Shimano Enduro Tasmania: Competitor Snapshot
Ask any Australian enduro racer what the most exciting new event in 2017 is, and they'll answer: the Enduro World Series round in Derby, Tasmania. Running for the first time in the "Apple Isle," the event looks set to bring the creme de la creme of Enduro racers from all over the globe into the small island state of Tasmania.
In the Enduro World Series, the focus might be on the top talent like Rude, Maes, Graves and Ravanel, but there is the ability for athletes to enter into the series via qualifier events, wildcards or lottery results. This opens up the series to those who think they have what it takes to compete, or just those looking to race the same events as the top riders. In the lead up to the race on April 9, I caught up with a few local Australian privateers during their training to find out what they've been up to and what their expectations are...
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
Whipping it over a local jump.
Harry is racing at EWS Derby as part of the Mountain Bike Australia Junior Development Squad in U21 Men. No stranger to the podium in his age category, he's also been giving Elite racing a go in the past few months. Harry will be one to watch in Derby.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I have been riding mountain bikes since forever! I really got into it around 2011 when I used to go out to the local jump track here in the mountains and mess around for hours!
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I have been racing enduro for around three years now.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
My favourite trail in Sydney has to be the local called No Friends. It’s pretty steep and raw and a heap of fun.
Who are your sponsors?
Sponsors are Nicks Cycles, DHaRCO, Mountain Bike Suspension Centre, Promountbillet, Trek, Eighty One Spices, Carbocage.
What bike will you be riding?
My Trek Slash 9.8.
![Harry with some style over a jump]()
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
That’d have to be winning the 2016 national series in the under 17 category.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
Haven't raced one before, so super keen to get one under my belt!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Some goals for this race is to get a top-5 overall result or hopefully close to it.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Nothing special, just my usual riding on the mountain and road bikes.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Probably not breaking something on the bike and not running out of food! (laughs).
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Hopefully I can get to some more races later in time when I can afford it.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Probably a bit nervous as with anything like that, but focused and keen on the ride ahead.
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
![Gatto boosting into low earth orbit on a 130mm travel trail XC bike.]()
Who says you need more than 130mm? Gatto boosting into low earth orbit.
Jon Gatt AKA Gatto, not afraid to send it and one of the most stoked individuals you'll find riding a mountain bike. 19 years old and hailing from Western Sydney, Jon will be competing at Derby in U21 Men.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
Been riding them for 2 years now, after riding MX bikes for a long time.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
1 year.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Probably the M7 cycle path on the roadie!
Who are your sponsors?
Nicks cycles / DHaRCO clothing / Promountbillet / Trek
What bike will you be riding?
My Trek Fuel EX.
![Jon Gatt shredding a corner]()
![Jon Gatt bouncing out of a corner]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
2nd place 2016 Australian National Enduro Series in U19 and 3rd place at the Australian National Champs in U19.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
NUP! This’ll be my first EWS!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Max fun. Good results will just be an extra!
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Training? What's that? I just ride my bike! (laughs).
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Probably trying to contain my excitement! I think I'll end up wasting all my energy screaming at other riders! (laughs)
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Not at this stage.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Nervous and excited as hell! Waaaaaay keen!
![Jon Gatt]()
![Getting lit with some smoke]()
Getting lit with some smoke.
Dave Ludenia will be making good on plans to race an EWS round after injury prevented him racing in South America last year. Packing up the Enduro this week to hit the trails of Derby, Dave will be getting stuck into the fun, challenge and adding plenty of banter to the event.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
12 years or so.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
Probably about two years now since I ventured from the short travel scene, so about that.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Enjoying some rough and rocky old DH tracks in the upper Blue Mountains at the moment. It's hard to beat the local with views to match!
Who are your sponsors?
Specialized, BikeMinded, ProMountBillet and Pantene Pro-V.
