2017 EWS Finals: Finale Ligure, Italy - Practice Photo Epic
This is it. This is the end. After battling rain, more rain, high altitude, Tasmanian Devils, twenty-minute stages, rain again, scorching heat, and foreign dirt spread over trails on foreign lands, we have come to the grand finale of the 2017 Enduro World Series. In the place with the perfect name for such a momentous occasion: Finale Ligure.
Riders have given their sweat, they have given their blood, and of course, their tears of joy and sorrow over the past seven months to make it here. Some in one piece and others with their bodies in need of various repairs after a very long season. To say it has been hard would be an understatement as this year's Enduro World Series was a test like no other, and those who emerge from this final battle can without a doubt call themselves champions of the world.
While some titles are wrapped up at the sharp end, the remaining podium spots are very much up for grabs. Especially in the Pro Men's category where the coveted top step is still to play for, in a race where every point will count. Who will tame the rough mountains high above Finale, and who will smooth out the awkward woods and ancient stone walls hidden below? Who has the strength and stamina for the long liaisons with their steep climbs? And who will arrive at the sea first to claim their crown? Only the time will tell...
It's hard to believe that this is the home base for some truly amazing riding and racing.
Stage 1 starts atop Mount Carma, the tallest mountain in the region with an elevation of almost 1,400 meters.
The final push up to Stage 1. It wasn't exactly a fun one.
Adrien Dailly will play the role of the chaser this weekend as he tries to hunt down Sam Hill.
Remi Thirion dives into Stage 1.
Anita Gehrig drops into the steep switchbacks that work their way down the face of Mount Carma.
Seb Claquin attacks the seemingly endless switchbacks that make up the start of stage 1.
Jerome Clementz is looking for a final win in Finale - can he best Adrien and Sam?
Last round's winner, Jesse Melamed, took a massive crash while riding earlier in the week. Two nights in the hospital and a few broken bones later, his off-season is now in full swing.
The legendary Sam Hill holds a strong but deferrable lead over Adrien Dailly for the overall. If Sam keeps his cool and rides like he has all season he should have nothing to worry about, but any kind of crash or mechanical and he will be in serious trouble.
Katy Winton is looking to finish this season strong with another podium and second in the overall.
Cecile Ravanel is sporting a stealthy matte black Meta as she searches for another win, with the 2017 overall already sealed.
Isabeau has climbed her way back into second overall. Can she add to her win in Tasmania this weekend?
Marco Osborne has been on a mission this week. That mission has been to take me out. Yet another too close for comfort moment about to go down.
Damien Oton powers past a ruin of which time has all but forgotten.
A strong ride from Theo Galy could see him sneak inside the top 10 overall.
Richie Rude has had a season to forget as the two-time defending champion, and the thought of going winless for the first time in a few years has him seriously motivated this week.
There are plenty of wheel grabbing rocks on the long physical end to Stage 1 as Richie Rude found out.
Fresh trail for Stage 2. We like. We like a lot.
Stage 2 is sublime.
Nico Lau tucking into the meat of Stage 2.
Max Chapuis rails the bobsled section on Stage 2.
The distinct attacking style of Florian Nicolai at home on the slopes of Stage 2.
Plenty of turns were blown out and looking worse for wear by the end of practice, not that Rocky's Remi Gauvin minded.
Rocky Mountain sits 2nd in the team standings behind Ibis, and Remi Gauvin is willing to sacrifice a little blood in the effort to chase down the title.
Mark Scott showing off that effortless style that comes with all the speed to back it up.
Robin Wallner has been so close to the podium so many times, and this is his last chance to finally climb onto the top steps this season.
It's always a pleasure to see Steve Peat between the tape, even if it's more for fun than anything else.
Rae Morrison excels on technical tracks but is still yet to pull off a top result this season. Could Finale be the one?
Noga Korem has been on the podium once this year and would like to close out the season with another top three.
Martin Maes dominated this race one year ago, and after dicing it up at the front throughout the season, he could definitely make it a repeat performance.
Iago Garay finds the smooth line through lush and rocky Italian forest.
Greg Callaghan has a fresh new lid; will those wings carry him to another victory in Finale?
Zakarias Johansen threads it through the boulders in Stage 5.
Just a casual liaison through old villas. No biggie.
No matter where you go in Finale, the views are fine.
Grubby has what it takes to win here. After retiring early in Whistler he will be hungry for it.
Sometimes things go right, and sometimes they go like this.
Nico Lau is the proud new father of two twin girls and is racing his first EWS since Ireland back in May.
Curtis Keene is back in action after a collarbone injury but still getting up to speed and working his way back into form.
Thomas Lapeyrie smashes the rocks and ruts of Stage 7 as he heads down to the sea.
The view from the bottom of Stage 7, and one of the most classic stages on the EWS circuit.
Last race of the season means plenty of time to chill down by the sea.
Adrien Dailly looking as relaxed heading to the beach as he did out on the track.
Ratty found the best spot to nap.
The Callaghans have had a successful year, Killian has already sealed the U21 and Greg currently sits third in the Elites.
Sam Hill needs little advice on what he has to do this weekend.
Malto Bene, Finale
Life's a beach here in Finale Ligure.
MENTIONS: @davetrumpore / @mdelorme / @rossbellphoto
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Come on Peaty!
Do you know Sam Hill?
I'm surprised hill is the only guy on flats, get it done!