Superenduro 2016: Round One, Massa Marittima - Friday Practice
The Superenduro is back after a yearlong break for 2015 to re-evaluate what it wants to achieve, which is to basically showcase to the world what Italy is made of – and not just great coffee and delicious food. But also to visit a huge variety of locations, from the stunning Dolomites to the terrifying Italian Alps. But first we start near the coast with a more forgiving landscape between Rome and Pisa, in a magical place called Massa Marittima.
Massa Marittima is just inland from Punta Ala (the location of the first ever EWS), it may not have jagged peaks or high altitude racing, but it does have some beautiful rolling hills with easy climbs and descents with a good gradient. Massa Marittima itself is full of incredible architecture it even has its own Cathedral, and yet it's super mountain bike friendly with trails absolutely everywhere. The trails are maintained by the Trail Brothers and Massa Vecchia. It's for these reasons Superenduro have chosen it to kick off the first round of 2016...
MENTIONS: @SramMedia / @BWinder
Massa Marittima is just inland from Punta Ala (the location of the first ever EWS), it may not have jagged peaks or high altitude racing, but it does have some beautiful rolling hills with easy climbs and descents with a good gradient. Massa Marittima itself is full of incredible architecture it even has its own Cathedral, and yet it's super mountain bike friendly with trails absolutely everywhere. The trails are maintained by the Trail Brothers and Massa Vecchia. It's for these reasons Superenduro have chosen it to kick off the first round of 2016...
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 Stunning greenery and rolling hills surrounding Massa Marittima. |
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| Stunning. Rolling hills for miles and incredible architecture. |
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| One of the locals waiting for the bus. |
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| So many incredible side streets with amazing looking restaurants. |
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| We love the hand-crafted signs too. This place is something special. |
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| Marco Milivinti, winner of the 2014 series preparing his bike out the back of his van. |
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| For practice shuttles are allowed, but for race day, it will all be pedal powered. |
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| This way to the trails! |
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| The rocks in the background are some of the remains of what was once used to build the Cathedral. |
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| Alex Lupato looked fast and stealthy today, he is a favourite to take the win here this weekend. |
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| Stage 5 isn't one for the faint hearted, almost a downhill track in places, and also super long. A rider favourite for sure. |
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| Freshly cut trails are the best. |
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| Alia Marcellini was looking super pinned all day. |
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| Some super-fast sections which beg for full commitment. |
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| Very natural trails here, always using features that already exist which keeps you on your toes. |
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| Weaving down through trees and popping off rocks. |
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| Matteo Raimondi keeping it controlled and stylish through some of the faster sections. |
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| Team trains were a constant today, here team Rocky Mountain plough through some dust. |
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| A big thumbs up after today's riding. |
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| Enrico Guala - one of the key figures behind the Superenduro as well as the EWS, he's also the happiest man in mountain biking. |
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| And the pits set-up begins... |
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| A couple of locals looking intrigued by the pits. |
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| SRAM have a huge presence at the Superenduro as the title sponsor of the series. They're always on hand to help with pitching a tent or bleeding a reverb. |
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| The detail in the Cathedral is stunning. Built from the rocks that surround some of the stages. |
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| Who would've thought it, a mountain bike race starting in front of a cathedral. |
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| Long narrow streets seem to go on forever, all busy and with amazing restaurants every other door. |
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| The marshals briefing happened outside the local bar... obviously. |
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| Teams were working into the night to make sure the bikes are tip top for the next day of riding. |
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| Goodnight from Massa Marittima. |
MENTIONS: @SramMedia / @BWinder
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13 Comments
- 39 0
darrenspink
(Mar 19, 2016 at 2:41)
I could really do with some Italian sun, food, scenery and dust right now.
- 8 0
endurocat
(Mar 19, 2016 at 5:41)
Who wouldn't want to spend a weekend racing, eating and drinking in this place.
- 3 0
robmarini-jet
(Mar 19, 2016 at 7:14)
Great article... absolutely great pictures... just awesome!!! It definitely makes us not just read the article, but desperately wanting to be there as well!!!
- 1 0
mparpal
FL (Mar 19, 2016 at 13:10)
Spent a day in Massa a few years ago, awseome place! Didn't realize the mountain biking was so good there too, can't wait to go back. Had my first taste of Cinghali (wild Boar) at a restaraunt there, one of the best meals ever!
- 5 1
anyexcusetoride
(Mar 19, 2016 at 3:27)
Looks great! Are racers allowed to race just with half-lid in Italy?
- 2 0
jmjr
(Mar 19, 2016 at 8:51)
No they aren't. It's also mandatory to wear gloves, knee guards and a back protector.
- 1 0
anyexcusetoride
(Mar 19, 2016 at 8:59)
Thought so, I did a race in Italy earlier and the year and as you say all was mandatory (and really strict about it) so was confused at the half-lid photos, maybe it is just on the stage transfers or something...
- 2 0
jmjr
(Mar 19, 2016 at 10:19)
I have never raced at a Superenduro event, but I could imagine, that during training no one enforces the full face rule (or cares about it 
)
)- 1 0
anyexcusetoride
(Mar 19, 2016 at 10:56)
ah yes during training would explain it!
- 1 0
Fabbrus
(Mar 19, 2016 at 8:20)
Full face helmet is compulsory during race.
Those pics come from practice.
- 1 0
streetfighter848
(Mar 19, 2016 at 21:15)
Absolutely love Italy! Hope to ride those trails someday...
- 1 2
cxfahrer
(Mar 19, 2016 at 7:12)
They have an E-MTB category! So there is still hope for me to participate in a few years....
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