Enduro World Series, Tasmania: Race Day – Photo Epic

Apr 9, 2017 at 17:27
by Dave Trumpore  



It was another wet wild day of racing as the cold and heavy rain hammered riders all day long while they took to the hills of Derby, Tasmania for the latest round of the Enduro World Series. For the second event in a row it would be a battle in the mud, but with much of it falling overnight and during the entirety of the race, the conditions were the same for all, so we saw fewer surprises than the previous round in Rotorua.

The dry and dusty conditions of practice were a thing of the past and having not had a chance to practice any trails in the wet, riders set out in the torrential rain unsure of what they might encounter in the forest. The seven stages had been the most fun ever during practice but were exponentially more intimidating in the wet. As always though, wet weather makes for the most exciting and dramatic racing, and this round would have no shortage of drama and upsets.

After multiple race leaders throughout the day, including Martin Maes and Jared Graves, in the end, it would be Adrien Dailly who reigned supreme. This would mark his first win since moving up from the U21 category, and proof of the potential he showed at the close of the 2016 season. The heartbreak would come for Greg Callaghan as he crashed while leading the race on the relatively basic Stage 7 to throw the race away. A late resurgence from Sam Hill and Richie Rude saw a battle for the final podium spot run right to the wire with Sam coming out ahead by the smallest of margins.

In the women’s race, Isabeau Courdurier showed right from the start that she was the one to beat in the technical slippery terrain, winning the first three stage of the day by a convincing margin. While Cecile Ravanel found herself in the familiar position of chasing down time for the win, she was able to rally back to take stages four and five, but it wasn’t enough to match Isabeau's pace. A hard fought battle by Ines Thoma (Canyon Factory Enduro Team) saw her take a very deserved third place.

As we head into a one month break, the series chase is now shaping up and at the top sit Adrian Dailly and Cecile Ravanel of France. But it's still wide open, and points are tight enough between lots of riders to ensure the drama won't be settling down anytime soon.

The sun actually started to poke out after a night of heavy rain to give orders a little optimism but just before as riders headed up to stage 1 things went black.
The sun actually started to poke out after a night of heavy rain to give organizers a little optimism, but just before riders headed up to Stage 1 things went black.

The skies opened up during the women on stage one and dind t let up till the afternoon.
The skies opened up while the women were on Stage 1 and didn't let up till the afternoon.

Enduro World Series Tasmania Race Day Photo Epic

Katy Winton was on podium pace for the first few stages until fatigue and mistakes took their toll later in the day.
Katy Winton was on podium pace for the first few stages until fatigue and mistakes took their toll later in the day.

Close your eyes and feel the Flo. Florian Nicolai back on form and in 5th.
Close your eyes and feel the Flo. Florian Nicolai back on form and in 5th.

Richie got off to a bad start but would come roaring back later in the day to battle with Sam Hill for the final spot on the podium.
Richie got off to a bad start but would come roaring back later in the day to battle with Sam Hill for the final spot on the podium.

Uncharacteristically chasing the leader all day Cecile Ravanel would finish 2nd for the first time six rounds.
Uncharacteristically chasing the leader all day, Cecile Ravanel would finish 2nd for the first time six rounds.

He might not speak a ton of english but he doesn t have to. Adrien Dailly let his riding do the talking today.
He might not speak a ton of English, but he doesn't have to. Adrien Dailly let his riding do the talking today.

Martin Maes was on looking like he might be the man today but a missed check in set him back.
Martin Maes was on, looking like he might be the man today but a missed check in set him back.

Jack Moir showing his skill and fitness with a 10th in Tasmania. Will we see the DH racer contest more rounds now that he sits high up in the points
Jack Moir showing his skill and fitness with a 10th in Tasmania. Will we see the DH racer contest more rounds now that he sits high up in the points?

Cody Kelley feeling the bern after a physical and muddy stage 2.
Cody Kelley feeling the burn after a physical and muddy Stage 2.

Maggie Richard in 9th.
Maggie Bichard in 9th.

Bet Barona 6th in the Women s.
Bex Barona 6th in the Women's.

