Going Pro at 16: Spotlight on Paul Serra

Age is just a number to 16-year old Paul Serra, the newest and youngest athlete to join the ranks of the Pro Men at the California Enduro Series. He can’t vote; he can’t even get into an R-rated movie, but he’s proven he can compete. Age may not matter, but one digit has a lot of significance to Serra: the number one. Hailing from Redwood City, CA, Serra has snatched the top step in Expert Boys U18 at the California Enduro Series two-years running. Now, with a new team backing him and a new field to compete against, Serra will see where he stands with the big boys at CES. The pros may race the same trails, but the times are faster and the demands greater.

“Coming from Junior Expert I had the advantage of being able to make a couple of mistakes and still win the race,” said Serra who was recently picked up by the Yeti-Fox National Enduro Team. “Going into Pro Men, I will be fighting for a top ten with times much tighter between racers; any small mistake will cost me a lot!”


Despite being somewhat of a new comer to the enduro scene, Serra focuses on learning— one of his main tactics to win. He’s always watching, always trying to pick up a new skill or hone an existing one.

“In 2016, I learned that there is no easy way to win a race or championship: your race preparation, bike setup, concentration during practice, and attention to details must be on point every weekend for you to have a good race,” he said. “Coming into 2017, I am just looking to focus on my riding, learn a lot from the pros that I will be racing against, and just have a good time riding with everyone.”

Enduro has solidified its place in the racing line up for many cyclists. With fast descents and physical courses, the format has converted everyone from XC to downhill racers. Serra, who split his time between XC and enduro last year, will, for the most part, be exclusively racing enduro this year, opening up his schedule for all the California Enduro Series races as well as some of the Big Mountain Enduro and the Enduro World Series races.

“After all the changes and the move up to a much more competitive field, this season will be more based towards learning rather than winning. Having said that, I’m still looking to win a couple BME in U21 and also place in the top 10 at the EWS in U21.” Despite the busy schedule, Serra said he will continue to be a mainstay at CES as he vies for the top prize in Pro Men.

“I started racing enduro on CES courses. I will never forget at my first CES race how Steven and Megan Gemelos, along with the CES team, were very welcoming to me and the other kids my age. CES has become bigger since then with more courses and more riders, but the fun and passion of the organizers is still intact,” he added.


Confidence and a bit of bravado can definitely help get a racer down the hill, but knowing your weaknesses and attacking them head on is what makes champions. Some struggle with rocks, others can’t keep a flow, but if you recognize where you struggle and where you excel, that can make all the difference. For Serra, it’s not so much about technique, but strength. He seems to love it all, from fast to flowy to technical and rough, but it’s the ability to get up and over and manhandle a bike, that he has been concentrating on.

“I’m not a big hitter nor super strong physically, but I’ve been working on my preparation this winter to gain the extra strength necessary to go faster; whether that be holding the bike safe in fast, difficult sections, exit speed, or power on flat sections and punchy climb,” he commented. “I had to work more on my strength and upper body, which were my weak points last year. I’m feeling much stronger and looking forward to the first enduro race to see how my hard work is paying off.”

There’s plenty going on in the young man’s head. Homework, bike tuning, preparing for a race, the SATs, Prom, he has a lot to think about, but for Serra, there’s always plenty of room for fun and his favorite courses.

“I am looking forward to Mendocino and China Peak! I remember such a good, friendly vibe from Mendocino two years ago while racing on amazing and super fun trails. Also, the crew there did a pretty phenomenal job at organizing the race with homemade snacks throughout the two days and lunch offered both afternoons. I’m also looking forward to China Peak just because I really enjoy the trails over there and I think it’s a blast to race. It’s both fun and physical,” Serra said.


Words by Patrick D. Rosso
Photos by Josh Woodward

Keep up with all the action at www.californiaenduroseries.com, the series Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.

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