![Dave Ludenia]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
Not really on the board much, hey. I won a state round I guess and a few top tens at Nationals. Best and fairest party performer (BFPP) at the National Series has probably been the proudest moment though.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
Yeah, I headed over to South America on a last minute jaunt to catch a few EWS rounds but escapula fractura (fractured shoulder blade) put an end to that the day before the first race. I went to La Thuile in Italy a few months later but the bung wing was in no state to 'race' so I just enjoyed the serenity of Monte Bianco.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Staying upright would be nice... too many breaks, snaps, and slices the last two years. Just last week I broke my nose! I'd be stoked to sneak into the top 60 or so a few times I guess?
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
It would be a stretch to say I've done anything different hey. I have spent a fair bit of time rehabbing my shoulder and started to lift a few heavy things lately but I mainly just ride and banter with mates, enjoying it way too much at times.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
For me, mechanicals. I also get pretty excited catching up with two-wheeled enthusiasts I don't see too often, so limiting the pre-race party in Derby's notorious rave scene will be a challenge no doubt.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Not this year. I'd love to get to a multi-stage Enduro somewhere exotic but I've just scored a rad job so I'm making a go of that at the moment and getting out where I can.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Talking too much and missing the start beep is likely but mostly revving pretty hard to have some fun on some of Muffin's Derby creations.
![Jumping amongst the trees]()
Jumping amongst the trees.
![Jon Harry and Dave having a laugh at the top of the trails.]()
![Jon and Dave training it.]()
[Top] Jon, Harry and Dave having a laugh at the top of the trails. [Bottom] Jon and Dave training it.
![Scott keeping it controlled through a rocky tech section]()
Scott keeping it controlled through a rocky tech section.
Scott Graham is a 31-year-old rider from the North Shore of Sydney. A long time rider and recent enduro racer, Scott is competing as a Lottery entrant and hoping to make an impact in Derby.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I’ve been riding mountain bikes for about 15 years now, but had a break for about four years to focus on my Degree. So I guess, 11 years?
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I started riding Enduro after winning a bike in a Facebook competition two years ago. After about six months I started to get back into racing again and only after the past year that I’ve started to take racing a bit more seriously again.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Narra is always good as it is such a large trail network, but Knapsack in the lower Blue Mountains is always good and some other hidden trails around the Hornsby area.
Who are your sponsors?
DHaRCO Clothing have been helping me out which is great and DayZero Bike in New Zealand are helping me out with a YT bike, gear and race entries.
What bike will you be riding?
YT Jeffsy.
![Scott over a jump]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
7th place at Cannonball festival in the Flow Motion and All Mountain Assault.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
No, not yet. But have raced a DH World Cup in Schladming many years ago.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
It’s going to be a very different race to anything else that I have done before, with the structure, length of event, specific start times et cetera. I would like to have a clean race and no mechanicals and ride the best I can, hopefully, the results will follow.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Spending as much time on my bike as possible. Sydney weather has been terrible so that hasn’t gone to plan perfectly. So I have adopted spin classes as my primary source of fitness, afternoons are spent riding and working on skill sessions and evening combined with home gym and stability workouts.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Learning 7 stages off minimal practice and then putting together race runs on each of them.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Not this year. The goal is to complete the entire National series and then look to 2018 EWS.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Nervous!!! I always hate the pre-race nerves, but once you’re out of the start gate, you’re just riding your bike.
![Scott Graham and his YT Jeffsy]()
Scott Graham and his YT Jeffsy.
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
James Hall.
James Hall (AKA Cannonball) is a rider from the Northern Beaches of Sydney who has been lucky enough to score entry into Rotorua, Derby and Aspen EWS rounds and is on the waitlist for the Whistler round. Training hard and fresh off a result in Rotorua including a 6th place in one of the stages, James will be packing the Switchblade up and heading to Derby this weekend.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
18 years, and more competitively on and off the last 9 years.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
Three years.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
I don’t think I could pick just one, it depends on the day. I love the diversity of trails we now have here on the northern beaches and linking them together for some larger loops is what I tend to enjoy most. We have a pretty damn good informal trail network between Narrabeen and St Ives, so that’s where I find myself most of the time.
Who are your sponsors?
Pivot Cycles Australia, JetBlack Products, DHaRCO Clothing, Ride In Workshop.
What bike will you be riding?