Cecile Ravanel had an off on stage one she just couldn t recover from. She took the win on stages 5 and four.
Cecile Ravanel had an off on Stage 1 that she just couldn't recover from. She took the win in Stages 4 and 5.

Katy Winton had another solid race moving taking fifth for the day. Winton sat in third for the first half of the race.
Katy Winton had another solid race, taking fifth for the day. Winton sat in third for the first half of the race.

Theo Galy held it together to take eighth place today for Devinci Global racing.
Theo Galy held it together to take eighth place today for Devinci Global racing.

Robin Wallner was running as high as 6th before crashes would push him back to 12th on the day.
Robin Wallner was running as high as 6th before crashes would push him back to 12th on the day.

Lewis Buchanan
Lewis Buchanan

Marco Osborne getting closer to that elusive top ten with a 12th in the mud.
Marco Osborne getting closer to that elusive top ten with a 12th in the mud.

It was a rough day for Casey Brown who would pull out after this second of two big crashes in the rock garden on stage 4.
It was a rough day for Casey Brown who would pull out after this second of two big crashes in the rock garden on Stage 4.

A tough one for Casey Brown. The toughest girl out there will be back stronger next time.
A tough one for Casey Brown. The toughest girl out there will be back stronger next time.

The Hoff just wanted the rain to stop. He also looked like he fell out of the Shinning.
The Hoff just wanted the rain to stop. He also looked like he fell out of The Shining.

Dave trying his best to be optimistic but we were all pretty shattered by stage four.
Dave trying his best to be optimistic, but we were all pretty shattered by Stage 4.

Unstoppable and determined Isabeau Courdurier came out swinging with three stage wins to take her first EWS race victory.
Unstoppable and determined, Isabeau Courdurier came out swinging with three stage wins to take her first EWS race victory.

Anita Gehrig going down just in the rocks on stage 4.
Anita Gehrig going down just in the rocks on Stage 4.

8th for Theo Galy.
Eighth for Theo Galy.

Martin Maes finished seveth after a hard fought battle.
Martin Maes finished seventh after a hard fought battle.

Adrian Dailly unstoppable through the raindrops.
Adrian Dailly, unstoppable through the raindrops.

Sam Hill is showing he has the consistency to be a threat in every race and will be a serious contender for the overall title.
Sam Hill is showing he has the consistency to be a threat in every race and will be a serious contender for the overall title.

Ines Thoma snakes her way through the trees on stage five. Speaking of snakes the rain kept the snakes away.
Ines Thoma snakes her way through the trees on Stage 5. Speaking of snakes, the rain kept the snakes away.

Remi Gauvin navigating the rocks to 9th place.
Remi Gauvin navigating the rocks to 9th place.

Round one winner Wyn Masters left a little skin behind after this crash in the rocks on stage 4.
Round one winner Wyn Masters left a little skin behind after this crash in the rocks on Stage 4.

A rough off for Wyn. This race pushed everyone to the edge.
A rough off for Wyn. This race pushed everyone to the edge.

Jared Graves held the race lead t two points through out the day but consistency in such gnarly conditions was a challenge for every racer. He would eventually slip back to 6th.
Jared Graves held the race lead at two points throughout the day, but consistency in such gnarly conditions was a challenge for every racer. He would eventually slip back to 6th.

Ines Thoma with another podium today. Thoma took third in a day of rough racing.
Ines Thoma with another podium today. Thoma took third in a day of rough racing.

Greg Callaghan was on it today and took second . It was a nail biter finish for the Irishman who was in the lead at the end of stage six.
Greg Callaghan was on it today and took second. It was a nail biter finish for the Irishman who was in the lead at the end of Stage 6.

Noga Korem 4rth and just a few seconds off what would have been her first podium appearance.
Noga Korem, fourth and just a few seconds off what would have been her first podium appearance.

the near constant rain meant the mud was much less sticky than we saw in rotorua. And while it wasn t clogging tires and frames here the constant wet grit destroyed the brake pads of more than a few rides by days end.
The near constant rain meant the mud was much less sticky than we saw in Rotorua. While it wasn't clogging tires and frames here, the constant wet grit destroyed the brake pads of more than a few rides by days end.

