Enduro World Series Reveals Its Full 2015 Calendar

Aug 20, 2014 at 10:10
by Pinkbike Staff  
"It’s a real pleasure to announce our 2015 calendar and our third year of international enduro racing. Working once again with Tweedlove, Crankworx Whistler and Super Enduro Finale Ligure is a real pleasure but adding five new venues is also eyewateringly exciting. From the heartlands of mountain biking and backcountry big mountains of Crested Butte, USA, to our first visit to New Zealand, with Rotorua, to ancient, beautiful trails in Zona Zero, Spain, the high alps of Samoens, France and of course the rolling perfection of Ireland’s County Wicklow, we really will sample the world’s best trails with the world’s best riding communities. I can’t wait for 2015 to begin!” – Chris Ball, Managing Director

Images for article on EWS and Chris Ball.

The Enduro World Series continues on its quest to uncover the world’s best trails and unite the world’s best communities - as it increases to eight rounds and adds five new venues, three new countries and one new continent to its 2015 calendar.

New Zealand, Ireland and Spain will all make their Enduro World Series debut in 2015, as the series expands to eight rounds for the first time. The addition of new venues in France and the USA mean 2015 is shaping up to be the most comprehensive and exciting race season to date.

Crankworx Rotorua in New Zealand’s North Island kick starts the season in March. It’s the first time the festival has visited the Southern Hemisphere and also the EWS’s first foray into Australasia.

Neil Gellatly, of Dare to Sweat Events, is the enduro event director.

Rotorua has an extensive trail network in a rich geothermal landscape of native bush and exotic forest, offering riders a mix of rooted and well-draining flowing trails - making the region the renowned mountain biking centre of New Zealand. Visiting riders can enjoy a post ride soak in the mineral pools and be spoilt by great local hospitality.

In May the season heads north to another new venue, County Wicklow in Ireland. This stunning location in the east of the country will see riders take on the area’s natural singletrack amongst some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.

Niall Davis of biking.ie, promoters of the Emerald Enduro, is the event organiser.

The trails here are natural and there’s no uplift, which should make for some incredible racing as riders have to be technically strong as well as very physically fit. But the reward for all that hard work will be getting to ride through Ireland’s famously beautiful scenery, not to mention sample some of the country’s world renowned hospitality."

From here it’s just a short hop to round three in Scotland and a welcome return to TweedLove, the UK’s biggest cycling festival. This is another venue where there is no uplift, so riders will once more be tackling the hills of the iconic Tweed Valley under their own steam over two long days of racing.

While Joe Barnes may be Scottish he actually lives a good few hours north so this isn t strictly home turf for him. However living further north means the hills become mountains and the rain more continual - so he is used to this style of riding. That comfort in these conditions has translated to second overall this evening. There is still another day of racing to come but at this rate he could be fighting for his first EWS victory.

Round four remains in Europe, as the series heads to Tribe Event’s race in Samoens, France. Nestled high in the mountains, this ancient village promises to offer racers a true alpine experience – steep, technical tracks accessed by chairlifts amongst the dramatic backdrop of Europe’s biggest mountains.

It’s over the Atlantic for round five in August, as the series travels to another new venue – Crested Butte in Colorado. Sitting at over 9,000 feet, riders will be contending with altitude as they make their way through the area’s famous mountain passes and wildflower meadows.

Race organiser Brandon Ontiveros of Big Mountain Enduro said:

Crested Butte is one of the birthplaces of mountain biking and the history behind this place is what makes it so appealing. The riding will speak for itself, but that mixed with the diversity and quality of trails, big descents, surreal-looking mountains, endless valleys and hundreds of miles of singletrack is what makes it one of the best places in North America to hold a true point-to-point Enduro race and EWS stop.

Colorado will be followed by a trip to Canada for Crankworx Whistler. This will be the third time the series visits the world’s biggest mountain biking festival, and expectations will be running high after this year’s epic event which was dubbed ‘Crankzilla.’

Back in February it was touch and go whether Mark Weir was looking at being confined to a wheelchair after a quite frankly horrific accident being crushed by a tree. So we re sure we re not the only ones excited to see him back on track and racing this weekend.

