, one year wiser and one year stronger. At 19 years of age he already has three full seasons under his belt and is definitely going to win one of these rounds very very soon.

Sam Blenkinsop is racing five of the EWS rounds this year as well as world cup DH. When asked if he felt it was a lot he simply pointed out that the supercross racers are on the starting line every weekend for 20 or so weekends straight.
Sam Blenkinsop is racing five of the EWS rounds this year, as well as world cup DH. When asked if he felt it was a lot, he simply pointed out that the supercross racers are on the starting line every weekend for 20 or so weekends straight.

EWS 1 chile image 2016
Jesse Melamed is healed and ready to rip once again.

Joe Barnes was loving the tight steep lower part of stage five. Throw some rain in the mix and you have our clear favourite for the stsge winner.
Joe Barnes was loving the tight, steep lower part of stage five. Throw some rain in the mix and you have our clear favourite for the stage winner.

Yeti s newest member Cody Kelley amp his signature style. In the air more than on the ground whenever possible.
Yeti's newest member, Cody Kelley and his signature style. In the air more than on the ground whenever possible.

Greg Callaghan is a grafter and it is clear that he has had a productive winter - putting in the cold wet miles in Ireland and Scotland to arrive here in Chile looking fitter than ever.
Greg Callaghan is a grafter and it is clear that he has had a productive winter - putting in the cold, wet miles in Ireland and Scotland to arrive here in Chile looking fitter than ever.

Joe Nation won the drift off at the bottom of Stage 6 during Friday s practice.
Joe Nation won the drift off at the bottom of Stage 6 during Friday's practice.

In practice Josh Carlson has been blazing through everything - he loves his motos and it seems that the flatout nature of much of the course here suits him well and he is carrying that confidence through the technical sections too.
In practice Josh Carlson has been blazing through everything - he loves his motos and it seems that the flatout nature of much of the course here suits him well and he is carrying that confidence through the technical sections too.

Yoann Barelli was quite literally flying on course today.
Yoann Barelli was quite literally flying on course today.

Anneke Beerten certainly looks up to speed aboard her new GT looking more stylish through the steep slopes of stage five than most of the men.
Anneke Beerten certainly looks up to speed aboard her new GT, looking more stylish through the steep slopes of stage five than most of the men.

Stray local trail dogs were loving it the past few days. This guy made it through all three stages of the day on Friday.
Stray/local trail dogs were loving it the past few days. This guy made it through all three stages of the day on Friday.

Last time we wrote that Jerome was off form he went ahead and won the opening round in Rotorua last year. That said last year wasn t the season he was hoping for and without doubt he looks a sharper more attacking rider than we have seen from him in a while.
Last time we wrote that Jerome was off form, he went ahead and won the opening round in Rotorua last year. That said, last year wasn't the season he was hoping for and without doubt he looks a sharper, more attacking rider than we have seen from him in a while.

With Casey Brown under the weather and Rene Wildhaber out with a broken foot Katie Winton is the lone Trek rider this weekend.
With Casey Brown under the weather and Rene Wildhaber out with torn ligaments, Katy Winton is the lone Trek rider this weekend.

Valdivia. Chile. Photo by Matt Wragg.
Ines Thoma is back up to fitness this season and was find the steeps on the course with no problem at all.

While the the defending champ Richie Rude was having some trouble with the steeps - especially with this corner. It took him three tries to get it how he wanted it. On the second he pushed too hard and face full of dirt was his reward...
While the the defending champ, Richie Rude, was having some trouble with the steeps - especially with this corner. It took him three tries to get it how he wanted it. On the second he pushed too hard and face full of dirt was his reward...

Marco Osbourne is doing the whole EWS this year and his flat out aggressive style will pleasure for all to watch.
Marco Osbourne is doing the whole EWS this year, and his flat out aggressive style will be a pleasure for all to watch.

Florian Nicolai is better at bikes than you. Not only can he ride these trails faster than almost anyone but he find it easy enough to play around while he is doing it...
Florian Nicolai is better at bikes than you. Not only can he ride these trails faster than almost anyone, but he finds it easy enough to play around while he is doing it...

A new year means new colors for lots of riders. Here Specialized newest member Jared Graves leads out Curtis Keene on stage 2.
Specialized's newest member, Jared Graves, leads out Curtis Keene on stage 2.

Anneke Beerten composed and looking like the one to beat in Corral.
Anneke Beerten, composed and looking like the one to beat in Corral.

Some people practice trails blind this way. Others blow through the tape and miss the corner completely.
Some people practice trails blind this way. Others blow through the tape and miss the corner completely.