Into the mouth of the Wheel Eater.
Into the mouth of the Wheel Eater.

Richie Rude doing what he does best. Smash rocks.
Richie Rude doing what he does best. Smash rocks.

Greg Callaghan was on his way to another EWS win at this point on stage six. A slip up on seven cost him the win.
Greg Callaghan was on his way to another EWS win at this point on Stage 6. A slip up on seven cost him the win.

Thomas Lapeyrie has amazing style and speed. 13th for the day.
Thomas Lapeyrie has amazing style and speed. 13th for the day.

Grubby was charging today. He took the win on stage one and finished 6th.
Grubby was charging today. He took the win on Stage 1, and finished 6th.

While the skies did clear for the final stage of the day the damage was already done.
While the skies did clear for the final stage of the day, the damage was already done.

Remi Gauvin drops into the slick woods of stage 6 while the massive crowd looks on.
Remi Gauvin drops into the slick woods of Stage 6 while the massive crowd looks on.

Florian Nicolai s skills always seem to shine the more technical and rocks things get.
Florian Nicolai's skills always seem to shine the more technical and rocks things get.

Isabeau Courdurier takes her first EWS win.
Isabeau Courdurier takes her first EWS win.

It was a hard fought battle right to the end between Adrian Dailly and Greg Callaghan.
It was a hard-fought battle right to the end between Adrian Dailly and Greg Callaghan.

Isabeau s winning bike
Isabeau's winning bike

Adrian Dailly s Lapierre headed to the top step of the podium.
Adrian Dailly's Lapierre headed to the top step of the podium.

Sam hill said he felt like the weight of Australia was on him today with all the fans cheering louder for him than anyone else.
Sam hill said he felt like the weight of Australia was on him today with all the fans cheering louder for him than anyone else.

Marco Osborne tired and happy with the days result.
Marco Osborne tired and happy with the day's result.

It was a battle for the photographers as well and Matt Delorme was feeling the fatigue by the end of stage 7.
It was a battle for the photographers as well, and Matt Delorme was feeling the fatigue by the end of Stage 7.

Sven Martin checks the optical quality of his filter at the end of the day. It s not so good.
Sven Martin checks the optical quality of his filter at the end of the day. It's not so good.

The unhappy hands of Duncan Philpott.
The unhappy hands of Duncan Philpott.

Last man down the Hill Wyn Master s had a rough and wild day.
The last man down the Hill; Wyn Master's had a rough and wild day.

Greg was all in good spirits despite the deluge.
Greg was in good spirits despite the deluge.

Greg Callaghan s hands after 7 hours on the bike in cold and wet rain.
Greg Callaghan's hands after seven hours on the bike in the cold and wet rain.

Isabeau s best friends visiting from France carry her onto the top step.
Isabeau's best friends visiting from France carry her onto the top step.

Te fastest ladies in Tasmania.
The fastest ladies in Tasmania.

The fastest team of the day - Rocky Mountain Canyon and Ibis.
The fastest team of the day – Rocky Mountain, Canyon, and Ibis.

A frenchman and Irishman and and Aussie on the podium in Tasmania.
A Frenchman, and Irishman, and an Aussie on the podium in Tasmania.





See the results from the day of racing
Watch the one minute highlights video.

Author Info:
davetrumpore avatar

Member since Feb 26, 2008
269 articles

111 Comments
  • 160 0
 Incredible photoset. Matt and Dave really captured the suffering, defeat, and joy of this crazy event. Well done!
  • 43 0
 What brutal conditions for the racers and media during the first two rounds. These folks deserve some serious props for this awesome content!
  • 24 0
 To get such crisp shots in those conditions...Pure respect
  • 14 0
 Thanks for fighting through, to take these awesome images!
  • 1 0
 Sick photos!
  • 93 1
 Disappointing to see the small purses considering the high caliber of skill required to win these events.
Also, did anyone catch the guy on the Ibis team wearing what appear to be skin-tight capris? Is that customary in Tasmania?
  • 28 0
 I was thinking the exact same thing about the payouts. With some much publicity that Enduro has been receiving the last few years, the the payouts need to grow with the revenue the promoters are appreciating.
  • 15 0
 It is a bit of a sad amount of coinage, but something tells me if the EWS comes back to tassy, it will be much larger.
It is easy to forget that this was hosted in a town of 208 people (as of 2011, probably a bit higher now because of the bike tracks). So, I imagine that the publicity and success of this race will lead to a larger prize purse in the future.
  • 11 1
 It's probably not even enough to pay for the wear an tear on their bikes after racing in such conditions.
  • 15 3
 Deadset joke. Poofter golfers get shitloads without being near the top. These guys and girls deserve way more as they put their bodies on the line.
  • 3 0
 This was for last years competition