It’s another new venue for round seven, this time high in the Spanish Pyrenees. The penultimate race of the season will take place in Zona Zero Ainsa-Sobrarbe in September. This tiny village is the gateway to a network of trails that stretches for over 1000km across the surrounding hills.

Event organiser Jorge Ruiz de Eguilaz Solanilla says the race will prove an unforgettable experience for the riders.

The trails we have are very special, riders will find themselves riding through lots of different terrain from forests to open, rocky hillsides. The tracks also pass through lots of abandoned villages – some of which are up to 500 years old. We have been cleaning and rebuilding these trails since 2005 and we can’t wait for the best riders in the world to come and try them.

The season will conclude in style with a Superenduro organised event on Finale Ligure’s iconic trails. There’s a reason Finale is featuring for a third year – riders simply can’t get enough of the area’s huge network of world class trails. So it seems fitting the 2015 World Champions will be crowned against the backdrop of the beachside town on the Italian Riviera.

Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro World Series said: “It’s a real pleasure to announce our 2015 calendar and our third year of international enduro racing."

Working once again with Tweedlove, Crankworx Whistler and Superenduro Finale Ligure is a real pleasure but adding five new venues is also eye-wateringly exciting. From the heartlands of mountain biking and backcountry big mountains of Crested Butte, USA, to our first visit to New Zealand, with Rotorua, to ancient, beautiful trails in Zona Zero, Spain, the high alps of Samoens, France and of course the rolling perfection of Ireland’s County Wicklow, we really will sample the world’s best trails with the world’s best riding communities. I can’t wait for 2015 to begin!"

Event entry for all rounds will open in January.

2015 calendar:
Round 1 - March 28 – Rotorua, New Zealand – Crankworx
Round 2 – May 23/24 – County Wicklow, Ireland – Emerald Enduro
Round 3 – May 30/31 – Tweed Valley, Scotland - TweedLove
Round 4 – July 18/19 – Sameons, France – Tribe Events
Round 5 – August 1/2 – Crested Butte, USA – Big Mountain Enduro
Round 6 – August 8/9 – Whistler, Canada - Crankworx
Round 7 – September 26/27 – Zona Zero Ainsa-Sobrarbe, Spain – Enduro Festival Zona Zero
Round 8 – October 3/4 – Finale Ligure, Italy – Superenduro

EWS information for 2015

About the Enduro World Series
The Enduro World Series (EWS) was created in October 2012 with the aim of uniting the world's mountain bike enduro racing community. The Enduro World Series links the largest mountain bike enduro events in the world with the best trails possible and exists to deliver the best racing, most relaxed atmosphere and rider-focused organization possible. The team behind the Enduro World Series has one goal - to globally develop and progress the discipline of enduro for the riders, the sport and the industry. With the shared experience of Italian Super Enduro, French Enduro Series, Crankworx and World Cup racing, the Enduro World Series will offer international competitions unlike any before it. The Enduro Mountain Bike Association’s (EMBA) Board of Directors is supported by an industry Advisory Board, to reflect and respond to the riding community, that includes Santa Cruz Bicycles’ Rob Roskopp, SRAM’s Jeremiah Boobar, Fox Shox’ Mark Fitzsimmons and riders Tracy Moseley, Jerome Clementz and Curtis Keene.