Who s our money on this weekend Here s a guess.
Who's our money on this weekend? Here's a guess.

Your defending Champ. Hot sweaty covered in dust and looking to pick right up where he left off 5 months ago.
Your defending Champ. Hot, sweaty, covered in dust and looking to pick right up where he left off 5 months ago.

After a long day in the saddle what better than solid food and a few cervezas
After a long day in the saddle, what better than solid food and a few cervezas?

Let this be the visual explanation of how difficult it is to bring you these photos from Corral.
Let this be the visual explanation of how difficult it is to bring you these photos from Corral.


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Racing and Events Enduro World Series


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96 Comments

  • 108 1
 The quality of the photography on PB just gets better and better. Terrific stuff.
  • 29 1
 it is insane to hit so many amazing photos in one day. the black transition shot should win an award
  • 3 2
 I think these one especially stand out, POY contestants !
www.pinkbike.com/photo/13306967
www.pinkbike.com/photo/13307014
www.pinkbike.com/photo/13307004
  • 50 19
 Haha, the last comment and photo made me laugh. Don't forget you're on a dream vacation for most of us.....a little dial up downloading shouldn't be too hard to deal with....
  • 94 70
 Dream vacation? Honestly, you don't have a clue - yes, it's a pretty sweet job as far as these things go, but it's a job and it's how me and Dave both put a roof over our heads and food in our mouths.
  • 29 26
 I'm going to have come out of lurking to agree with Matt on this one... It's a pretty sweet gig but they're probably running around like nuts all day and only able reflect on how awesome it all is once their head are hitting the pillow. How do you think we got all this content on the day of the event?
  • 88 14
 Easy Matt. Takeiteasyridehard said a dream vacation for most of us, not you. And was referring to the whine about how hard it is to send pictures from the boonies. So I have to concur. Job or not, most of us commenters would love to trade places with you. No need to get pissy at a guy reading your article. I'd say he has somewhat of a clue.
  • 77 8
 Matt Wragg is sensitive.
  • 28 6
 Matt Wahhhh ... tehehe
  • 22 3
 You weren't there maaaaaaan.
  • 73 9
 mattwragg Yeah getting to travel, be outdoors, interview worlds best riders and take pictures of the sport we love. Oh, such a hard job...WTF throw in getting punched in the face repeatedly, everyday and I would still take what you do as a vacation. I work in polluted, loud mill 10 hours a day 5 days a week + mandatory Saturdays during high production. I have to wear ear plugs and ear muffs for hearing protection all day and breath through respirator mask. I only get to see the outside or smell fresh air for approx 20-30 minutes each day. By the end of the day, I'm usually covered in dirt so filthy, you wouldn't want to step in it with your shoes. Yeah you got it rough mate.
  • 11 8
 @nissmo127...choices.
Plus, I bet @mattwragg gets covered in dirt too.
  • 35 11
 @mattwragg I don't think people really understand what you guys go through to provide this coverage. Out on course before the first riders are down and don't head back until the last one is home no matter what the weather looks like. After that spend 3-5 hours going through the 1000+ shots of the day to find the correct ones followed by writing the captions. Then to bed late and up early so you can start all over.