11: Financial Obligations
- Event entries will be processed in Pounds Sterling and the exchange rate fixed with the host nation in the week prior to each event opening to the public (2016 onwards).
Minimum Prize Money per event:
-Event organisers are encouraged to pay more prize money than the minimum amounts stated above.
Overall Series prize money
- Five percent of all income generated by EMBA through Enduro World Series Official Supporterships will be awarded to the Enduro World Series winning Male and Female after the final round.
- The total amount will be divided equally between the Men and Women.

Men and Women


Prize Money (Euros)

1st


750

2nd


400

3rd

200

Graves prize money from whistler in 2015 was $10K
  • 3 1
 The entry costs are low too remember - it was the same price to enter EWS Ireland as it did to enter a national in the UK when I did it. Plus the cost to put on these events can be pretty huge. I'm not too surprised at the prize purses.
  • 7 0
 That prize money is a joke. Those "Big Checks" are embarrassing. I can't believe how bad the prize money is in EWS and World Cup DH. The amount of work the riders have to put in and amount of risk that is involved in going fast enough to get on the podium is so gnarly, and it's not like the mountain biking is some small struggling industry.
  • 3 1
 Agreed. Riders are being ripped off. This is the pinnacle of mountain biking with a global audience. I certainly hope endorsements make up for the lack of prize money.
  • 3 0
 Def missing a few zeros...
  • 5 0
 I agree that it seems low but without knowing the costs of running the events it's a bit unfair to criticise. EWS may be running a loss while it builds it's reputation for all we know...?

There's a lot of marshals, first aid, helicopter rescues on standby, etc to factor in.

Most of the riders are probably using this as a way to raise their profile, enabling them to command better sponsorship, etc. I'm not commenting whether that is right or wrong, just making the point that the race win money isn't the only money they'll get from a win... (It would be nice for bigger purses though!)
  • 5 0
 Gets first....still not enough money to buy plane ticket home.
  • 1 1
 Honestly... I bet if there was a way to setup a few live video feeds along the stages, probably in the toughest and/or fastest sections, they could make a lot of money by streaming on Twitch or something. Use that to increase the prize money. Plus, everyone upset about the short videos and lack of coverage would be quite happy.
  • 4 0
 The purses definitely seem low especially considering this is the EWS.

Unfortunately, mountain bike racing teams and promoters have not shown much success in attracting the outside industry cash support needed to grow prize money accordingly, especially in the past 15 years. There was a time when at least the auto manufacturers were on board, not just with the teams but the racing events as well (Volvo/Cannondale, Toyota/Schwinn, Subaru/Fisher, Volkswagen/Trek, Chevy/GT, Ford). Some of the team rigs were massive. There is only so much cash that will come from the promoters and bike/component/clothing manufacturers. Clearly, those who are willing to spend $5k-$10k on bikes have some disposable income worthy of some advertising dollars. But, for whatever reason, I rarely see outside industry ad dollars even here on pinkbike. Then again, the Cam McCaul VW content generated some mixed reviews in the comment section.

When I see the list of sponsors for national level events or teams these days I'll notice maybe a brewery here and a clothing or snowboard company there, but no big outside industry corporate dollars that other sports and even road biking enjoy. Hopefully this will turn around at some point so the racers can compete for better checks to bring to the podium. I'd like to hear the opinions of an industry long-timer like RC here at pinkbike regarding this issue. My guess is that if there were more quality streaming and TV coverage of racing, then potential sponsors would see a better possibility of return on investment. However, the logistics of covering mountain bike racing in a way that it is interesting to a wide viewing audience are a struggle.