EWS information for 2015


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66 Comments
  • 35 1
 If you thought the air in Winter Park was thin.....WELCOME TO CRESTED BUTTE!
  • 3 2
 But it's going to be amazing. I wished they did it in GJ or even across the street in Moab! Now that would be world class!
  • 1 0
 even though winter park is higher up than crested butte... haha no hate to CB tho, love that place.
  • 5 1
 No. As per wiki..... Crested Butte= 2,715m with Whistler=2,182m and Blackcomb=2,436m, both listing their "top" elevation.
  • 4 2
 The TOWN of Crested Butte is at over 8900'... I'm sure the racers will be climbing much higher.
  • 6 0
 And Antarctica is a complete miss again, this is so continentist. just appalling!
  • 2 0
 I have to agree. This year they had three continents, next year the same. There are three major continents not represented. I hope that in the future the sport continues to grow and the EWS visits Asia.
  • 1 0
 It would blow up the costs for teams and privateers, hard enough as it is. For the EWS to go that way some serious money would have to be rolling in.
  • 2 1
 I understand, but they could reduce the cost by having two far-flung rounds close together. For example, there are no direct flights from europe or asia to NZ. All Europeans have to transit twice, once in Asia and once in Aussie. So why not have a round near Brisbane or Indonesiia the week before or after? Surabaya is said to be the tits.
  • 20 0
 Massive news for the sport in Ireland!
  • 13 0
 EWS in Wicklow... this is going to be some Laugh!
  • 2 0
 Yes!!! I'll be there for this one Smile
  • 5 0
 OOOooo just think of the after party!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Hon the Wickla!
  • 3 0
 the after party starts in Ireland and ends in Scotland 3 weeks later...
  • 8 0
 Brazil is doing an amazing Enduro Series with Shimano as main sponsor. epic places, amazing structure... come to south america and you will not find chairlifts but shure you will find tons of epic trails
  • 5 0
 Snakes bro...
  • 1 2
 Not so many if you keep away from Amazon lol
Seriously, I do go outside a lot, not only biking, but hiking and rock climbing, and I've encountered only two snakes on the wild!
  • 1 0
 Imagine what Argentina has to offer with the Andes... amazing trails with amazing views!!!
  • 1 0
 Argentina, Chile, Bolívia,... all have tons of trails like Brazil that dont have the Andes but have a much more tropical whether and many more good things to make a perfect enduro race
  • 11 5
 If "expectations are running high" for the Whistler round, then that sucks a lot. Many racers wrote on their blogs that they really didn't enjoy the Whistler EWS this year. Hopefully something a little better for the competitors will be put on next year
  • 15 2
 I am willing to bet way more of us really enjoyed the challenge of Crankzilla than those that blogged about their dislike. It was a big day on the bike, not some stroll around lost lake. I personally had a great day on the wicked fun trails in the valley. Everyone I talked to and hung out with post event also had a great time. Don't take a few blogs as the end all be all about an event.
  • 10 0
 whistler, though brutal, rocked. perhaps they could pad the liaisons a bit more for the benefit of the ams, but i hope they maintain the character of the race stages. have you seen lots of other negative commentary (apart from sponsel and graves)? everyone i ran into seemed to be pretty stoked about this race.
  • 6 0
 Enduro sill only continue to grow! This is a World series, while Europe gets the bulk they are different countries, it should be looked at as per country not continent. Its a World series not a local series! Plenty of those people get out to them and off the couch screen, away from PB the www for 5mims. Its the 3rd season announced and already more countries and varying locations than the UCI have after how long. Give it 5 years and it will be on all continents, plus Chris Ball wants to mix it up each year to keep it fresh but also good to keep a few of the classics, like FL the birth of Enduro arguably. I would have liked to have seen Chille stay, but also allot of the venues come down to whether a country or city town location actually puts themselves forward and can support organise such an event for media the riders and spectators. Imo Chris Ball and the EWS and all the venues to date are doing a heck of a job, cant wait for 2015 either.
  • 1 0
 Rotorua is going to be buzzing alllll week...and Tamati Coffey(local wank MP) will be in hiding..
  • 2 0
 they could have at least two in the southern hemisphere perhaps.... I don't know - logistics and costs would be a nightmare.
  • 6 1
 This has been rumored all week but now that it's confirmed I'm close to pissing my pants with excitement. Racing the Tweed EWS this year was an unbelievable experience, didn't think it could be topped, but racing a World Series on home soil, man it's a dream come true!
  • 4 0
 Spanish Pyrenees! YES!! Ainsa is one of my favourites places to ride in Spain! You have everything, from really rough Alpine terrain to flowy single trails. I bet it won't disappoint the riders!
  • 9 4
 Very eurocentric... it needs to expand Having chile for 2014 was a good begining
  • 4 0
 debería tener una fecha sudamericana...
  • 12 2
 Europe has the by far the largest population of any continent relative to its size and almost all of its population is affluent. Therefore Europe is by far the biggest Mtb market. A south American round would be nice. But anyway I cannot wait for the Irish round. It will be impeccably organised with amazing riding. This will do huge things for Mtb in Ireland!
  • 1 0
 I agree with what you are saying.. But having venues in europe will only help mantain the market size since most people is affluent therefore the market is somehow mature. Expanding the market will only come through having new customers which is where developing countries come in. The average age in most SA countries is mid or early twenties which is a descent age to start biking. I am just saying having one or two venues in developing countries would be a good long term market expansion strategy.
  • 3 0
 They'll be back to South America. This is just the beginning!
  • 3 0
 I think they're probably trying to limit the number of far flung locations too - if you were a privateer based in Europe or the Us, arguably the biggest sources of riders, it costs a lot in time and money to do two trips to the southern hemisphere in a series. It would price a lot of people out I think...
  • 3 0
 We already have an amazing Enduro Series by Shimano, and it would be really awesome to host the EWS!
  • 2 1
 Super stoked to see a stop in New Zealand, but I was bummed to learn EWS only has two stops in the Americas! Rather than having 5 stops in Europe, it would have been nice to find another spot in the Andes/South America, or at least select another US or Canadian venue to hold an event at. Lord knows with the amount of trails + gnar in BC, they could probably host the entire 8 event series there!
  • 4 0
 Ireland should be good craic!
  • 1 0
 Do you know where in Wicklow it's taking part
  • 2 0
 JulianD - I'm sure you will know when it get closer.
  • 3 0
 tis a long way out to be snaaakin already! Djouce will be involved anyway I guess, Carrick or ticknock after that,
  • 1 0
 Thanks
  • 1 0
 Thanks
  • 3 0
 Can't wait for Rotorua! We're planning on being there for that and I'll do a few races! So stoked!
  • 1 0
 Anyone notice that the Whistler dates are over two days? Saturday and Sunday...