You guys do an amazing job and we all appreciate it. BTW maybe you guys should have a contest at each round for local apprentice's to help out!
  • 7 0
 Sick article no matter how you cut it. Awesome pics! Keep the coverage coming!
  • 21 6
 All of you have it easy; I have to get up in the morning at ten o'clock at night, half an hour before I go to bed, eat a lump of cold poison, work twenty-nine hours a day down mill, and pay mill owner for permission to come to work.
  • 1 8
flag MJ4LIFERIDER (Mar 25, 2016 at 20:48) (Below Threshold)
 Not funny
  • 10 0
 @salespunk Yeah except one of my buddies does the same thing but for skiing. I understand how hard of a job it is at certain points and how inconsistent the work can be if you don't have the right connections, but still its a shit ton better than working construction and about a thousand other jobs. Its rare for any photographer to get where he is, that's rarefied atmosphere right there. That's the Layer Cake, son. lolz
  • 3 1
 mike-gamble Totally true, I had to choose between having a total crap job that pays good money or an awesome bike shop job that made me go on welfare. This isn't dirt as much as it's "mill residue" mostly machinery oil, dust, chemicals from glues including formaldehyde, sawdust, rubber dust from forklift tires and there is probably still a little asbestos in certain areas, since it was built in the 60's and they have found it when removing machines to install new ones. I love getting covered in natures dirt everyday I have off to ride.
  • 9 16
flag Dustfarter (Mar 25, 2016 at 21:58) (Below Threshold)
 I have to defend @mattwragg here. Sure there are worse jobs in the world but traveling to the other side of the world with all your gear, shooting all day then editing images, writing something interesting ( and proof reading ) and uploading the content for us to all enjoy is a lot more stressful than you think.
Don't forget he HAS to perform no matter what. It's his job which is a lot different to snapping the odd crappy picture to throw up on Instagram with a dumb caption.
I'd bet he pulled at least an 18 hour day to get this content to all of us never mind the jet lag and the physical exertion of being on track all day.
Also. I can say with experience. If you are a rider then it really sucks to shoot something you love doing rather than participate in it.
  • 5 0
 Monty python?
  • 5 0
 @bknofx...But you try and tell that to the young people today... and they won't believe you
  • 2 1
 Oversensitive, even.
  • 7 3
 whiner..Matt!
  • 3 0
 The struggle is real
\
  • 33 1
 @mattwragg you really giving that sort of response to such an innocuous comment? Maybe it's time to take a step back and realize how lucky you are to be able to pursue your passion professionally and earn a living doing so. A lot of people spend 8-10+ hours a day working just as hard as you stuck inside a brick and mortar box all day. A lot of people settle for the doldrums of job security at crap jobs. Lol @ thinking you have it rough hanging out in a tropical paradise chasing riders around to take photos.
  • 7 0
 There is going to be an opinion article coming out about,"what photographers really go through." I would love to travel and take pictures of people doing cool shit. But I'm in bed still, looking at cool pictures. Thanks for the pictures and the descriptions Matt. But relax, no reason to get excited.
  • 5 2
 @avidthrasher he probably couldn't give two shits about this, haha.
  • 14 0
 @scott-townes Lol, I don't really either. His reply was just a bit reactionary and pointless. I understand the amount of work that goes into professional photography and photo journalism having grown up with one parent who worked as a free lance photographer. But to act like that fellow's comment was anything to respond to defensively was silly.
  • 15 12
 Matt Wragg should do a hot summer of mining or a cold winter of landscaping in the piss rain. Faggot needs a reality check.
  • 11 0
 he got his head up his ass!
  • 5 9
flag RupertR (Mar 26, 2016 at 10:25) (Below Threshold)
 @jclnv Not only is your comment pretty pointless, for reasons stated above about the difficulty of this very skilled work but it is also completely offensive. I don't know if you are even intelligent enough to understand the issues of throwing that word around, but doing so with such venom is disgusting. Pull yourself together mate, act like the grown up that you are.
  • 3 3
 Covering enduro racing and getting the images culled, prioritized, edited, captioned and re-organized for a story (still to be written) on deadline takes a lot of efficiency - and for me, usually a lot of rum & cokes - even with reliable internet.
Nice work, guys.
  • 5 3
 @jclnv it's no wonder you have a shit job. With a mindset like that who the f*ck would hire you?
  • 9 0
 I didn't mean to offend you. Just reminding you that a lot of people would love to do what you do, whether they have what it takes or not. And every job has its downsides. Thanks for everything you do, maybe I should have included that in there...
  • 3 6
 @ all do you have an idea how much does their photo-equipment weights? Probably above 10 kg with water and some sandwiches for the day. For sports photography they use for sure DSLR's which are damn bulky. Not to speak the time spent to pick up the amazing photos from probably a 1000 photos and edit them to the master pieces that we see. For me these articles are better than the videos!