Pivot Switchblade 29er.
![James Hall]()
![Threading the needle]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
6th Place on stage 3 in the 2017 EWS round 1 at Rotorua.
You've been competing already in the EWS, how's that been going?
This is the first year I’ve competed in the EWS. I was fortunate enough to be able to make it to round one in Rotorua. What an awesome round, I had an absolute blast sliding all over the place in the crazy mud fest conditions.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
First and foremost is simply holding it together for seven clean, fast and consistent stages. Ideally, I would love to see another top ten in a stage and hopefully a top 30 overall, but we will see how conditions fair and see what happens on the day.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Training has been diverse, to say the least with Indoor trainers, spin bikes, TRX classes, circuits, road rides, CX rides, dirt jumping, pump tracks etc and of course a lot of time on the mountain bike. Amongst all that, really the main two focuses have been boosting my thresholds by structuring high-intensity days with two to three rest days in between for recovery and keeping my skill base up.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Getting a good night’s sleep the night before haha. No probably the biggest challenge maintaining an appropriate level of confidence throughout all seven stages, getting out of the tense state and more into a relaxed body and aggressive frame of mind.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Unfortunately, I can’t get to all of them, but I’m lucky enough to get some time off for the north American rounds. I’m currently registered for Aspen and on the wait list for Whistler held two weeks later.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Probably pretty anxious haha. I’m aiming for a good combination of excitement, confidence and focus with just enough nerves and fear to keep it rubber side down.
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
![Lightbro Manuals]()
Lightbro Manuals.
Marcell is a rider from the Northern Beaches, who may not have been riding for that long but has had a good amount of results and a good variety of technical trails as his local stomping grounds.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
For three years now.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
For two years.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Bunnings.
Who are your sponsors?
My wife and son and also DHaRCO.
What bike will you be riding?
YT Jeffsy Pro CF 29er
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
1st expert Victorian state Enduro series, 22nd elite Trans NZ.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
No, this will be my first EWS.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Lifting furniture and regular local loops.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
To be relaxed on the bike and have fun are all the goals I need for myself.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Getting to the top of the last stage for sure! Looks tough haha!
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
No plans at this stage but will keep racing and riding bikes.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Nervous but keen to send it!
![Dropping in]()
Dropping in.
![Sam Patterson on a local trail]()
Sam Patterson.
Sam Patterson is a 16-year-old rider from the Blue Mountains of Sydney. This young rider will be tackling the Derby EWS as a lottery entrant after tackling a few Enduro races in the past year with some decent results including some podiums. I caught up with him on some of my local tracks and put together this interview.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
Have ridden on two wheels all my life. But would say I’ve only been properly riding mountain bikes for two years now.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
My first enduro race was with Rockytrail entertainment a year ago. Have just been progressing since then.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
No Friends.
Who are your sponsors?
Nicks Cycles and DHaRCO for EWS
What bike will you be riding?
Specialized s-works enduro.
![Practicing high speed creek crossings]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
1st in u17 State Champs at Ourimbah.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
Nope! first time which means the stoke levels are even higher!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Well, I’m racing U21. So if I make it to the end that would be an achievement in itself! haha.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Just lots of skids to be honest.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
SO MUCH ELEVATION!
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
For sure! Will be looking at competing at some of the AUS national rounds later in the year and see where that takes me, hopefully to some overseas EWS rounds in the upcoming years.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
I’ve got no pressure around me and have put no pressure on myself! so probably just stoked and ready to get loose!
![Sam is no stranger to a decent huck]()
![Sam Patterson and his S-Works Enduro]()
Sam is no stranger to a decent huck on his s-works enduro.
![Nimmy Stockwell at Thredbo]()
Nimmy Stockwell at Thredbo.
William (Nimmy) Stockwell is a young rider from the North Shore of Sydney who'll be racing in Derby this weekend along with his older brother, Sam. Enjoying dirt jumps, pumptracks, enduro racing and downhill, Nimmy is a versatile rider who'll be pushing for a good result this weekend.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I started riding mountain bikes around six years ago.
How long have you been racing enduro?