When I was involved in mtb team management, I had dreams of landing Proctor and Gamble's Tide Laundry Detergent as a big $$ title sponsor with for our team. One can always dream.
  • 1 0
 @slimboyjim: I can tell you now that the majority of Marshals at EWS Round 2 were volunteers I would say somewhere around 75 - 80% were volunteers..... Definitely need bigger purses for the riders - risk vs reward is significant and if they want EWS to succeed it needs to be attractive for riders otherwise we will lose the bigger names from this awesome event...
  • 1 0
 Perhaps a few shrunken heads changed hands under the table to sweeten the purse.
  • 41 0
 Wyn's crash photo is a thing of nightmares...
  • 12 0
 "The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat."
  • 5 1
 @teamtoad: something tells me most PBers won't get that reference.
  • 4 1
 @kabanosipyvo: So true, yet it seemed so fitting. Definitely not a millennial phrase.
  • 4 0
 On his last photo, replace the helmet with thorns and you'll assume its from the movie The Passion of Christ.
  • 3 0
 He looks like a GOT character in his portrait photo
  • 2 0
 @Whipperman: He looks more like a pirate to me.
  • 2 1
 @teamtoad: It's origin is from the ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” show, which aired from 1961 to 1998.
  • 1 0
 @teamtoad: Wu Tang Triumph
  • 32 0
 Brilliant coverage, as always. What a brutal and exceptional bit of racing....hell yeah mountain biking!
  • 27 2
 4th place on a 2 year old giant reign, Is Noga Korem
a Privateer?
  • 9 4
 Yep , she is.
  • 9 4
 She gets some help from local shops in Israel, but not in a global official team.
  • 12 4
 Though Israel is a wannabe European style country, eastern spirit is still strong here, that means lack of appreciation from the public to quality sport and culture. As a result we see very little support to any sport that is not basketball or soccer. But things do improve! Now we have pumptracks in quite a lot of cities, hopefully with Noga's success we could get more support for at least average quality bike park, instead of ruined trails that destroyed by the land fund as "not safe".
  • 18 1
 Such an amazing race. This has to be the most exciting and intense series in cycling right now. It is hyper competitive in the mens and even the women's racing is getting interesting now.
  • 8 1
 No doubt. With just 30 seconds separating the top 12 men, this should turn out to be an interesting series to follow.
  • 17 0
 Slogging it out like warriors in brutal conditions at the end of the Earth. EWS really needs to increase those prize amounts..
  • 15 0
 Top 3 dudes that put themselves on the line riding through slippery wet rocks at mach speed, and that for 7 hours => Prize money is 2000, 1000 and 750$.

Some whiney divas that kick a ball across some green patch of grass for 90 minutes => millions of $$$

COME ON!
  • 19 4
 Am I the only one around here that thinks the color choice Fox went with for their forks is really ugly? just reminds me of Home Depot orange. Really clashes with most other bike colors too.
  • 19 0
 People are noticing fox forks. Marketing objective achieved.
  • 5 1
 Anything is better than the overuse of black surely.
  • 1 0
 I think that is why they bought Marzocchi, so they could use their iconic color.
  • 15 0
 A Frenchman, and Irishman, and an Aussie on the podium in Tasmania. Sounds like the start of a good one.
  • 15 0
 They should be making more prize money.
  • 9 2
 I'm sure they will take your donations or phone time trying to contact potential sponsors
  • 10 0
 Savage conditions and the racing is so close! Awesome and very exciting.

Why not more full size front fenders, like the mudhugger?

Looks like most were using some rain gear also but still others with little more than a jersey. For a huge full day of racing in a rainstorm? Madness!