Long story short - it may look from the outside that what they do is easy but it's only so because they are that good professionals. And to be a top level professional in anything is never easy!
  • 2 0
 @ThreadKiller You didn't do your job. Great.
  • 3 1
 @Dustfarter I work for a disabled children's non profit.
  • 2 0
 on a scale of 10, job difficulty rates 5-6. imo. Same as I see my job, year round underground construction installing new utilities. The weather on a year round basis is a huge factor for outdoor workers. Getting only one chance to get it right (the good shot) also increases the pressure/difficulty. At most, pro action photog is a 6, and generally much less. Don't forget, money shouldn't be considered... some of us value what we do over compensation.
  • 3 0
 "I didn't work at school/i'm dumb/I have no skills so I got a shitty job and I complain about it"
  • 7 0
 The infantry Marine in me says less whining, more snapping. At the end of the day, you MAKE A LIVING TRAVELING and TAKING PICTURES OF MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES. You said it yourself, that's how you put food on the table. That's pretty fucking cool, so stop bitching about it. The fan in me says THANK YOU, and KEEP UP THE SOLID WORK. As much as I want to slap the shit out of you for that comment, I'd still buy you a beer if I see you around the races, Wragg. Dream jobs are stressful too.
  • 2 0
 i was trying to think of a classy way to present both sides of the coin, but i think this guy ^ sums it up pretty well
  • 1 3
 Matt s comment was not aimed to whine. He was trying to prevent the usual pinkbike user comment "its sunday evening and still no results, no photo epics and no interview ?! Shame on you lazy pb"
  • 4 0
 I'm terribly disappointed in all of you.
  • 3 0
 Sorry mom i didnt want to kill dad
  • 26 0
 Wow, that photo of Krunkshox was RAD!!!
  • 12 1
 I've been in my pyjamas all day waiting for this post!
  • 9 2
 Pink bike I believe Martin is 19 not 18 aha. I remember wishing him a 19th happy birthday in January... Mind you doesn't take away from the fact he soooooo fast and sooo Young aha
  • 10 0
 Now I get Barelli's horizontal controls!
  • 1 0
 we don't get to see much EWS coverage. what we're missing is that Barelli just does supermans all the way down each stage.
  • 8 0
 @MattWrag.. Florian Nicolai's bike skills is better the me .. yep.
  • 10 1
 Go Anneke!
  • 3 0
 Anyone know what model computers these guys run? I see Rude's bike has a Garmin, just curious which model. It seems like as the features go up on cycling computers the bulk goes up too...
  • 1 0
 It looks to me most run the Garmin Edge 520
  • 1 0
 Most of the guys look to be riding Garmin 510's or 520's
  • 1 0
 Richie is running a 510
  • 3 0
 And Joe Barnes on his Spectral rather than his Strive again! Shows that even for the hardest trails, 140mm is enough in the back!
  • 3 0
 Next pinkbike article : EWS Round One - 15 Riders and their GoPros. "Is he rocking the new session, sick bro"
  • 6 1
 Keep it up Richie !
  • 2 0
 Damn, I love those pixelated art on the recent Yeti jerseys, especially the EWS champion thing from last and this year. Would so buy a bunch of them... Smile
  • 4 0
 Those Yeti jerseys look good!
  • 3 0
 Amazing Pictures, trails and hard core riding
  • 2 0
 I think you guys missed the word Epic on the title..... Awesome coverage!!
  • 1 0
 I thought Shawn Hughes is Jared's mechanic, turns out he's Yeti's mechanic. Big Props to you Matt and Dave for the articles, keep them coming.
  • 3 0
 Go Marco Osborne!

(Editors note correct spelling...)
  • 3 0
 more pictures of Cody Kelly
  • 4 1
 Where is Dan Atherton?
  • 14 0
 Probably stuck in his digger.
  • 8 0
 Trek is paying all that money for the Anthertons and he's a no show for the first EWS? Tsk, tsk.
  • 3 1
 He's only racing La Thuile and Whistler EWS this year.
  • 2 0
 "KICK HIS ASS, SEA BASS!"
(Go Ritchie)
  • 1 0
 How many thousands and thousands of dollars do you think is in the front of that boat?!?!?
  • 1 0
 its been said many times but thanks for the amazing photography and coverage
  • 1 0
 that kid must be Specialized Vans.
  • 1 1
 Typo - "While the the defending champ, Richie Rude, was having some trouble with the steeps"
  • 2 0
 F'en epic photos!!!
  • 1 0
 Wait enduro involves riding on benches? Now I'm really confused.
  • 1 0
 Ferry pic is my new background image, thanks
  • 3 1
 That Yeti jersey lol
  • 2 1
 I'm no sure if its the kodak instamatic auto focus (with cube flash blubs) or the images were uploaded to a commodore 64, but Richie's jersey does looks very pixelated.
  • 1 0
 Correct me if I am wrong but I thought the pattern on that Yeti jersey of the random assortment of colors was the Enduro World Series version of the rainbow jersey?
  • 1 0
 Fantastic report PB. So many possibilities for winners this year
  • 1 0
 Alex surely must now be a nominee for PB'ers choice rider of the year?
  • 1 0
 Adopted by 'trail dogs' is pretty cool!
  • 1 0
 No live timing this year ?
  • 1 0
 Those specialized jerseys tho! Must have!
  • 2 1
 Anyone notice the kid in the Vans shirt is missing from the phone photo?
  • 1 0
 Vampires confirmed!
  • 1 0
 Looks like Fox has a climb switch on their coil in the Shawn Hughs pic
  • 1 0
 New Urge Archi Enduro helmets ? Vents design looking fresh?
  • 1 0
 Great pics looks like an awesome place to ride.
  • 1 0
 Killer photogs
  • 1 0
 Now that is a tongue.
  • 1 0
 yeah
  • 1 1
 Please hurry WC!!!
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