I’ve been racing enduro every now and again, but I think my first staged race was a Rockytrail rollercoaster up at Ourimbah in 2013.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Well, I would say Berm Track (Oxford Falls) however that has been tragically removed - Tender topic. So probably Ya Mum, always a good ride with all the boys.
Who are your sponsors?
Just the 'rents.
What bike will you be riding?
I will be riding my noble Canyon Strive CF 8.0 race.
What’s been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
I can’t say any results have stood out significantly, but definitely on the hunt for a few in the near future.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
No, this is my first experience and I have no idea what to expect. Keen.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Beat my brother.
What’s been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Leading up to the race I’ve been trying to get as much time on the bike as possible including road rides, xc races and turbo training (shout out to Poska for that one). I’ve also been running and doing strength stuff. Pretty much anything I can.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Pacing myself as I haven’t done a stage race as long as this before.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
I’m definitely keen to do as many as I can and just race more in general, we will have to see what happens.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
I think I will be buzzing and keen to pedal myself silly.
![Sam styling over Stromlo s Triple Treat jump.]()
Sam styling over Stromlo's Triple Treat jump.
Sam Stockwell is a 19-year-old rider from the Northern Beaches of Sydney who'll be competing at Derby along with his younger brother Nimmy. No stranger to the freeride and downhill side of riding and fresh from the mud fest of Rotorua's Enduro World Series Round one, Sam will be packing the Norco Range up and tackling the hopefully drier trails of Derby.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
Ever since I watched my cousin huck down my back stairs on an old Norco, so, since I was 11 years old.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I got into it doing the Rocky Trail Rollercoasters about six years ago. Since then it took over cross country racing pretty quick.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Ya Mum.
Who are your sponsors?
Mum, Dad and #John
What bike will you be riding?
My 2016 Norco Range 'Straya Edition C7.1.
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
I didn't die on the weekend at Rotorua, which has to have been the most physical challenge I've ever faced. I'm in it for the fun of the challenge for sure. I also got 22nd in U21's in 2015 in Rotorua.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
2015 and 2017 EWS Rotorua. They have been the two most mind-blowing days on the bike ever, and incredible to be a part of. Now I'm just keen to race on home soil!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
I'd really just like to beat (my brother) Nimdawg, he's been looking too quick for comfort!
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Uni, pasta, Narra, and Uni.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
I definitely struggle with finding pace on a trip away from home, as well as getting up to full racing speed in a day or two.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
For sure! The aim is to keep fit for next year and plan well to tackle a few northern hemisphere rounds if possible.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Just keen to get loose and throttle it! I hear there are jumps in Derby - time for a little bit of Oxy revenge!
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
Jack Hewish.
For the last profile, we venture outside Sydney down to Melbourne for Jack Hewish. Jack’s had a good amount of success in the short time he’s been riding Enduro and is super keen to get stuck in at Derby this weekend.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I got my first proper mountain bike in 2015 and started racing the Vic Enduro rounds later that year.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I've been racing the Vic Series since the end of 2015 and my first national race was in Bright last year.
What are your favourite trails locally and further abroad?
My local trails aren't anything to brag about with mainly XC trails and nothing really tech or bike park style, but they're good for training and having a ball with your mates. But my favourite trail would have to be the Epic descent at Buller, but that may change after Derby!
Who are your sponsors?
My current sponsors are Mondraker, DHaRCO, Fox, CL Brakes, Dainese, Onoff, Sea Health Products.
What bike will you be riding?
I'll be shredding my Mondraker Dune RR.
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
![Shimano Enduro Tasmania]()
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
My most memorable result would be winning the National Enduro Series round in Bright last year.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
I have never been to a World Series race before, but I'm looking forward to being a part of this one for sure.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
My main goal is to be absolutely pinned, so I can match my times up against the world’s best juniors and pros.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Nothing super special, just been trying to get out and ride as much as I can, which is difficult when trying to juggle school as well.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
The biggest challenge will be keeping the nerves together when I'm riding with the best racers in the world.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
My main plan is to get to both Rotorua and Derby next year, being the two closest to home, then as soon as I get through school the plan is to go race as many as possible, with the goal to be able to ride bikes for a living!