Way different ride choices as well- A wild looking French 170/180 travel 27.5" with an Alien tuned coil controlling the rear end on the top step and a German 140/160(?) travel 29" with a double front ring battery powered drivetrain setup controlled by a single shifter in second... very interesting.
  • 10 0
 Holy hell and I complain when it rains a little on my saturday rides... I should grow a pair
  • 12 1
 Sam got paid at just over $100 an hour. Seems a little low...
  • 5 1
 No he didn't - he won just over $100 an hour. These riders make their living from their team/sponsor contracts, not contest winnings.
  • 3 0
 @jwrendenver: Sucks for privateers then!
  • 1 1
 @jwrendenver: No f*cking kidding. I was being facetious. Maybe I should make a point more literally for you basic bitches. Here you go, THE PRIZE MONEY WAS TOO LOW.
  • 1 1
 @dooganmcdoogan: Or maybe you should just relax?
  • 9 0
 Pinnacle of a great sport and second place only gets 1k. Wish it were different, doesn't seem fair.
  • 1 0
 Not enough money.
  • 10 0
 Those spectators....Despicable...
  • 6 0
 $1500 for the win doesn't seem to bad... Its not the best for sure, but I doubt anyone here is even slightly aware of the organisational costs of one of these events.
Besides the top riders will be getting some juicy bonuses from their sponsors.
  • 6 0
 So if Martin Maes didnt miss the check in... he would be at least top three! Ohhh yeahhhh looking forward for the next EWS...
  • 3 0
 Why did he miss the check in?
  • 1 0
 @DublinBiker1:
I really don't know.. But I saw they used like these arm bracelets with the chip in it.. maybe he thought he had checked in but it didnt in the end... Really a bummer cause he was on fire!!
  • 5 0
 Yes Isabeau! To beat the queen you must have bust a gut out there girl, amazing. With Naga, Katy and the Gehrig's the women's should be a good contest this year.
  • 6 0
 Those pictures are insane. Is there an album of the year?
  • 3 0
 The contest is already closed. They know this can't be matched
  • 3 4
 Sure are good, under-exposing is a great technique when used like this
  • 17 0
 I can't get over the picture of Wyn. He really brings together all the best things about being a mountain biker. I remember last year at Heckler's Rock when he realized his shot at placing was over and stopped to have a beer. The guy is indomitable. If he can go through a day like that, struggle for seven hours, crash out of the race (after winning the previous EWS mind you,) and still find something to smile about, you're a special dude.
  • 5 0
 @DJR9000: Considering the ISO's these guys are running, I highly doubt they're underexposing their shots just for the sake of mood. It must have been near dark in those woods.
  • 1 1
 @adrock-whistler: Yep you are probably right, looking at the ISO numbers on the photos i'd say that's right. Never really thought of Derby as somewhere that'd be that dark but I guess with a huge low pressure cell storm overhead being super dark is definitely possible.

