Santa Margherita: Superenduro 2017 Round 5 - Day 2 Practice
Day two of practice here in Santa Margherita, for the fifth round of the Superenduro (Italian Enduro Series). Santa Margherita has been a riding destination for over 25 years; there had been a slight lull in the mountain bike scene here until a few years ago when a new group of mountain bikers have been working with the local authorities to help re-build the riding scene and trail network. So far they have 5-6 official bike trails and a couple that are shared usage, but it really feels like the momentum is growing.
Today the weather stayed dry for the most part, the heavens opened at during the riders briefing in the evening. This means the trails will be wet tomorrow, and racers have only practiced in the super dusty conditions. Perhaps the trails will find a bit more grip, with a bit of moisture... but only time will tell.
With a battle on for the overall title in the men's and women's race it looks like the top riders will have to put it all on the line if they hope to take home the trophy. With everyone appearing to be fighting fit for the race it's set to be a great battle.
With stormy skies overhead everyone was holding their breath all day.
Shuttles to the top of the trails today, but for tomorrow's racing everyone will be pedalling to the top.
From the top of the drop-off point there's a short pedal to the start of the stages, all the stages drop off from this path.
The final stretch of the climb to stages two and four, turns into a winding singletrack along a ridgeline.
Dropping in, it's easy to overcook it here in the dust.
With sections of trails that don't require as much braking the dirt is perfect.
Simone Martinelli told me he didn't know what to do off this jump so just penciled it.
Dust. That's the biggest challenge facing riders today, but tomorrow is shaping up to tell a very different story with thunderstorms forecast.
Denny Lupato.
The trails here are fast and flowy, but have a few sections that can catch you unaware.
All the stages here have a lot of pedalling, a fit rider will be the one to take the win tomorrow.
It feels a lot like something out of Jurassic Park here, with big boulders and fallen trees.
The dust can be cruel if you push it too far...
Back in town, the paddock area backs onto the seafront.
Marco Milivinti.
Nicola Casadei, is in with a chance to take the title tomorrow. He's just 140 points behind Vittorio Gambirasio.
Riders spent the afternoon preparing their bikes for tomorrow's race.
In Italy, quite often you're faced with restaurant road blocks.
Just as the riders' briefing started the heavens opened dampening the ground for tomorrow's racing. With more rain forecast tonight, we're waiting to see what the trails conditions will be...
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