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
I'm sure there will be some natural butterflies but I'll be keen to froth over the trails Derby has to offer!
![Jack on the Thredbo Valley Trail]()
Jack on the Thredbo Valley Trail.
Good luck to all these riders and look out for them in the coverage over the weekend!
![Derby. Pic Credit Enduro World Series]()
Derby. Pic Credit Enduro World Series.
MENTIONS: @DJR9000 / @EnduroWorldSeries
In the Enduro World Series, the focus might be on the top talent like Rude, Maes, Graves and Ravanel, but there is the ability for athletes to enter into the series via qualifier events, wildcards or lottery results. This opens up the series to those who think they have what it takes to compete, or just those looking to race the same events as the top riders. In the lead up to the race on April 9, I caught up with a few local Australian privateers during their training to find out what they've been up to and what their expectations are...
Harrison Dobrowolski
17 // Sydney - Blue Mountains // U21 Men
Harry is racing at EWS Derby as part of the Mountain Bike Australia Junior Development Squad in U21 Men. No stranger to the podium in his age category, he's also been giving Elite racing a go in the past few months. Harry will be one to watch in Derby.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I have been riding mountain bikes since forever! I really got into it around 2011 when I used to go out to the local jump track here in the mountains and mess around for hours!
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I have been racing enduro for around three years now.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
My favourite trail in Sydney has to be the local called No Friends. It’s pretty steep and raw and a heap of fun.
Who are your sponsors?
Sponsors are Nicks Cycles, DHaRCO, Mountain Bike Suspension Centre, Promountbillet, Trek, Eighty One Spices, Carbocage.
What bike will you be riding?
My Trek Slash 9.8.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
That’d have to be winning the 2016 national series in the under 17 category.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
Haven't raced one before, so super keen to get one under my belt!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Some goals for this race is to get a top-5 overall result or hopefully close to it.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Nothing special, just my usual riding on the mountain and road bikes.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Probably not breaking something on the bike and not running out of food! (laughs).
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Hopefully I can get to some more races later in time when I can afford it.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Probably a bit nervous as with anything like that, but focused and keen on the ride ahead.
Jon Gatt
19 // Western Sydney // U21 Men
Jon Gatt AKA Gatto, not afraid to send it and one of the most stoked individuals you'll find riding a mountain bike. 19 years old and hailing from Western Sydney, Jon will be competing at Derby in U21 Men.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
Been riding them for 2 years now, after riding MX bikes for a long time.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
1 year.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Probably the M7 cycle path on the roadie!
Who are your sponsors?
Nicks cycles / DHaRCO clothing / Promountbillet / Trek
What bike will you be riding?
My Trek Fuel EX.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
2nd place 2016 Australian National Enduro Series in U19 and 3rd place at the Australian National Champs in U19.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
NUP! This’ll be my first EWS!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Max fun. Good results will just be an extra!
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Training? What's that? I just ride my bike! (laughs).
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Probably trying to contain my excitement! I think I'll end up wasting all my energy screaming at other riders! (laughs)
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Not at this stage.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Nervous and excited as hell! Waaaaaay keen!
Dave Ludenia
27 // Sydney - Blue Mountains // Pro Men
Dave Ludenia will be making good on plans to race an EWS round after injury prevented him racing in South America last year. Packing up the Enduro this week to hit the trails of Derby, Dave will be getting stuck into the fun, challenge and adding plenty of banter to the event.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
12 years or so.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
Probably about two years now since I ventured from the short travel scene, so about that.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Enjoying some rough and rocky old DH tracks in the upper Blue Mountains at the moment. It's hard to beat the local with views to match!
Who are your sponsors?
Specialized, BikeMinded, ProMountBillet and Pantene Pro-V.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
Not really on the board much, hey. I won a state round I guess and a few top tens at Nationals. Best and fairest party performer (BFPP) at the National Series has probably been the proudest moment though.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
Yeah, I headed over to South America on a last minute jaunt to catch a few EWS rounds but escapula fractura (fractured shoulder blade) put an end to that the day before the first race. I went to La Thuile in Italy a few months later but the bung wing was in no state to 'race' so I just enjoyed the serenity of Monte Bianco.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Staying upright would be nice... too many breaks, snaps, and slices the last two years. Just last week I broke my nose! I'd be stoked to sneak into the top 60 or so a few times I guess?