Anyway, very impressive photos...
  • 2 0
 I wonder what the motivation is to only go 3 deep on the podium? In general, it seems to me like if there are enough competitors to fill out a top 5, everyone benefits from giving them the recognition of a podium photo.
  • 1 0
 Yeah love to see some pics of those of us battling away just to finish the race!! Most people were keeping their camera's well hidden most of the time. On a positive note it might only take one more was to get the ride kit clean.
  • 4 0
 It not often when people would prefer the Down Under map of Tassie be dry and not moist.....
  • 2 0
 I see what you did there...
  • 5 0
 Demolition Derby
  • 3 1
 matt and dave nailing it again. the photo of Greg's hands makes me realize why i ride with gloves. wow
  • 7 0
 Pretty sure they're all shriveled from being inside wet gloves for 7 hours. He's definitely riding in gloves in his photos above.
  • 3 0
 'Richie Rude doing what he does best. Smash rocks.'
  • 1 0
 The photo coverage is so awesome I enjoy this so much. As awesome as the video coverage is I actually find myself enjoying reading and ???? g at the pics. Thanks so much.
  • 1 0
 amazing shots!!! I'm learning about photography and it would be awesome to have the camera settings used by the guys along the bottom of the photo!
  • 1 0
 Click on the individual photos. Much of the data is listed in the margin on the right side of the page.
  • 1 0
 @davetrumpore: you legend!! thank you! thats great thanks for reply
  • 2 0
 What is on all of the rider's wrists? (riders right wrist) Can' imagine it being a great place for a transponder..
  • 3 0
 Amazing! By the way, where's Anneke?
  • 2 0
 Adrien Dailly's English seemed pretty spot on when he was interviewed by Sven Martin.
  • 2 0
 Honestly, those rocks in that rain look like they could cause mass destruction.
  • 4 3
 Enough photos of the elites. Some photos of the fastest guys, the Masters please!
  • 1 0
 Daily' are Michelin Wild mud advanced protection. Michelin wild series tyres are all great
  • 2 0
 Incredible coverage! What an effort! Much appreciated!!!
  • 3 1
 GO Isabeau Courdurier!!
  • 1 0
 sick photos! (oh and by the way it's Meggie Bichard)
  • 1 0
 anyone recognize the tires on adrien dailly or martin meas???
  • 1 0
 As always class info and photos Smile
  • 2 0
 Minion Snap for P.O.T.Y!
  • 2 0
 Nobody expects the Minion.
  • 2 0
 @PHeller: I wonder if he was a DHF or DHR?
  • 1 0
 Amazing photos guys! Thanks! Go Sam!
  • 1 0
 incredible photos looks like it was brutal out there!
  • 1 0
 Wow, this photo epic!
  • 5 8
 Two races and two rain squalls. Maybe the southern hemisphere isn't the best place to start the EWS season. SoCal is sunny and in the 70s right now
  • 6 1
 It was perfect weather all week until raceday, just happen to be a massive storm on Sunday.
  • 2 9
flag jwdenver (Apr 10, 2017 at 7:36) (Below Threshold)
 I agree completely. These races should be in more accessible locales with better weather. What other sport on this planet holds races in Tasmania in the rainy season? Unbelievably stupid.
  • 6 1
 @jwrendenver: GTFO. It's all part of the adventure.
  • 5 1
 @jwrendenver: More accessible? Took me 45 mins on a plane to get there. the US would be 10 hours +. Its all relative, and the weather was perfect all week as jdt086 said
  • 5 1
 its an outdoor sport and to be deserved world champ you need to be able to prove yourself across a variety of conditions and climates. i would also support the ews holding winter races for this reason. in my opinion the best world cups and ews rounds have been the wet ones. more exciting and allows riders with technical prowess to shine. As to ride well in the wet you must have ninja like bike handling skills and it is those skills i appreciate most in a rider.
  • 3 1
 @jwrendenver: You're saying you WANT mountain biking to be like every other sport on the planet? It's called the "Enduro" world series after all.

FWIW, Tasmania doesn't have a "rainy season" anyway. Looking forward to seeing how the tracks held up to the abuse, I'll be riding there in a couple of weeks.
  • 1 2
 @dsut4392: No. I'm saying I WANT the races to be more accessible. Hell everyone around here is complaining about podium payouts being pitiful, well I'll tell you one way to get more excitement around the sport and more sponsors involved and thus increase prize payouts - stop holding your events at the end of the earth in the rain!
  • 5 1
 @jwrendenver: It's the Enduro WORLD Series - not the Enduro ACCESSIBLE to @jwrendenver AND FAIR WEATHER ONLY series presented by McDonalds and AT&T.
  • 3 0
 @jwrendenver: Plenty of excitement round this neck of the woods, and crowd turnout looked pretty decent too from all the footage and comments by the riders. If you want to see a race closer to you, get yourself the tracks, community support and sponsor support and I'm sure EWS will hook you up. The series isn't run as a charity, so they have chosen a round in Derby either for economic reasons, or because they saw it as a way of growing their brand by showcasing some racing on some great tracks.
While I don't doubt access is an issue for Europe or US based freelancers, a few of them made it, and did well in the standings. Guess what, getting over to Europe or the US isn't cheap for the Aussie & NZ crowd either. The issue for sponsors with EWS is always going to be the race format rather than where the races are - it just isn't easy to package for TV coverage. Brake pad trashing face planting chain busting wet weather epics are some of the most fun and memorable days I've had on a bike, and IMO give some of the most entertaining race footage too. Tough riders shredding (and getting shredded) in the rain is hardly going to harm marketability for sponsors.
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 @dsut4392: Yes good points.
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