Perhaps they have already decided upon a different format...
  • 2 0
 You took Chile out? hahahahahaha....okey...you´ll see the trail that will be waiting for riders on 2016...You´ll be sorry.
  • 3 0
 Looks like the Tweed Valley is in Yorkshire this year...
  • 2 0
 Samoens is where i live.. awsome to see it recognised on this scale.
  • 1 0
 Not see Chile in the list, has been the most painful experience of the last time
  • 1 0
 Can't wait. Might even be able use their registration process for Scotland this year :-/
  • 2 0
 "1000 km of trail" I need to move.
  • 2 2
 There is a definitely Northern hemi bias there. Talk about ignoring the dark continent. Come on Chris Ball(s) where are they?
  • 2 0
 Chris was down there looking at some spots, they put a lot of time in to scouting venues. So EWS might come sooner then you think, meanwhile you can check out the gopro footage from the Chris visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2oymHHyV1M .
  • 1 1
 I think he needs to learn to distinguish between stage race terrain and proper # terrain. That cyclist should be reported to the SPCA.
  • 1 0
 Great news to hear the series is heading to Samoens.
  • 1 0
 Shit yeh louis. Take it you will head over next summer for that weekend
  • 1 0
 When is the date to get race spots ?
  • 4 4
 "It’s the first time the festival has visited the Southern Hemisphere." Uh isn't Chile in the Southern Hemisphere?
  • 6 0
 Crankworx (the festival), not the EWS (the race series).
  • 1 0
 That's it. I'm making the EWS series my goal.
  • 1 2
 JUST LIKE UCI ALL EURO, NO LOVE FOR SOUTH AMERICA!!!!!! Here we go again!!!!
  • 1 0
 I'm sure everyone would love to come to south america - unfortunately there is so many things to consider. Venue - there has to be quality trails, a place that could host all the riders etc. Organization - a lot of work has to be done and it's surprisingly hard to get people involved. Costs - the teams and privateers has to do a lot of traveling and cost blowing through the roof, we have seen teams quit DH circuit and it would be really bad if this happens early on. Publicity - is there a good base of consumers around, for sponsors to invest there has to be a return hence it's wise to chose location with care from EWS. And the list goes on... I'm sure you know all this but it's good as a reminder when being displeased with the choices.
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