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
It would be a stretch to say I've done anything different hey. I have spent a fair bit of time rehabbing my shoulder and started to lift a few heavy things lately but I mainly just ride and banter with mates, enjoying it way too much at times.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
For me, mechanicals. I also get pretty excited catching up with two-wheeled enthusiasts I don't see too often, so limiting the pre-race party in Derby's notorious rave scene will be a challenge no doubt.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Not this year. I'd love to get to a multi-stage Enduro somewhere exotic but I've just scored a rad job so I'm making a go of that at the moment and getting out where I can.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Talking too much and missing the start beep is likely but mostly revving pretty hard to have some fun on some of Muffin's Derby creations.
Scott Graham
31 // Sydney - North Shore // Pro Men
Scott Graham is a 31-year-old rider from the North Shore of Sydney. A long time rider and recent enduro racer, Scott is competing as a Lottery entrant and hoping to make an impact in Derby.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I’ve been riding mountain bikes for about 15 years now, but had a break for about four years to focus on my Degree. So I guess, 11 years?
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I started riding Enduro after winning a bike in a Facebook competition two years ago. After about six months I started to get back into racing again and only after the past year that I’ve started to take racing a bit more seriously again.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Narra is always good as it is such a large trail network, but Knapsack in the lower Blue Mountains is always good and some other hidden trails around the Hornsby area.
Who are your sponsors?
DHaRCO Clothing have been helping me out which is great and DayZero Bike in New Zealand are helping me out with a YT bike, gear and race entries.
What bike will you be riding?
YT Jeffsy.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
7th place at Cannonball festival in the Flow Motion and All Mountain Assault.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
No, not yet. But have raced a DH World Cup in Schladming many years ago.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
It’s going to be a very different race to anything else that I have done before, with the structure, length of event, specific start times et cetera. I would like to have a clean race and no mechanicals and ride the best I can, hopefully, the results will follow.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Spending as much time on my bike as possible. Sydney weather has been terrible so that hasn’t gone to plan perfectly. So I have adopted spin classes as my primary source of fitness, afternoons are spent riding and working on skill sessions and evening combined with home gym and stability workouts.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Learning 7 stages off minimal practice and then putting together race runs on each of them.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Not this year. The goal is to complete the entire National series and then look to 2018 EWS.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Nervous!!! I always hate the pre-race nerves, but once you’re out of the start gate, you’re just riding your bike.
James Hall
32 // Sydney - Northern Beaches // Pro Men
James Hall (AKA Cannonball) is a rider from the Northern Beaches of Sydney who has been lucky enough to score entry into Rotorua, Derby and Aspen EWS rounds and is on the waitlist for the Whistler round. Training hard and fresh off a result in Rotorua including a 6th place in one of the stages, James will be packing the Switchblade up and heading to Derby this weekend.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
18 years, and more competitively on and off the last 9 years.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
Three years.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
I don’t think I could pick just one, it depends on the day. I love the diversity of trails we now have here on the northern beaches and linking them together for some larger loops is what I tend to enjoy most. We have a pretty damn good informal trail network between Narrabeen and St Ives, so that’s where I find myself most of the time.
Who are your sponsors?
Pivot Cycles Australia, JetBlack Products, DHaRCO Clothing, Ride In Workshop.
What bike will you be riding?
Pivot Switchblade 29er.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
6th Place on stage 3 in the 2017 EWS round 1 at Rotorua.
You've been competing already in the EWS, how's that been going?
This is the first year I’ve competed in the EWS. I was fortunate enough to be able to make it to round one in Rotorua. What an awesome round, I had an absolute blast sliding all over the place in the crazy mud fest conditions.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
First and foremost is simply holding it together for seven clean, fast and consistent stages. Ideally, I would love to see another top ten in a stage and hopefully a top 30 overall, but we will see how conditions fair and see what happens on the day.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Training has been diverse, to say the least with Indoor trainers, spin bikes, TRX classes, circuits, road rides, CX rides, dirt jumping, pump tracks etc and of course a lot of time on the mountain bike. Amongst all that, really the main two focuses have been boosting my thresholds by structuring high-intensity days with two to three rest days in between for recovery and keeping my skill base up.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Getting a good night’s sleep the night before haha. No probably the biggest challenge maintaining an appropriate level of confidence throughout all seven stages, getting out of the tense state and more into a relaxed body and aggressive frame of mind.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
Unfortunately, I can’t get to all of them, but I’m lucky enough to get some time off for the north American rounds. I’m currently registered for Aspen and on the wait list for Whistler held two weeks later.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Probably pretty anxious haha. I’m aiming for a good combination of excitement, confidence and focus with just enough nerves and fear to keep it rubber side down.
Marcell Nunes
29 // Sydney - Northern Beaches // Pro Men
Marcell is a rider from the Northern Beaches, who may not have been riding for that long but has had a good amount of results and a good variety of technical trails as his local stomping grounds.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
For three years now.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
For two years.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Bunnings.
Who are your sponsors?
My wife and son and also DHaRCO.
What bike will you be riding?
YT Jeffsy Pro CF 29er
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
1st expert Victorian state Enduro series, 22nd elite Trans NZ.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
No, this will be my first EWS.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Lifting furniture and regular local loops.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
To be relaxed on the bike and have fun are all the goals I need for myself.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Getting to the top of the last stage for sure! Looks tough haha!
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
No plans at this stage but will keep racing and riding bikes.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Nervous but keen to send it!
Sam Patterson
16 // Sydney - Blue Mountains // U21 Men
Sam Patterson is a 16-year-old rider from the Blue Mountains of Sydney. This young rider will be tackling the Derby EWS as a lottery entrant after tackling a few Enduro races in the past year with some decent results including some podiums. I caught up with him on some of my local tracks and put together this interview.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
Have ridden on two wheels all my life. But would say I’ve only been properly riding mountain bikes for two years now.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
My first enduro race was with Rockytrail entertainment a year ago. Have just been progressing since then.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
No Friends.
Who are your sponsors?
Nicks Cycles and DHaRCO for EWS
What bike will you be riding?
Specialized s-works enduro.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
1st in u17 State Champs at Ourimbah.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
Nope! first time which means the stoke levels are even higher!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Well, I’m racing U21. So if I make it to the end that would be an achievement in itself! haha.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Just lots of skids to be honest.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
SO MUCH ELEVATION!
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
For sure! Will be looking at competing at some of the AUS national rounds later in the year and see where that takes me, hopefully to some overseas EWS rounds in the upcoming years.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
I’ve got no pressure around me and have put no pressure on myself! so probably just stoked and ready to get loose!
William (Nimmy) Stockwell
16 // Sydney - North Shore // U21 Men
William (Nimmy) Stockwell is a young rider from the North Shore of Sydney who'll be racing in Derby this weekend along with his older brother, Sam. Enjoying dirt jumps, pumptracks, enduro racing and downhill, Nimmy is a versatile rider who'll be pushing for a good result this weekend.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I started riding mountain bikes around six years ago.
How long have you been racing enduro?
I’ve been racing enduro every now and again, but I think my first staged race was a Rockytrail rollercoaster up at Ourimbah in 2013.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Well, I would say Berm Track (Oxford Falls) however that has been tragically removed - Tender topic. So probably Ya Mum, always a good ride with all the boys.
Who are your sponsors?
Just the 'rents.
What bike will you be riding?
I will be riding my noble Canyon Strive CF 8.0 race.
What’s been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
I can’t say any results have stood out significantly, but definitely on the hunt for a few in the near future.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
No, this is my first experience and I have no idea what to expect. Keen.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
Beat my brother.
What’s been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Leading up to the race I’ve been trying to get as much time on the bike as possible including road rides, xc races and turbo training (shout out to Poska for that one). I’ve also been running and doing strength stuff. Pretty much anything I can.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
Pacing myself as I haven’t done a stage race as long as this before.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
I’m definitely keen to do as many as I can and just race more in general, we will have to see what happens.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
I think I will be buzzing and keen to pedal myself silly.
Sam Stockwell
19 // Sydney - Northern Beaches // U21 Men
Sam Stockwell is a 19-year-old rider from the Northern Beaches of Sydney who'll be competing at Derby along with his younger brother Nimmy. No stranger to the freeride and downhill side of riding and fresh from the mud fest of Rotorua's Enduro World Series Round one, Sam will be packing the Norco Range up and tackling the hopefully drier trails of Derby.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
Ever since I watched my cousin huck down my back stairs on an old Norco, so, since I was 11 years old.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I got into it doing the Rocky Trail Rollercoasters about six years ago. Since then it took over cross country racing pretty quick.
Favourite trail in Sydney?
Ya Mum.
Who are your sponsors?
Mum, Dad and #John
What bike will you be riding?
My 2016 Norco Range 'Straya Edition C7.1.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
I didn't die on the weekend at Rotorua, which has to have been the most physical challenge I've ever faced. I'm in it for the fun of the challenge for sure. I also got 22nd in U21's in 2015 in Rotorua.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
2015 and 2017 EWS Rotorua. They have been the two most mind-blowing days on the bike ever, and incredible to be a part of. Now I'm just keen to race on home soil!
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
I'd really just like to beat (my brother) Nimdawg, he's been looking too quick for comfort!
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Uni, pasta, Narra, and Uni.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
I definitely struggle with finding pace on a trip away from home, as well as getting up to full racing speed in a day or two.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
For sure! The aim is to keep fit for next year and plan well to tackle a few northern hemisphere rounds if possible.
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
Just keen to get loose and throttle it! I hear there are jumps in Derby - time for a little bit of Oxy revenge!
Jack Hewish
15 // Melbourne // U21 Men
For the last profile, we venture outside Sydney down to Melbourne for Jack Hewish. Jack’s had a good amount of success in the short time he’s been riding Enduro and is super keen to get stuck in at Derby this weekend.
How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
I got my first proper mountain bike in 2015 and started racing the Vic Enduro rounds later that year.
How long have you been racing Enduro?
I've been racing the Vic Series since the end of 2015 and my first national race was in Bright last year.
What are your favourite trails locally and further abroad?
My local trails aren't anything to brag about with mainly XC trails and nothing really tech or bike park style, but they're good for training and having a ball with your mates. But my favourite trail would have to be the Epic descent at Buller, but that may change after Derby!
Who are your sponsors?
My current sponsors are Mondraker, DHaRCO, Fox, CL Brakes, Dainese, Onoff, Sea Health Products.
What bike will you be riding?
I'll be shredding my Mondraker Dune RR.
What's been your best result in Enduro racing so far?
My most memorable result would be winning the National Enduro Series round in Bright last year.
Have you attended any previous EWS races?
I have never been to a World Series race before, but I'm looking forward to being a part of this one for sure.
What goals have you set for yourself for this race?
My main goal is to be absolutely pinned, so I can match my times up against the world’s best juniors and pros.
What's been your training plan in the lead up to the race?
Nothing super special, just been trying to get out and ride as much as I can, which is difficult when trying to juggle school as well.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be?
The biggest challenge will be keeping the nerves together when I'm riding with the best racers in the world.
Any plans to tackle more EWS stages after Derby?
My main plan is to get to both Rotorua and Derby next year, being the two closest to home, then as soon as I get through school the plan is to go race as many as possible, with the goal to be able to ride bikes for a living!
How do you think you’ll feel when you’re in the start gate come race day?
I'm sure there will be some natural butterflies but I'll be keen to froth over the trails Derby has to offer!
Good luck to all these riders and look out for them in the coverage over the weekend!
MENTIONS: @DJR9000 / @EnduroWorldSeries
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@hayden4x: Spot on.
Did manage to get one with Jack from VIC as well though as I had some photos from Thredbo of him