An enduro race usually runs as follows. The race starts individually or in small groups according to start time. Each participant must get from the start to the start of the first downhill stage within a grace period. With or without a cable car, depending on the situation. However, the races are designed in such a way that the participants have to complete most of the race using their own muscle power. The so-called "stage", which is mainly downhill, is then ridden against the clock. However, if the participant does not have enough time for the ascent, the time he is late is added to his "stage time". Most enduro races have four to five "stages" to complete. At the end, the riding times of all the stages are added together to determine the winner.

The appeal of this is that you don't have to race uphill and you get to ride downhill in a more varied way than in a downhill race, for example. What's more, a sense of community often develops on the climbs.

"I like the mix of physical and technical skills. Experiencing the sport in nature, instinctive riding at full speed and the good atmosphere at the races, even though the level is very high." Florian Golay

The Enduro discipline originated in France. The first enduro race, the "Tribe 10000", as it is known today, was held in 2002. This race still exists today. The idea behind the Enduro discipline goes back to actual mountain biking. Riding up to the start under your own steam and then plunging downhill. Today, an enduro race usually follows the same pattern. You start individually in the valley and have a certain amount of time to get to the start of the first stage or the first descent. At the specified start time, you race down the descent in downhill style, also against the clock, but usually less extreme and often a few minutes longer than in a normal downhill race. In most enduro races, the riders have to complete around four to five such stages. At the end, all the riding times are added together to determine the fastest rider. Due to the fact that you get to ride more and there are often many more natural trails to complete than built routes, more and more riders are switching from downhill and cross-country racing to enduro.

In the same category but in a different format are the downhill marathons such as the famous Megavalanche in Alpe d'Huez (FRA) or the Bike-Attack which takes place in Lenzerheide. Unlike the enduro format, the downhill marathons start in the masses. These races involve a long descent of around 45 minutes. However, the characteristics of the routes are similar to enduro, which is why they are usually ridden on enduro bikes.

Many well-known or former top downhill riders have already converted to enduro. The most successful downhill riders of all time Anne-Caroline Chausson and Nicolas Vouilloz from France are regularly among the enduro participants and can practically always be found at the top of the rankings. Dan Atherthon and Tracy Moseley from England also come from the downhill camp. Both are now focusing fully on enduro. Most enduro riders have their sporting origins in downhill or cross-country. Even Rémy Absalon (brother of Julien Absalon), who is known as a pure enduro rider, was previously a strong cross-country rider.

"It's great that the "Enduro Word Series" has been set up for this season. This will give the individual races a higher status and thus further promote the sport of enduro." Ralph Näf

In the beginning, enduro races were ridden on downhill or freeride bikes. In the meantime, the mountain bike industry has also recognized the potential of enduro sports and reacted accordingly. Most development work is currently being carried out in the all-mountain and enduro sectors. Enduro bikes are usually equipped with around 160 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear. It is characterized by a balanced geometry that ensures a comfortable ride uphill but comes very close to the advantages of a downhill bike on the descents. The weight of today's enduro bikes is in some cases already in the range of the earlier cross-country fullys and no longer has anything to do with heavy and sluggish freeride bikes. If you buy a bike in the store, it is usually delivered with 2.3 inch wide all-mountain tires. In racing, however, the reality is different. Most athletes there ride with downhill tires. These are characterized by greater puncture resistance and better grip. As a rule, suspension forks and seat posts that can be lowered are used for enduro bikes. This makes it easier to ride uphill and downhill.

The enduro trend is growing steadily in racing and in the industry, and it doesn't look like this trend will suddenly disappear. Race series in this "new" format are springing up like mushrooms and already offer riders the opportunity to race from spring to fall. However, the same problems already exist as in downhill and cross-country, the scheduling conflicts.

With the rapid development of this sport, it was obvious that an Enduro World Cup was needed. Chris Ball, the former UCI gravity manager, had already put everything in place when the UCI backed out. Apparently the potential of enduro sport was recognized by the UCI but not taken seriously. So Chris Ball resigned and founded the "Enduro Mountain Bike Association", which shortly afterwards created the "Enduro World Series". This race series combines the biggest Enduro events in the world and will consist of the best races from the Super Enduro Series, the Coupe de France, the Crankworx Festival and other major Enduro events. The "Enduro World Series" comprises seven tour stops. The aim is to create a sustainable event series for riders, teams and the mountain bike industry.

"I'm delighted that there is a world series, it really motivates me! But I think it's a bit of a shame that the UCI is not involved. It makes no difference to the organization, but I think it would have given the discipline more prestige." Lorraine Truong

Smaller series are also upgrading. For example, the Specialized-Sram Enduro Series. They are increasing from four to seven races. The final race of this series will be held in Switzerland, in Flims to be precise. There have been a few Enduro events in Switzerland in the past, but this will be the first event of this form and size to be held in the country. The pioneer of Swiss enduro races is the "Trailfox", which also takes place in Flims.

The most important race series at a glance

• Enduro World Series; the global racing series comprising seven races in Europe and overseas. For the first time in the history of enduro racing, the best enduro riders in the world will come together.
• Superenduro by Sram; the popular Italian racing series that has made a name for itself with its interesting racing program and beautiful routes.
• Specialized/Sram Enduro Series; the race series, which celebrated its premiere last year, has an extremely attractive race programme this year with seven races in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
• Bluegrass Enduro Tour; two series are run under this name. The Bluegrass Classique and the Bluegrass International Tour. While the "Classique" is limited to the eastern French region, the races of the "International" tour take place in France, Ireland and England.
Trans Provence; an extremely tough enduro stage race through the beautiful region of Provence. Six days and over 20 stages demand everything from the riders. The starting places for the Trans Provence, which starts at the end of September, have been sold out for some time.

Faces of the Swiss enduro scene

Ralph Näf, 32, Bike: BMC Trailfox TF01
Team/sponsors: BMC-Mountainbike-Racing Team
1st World Championships Eliminator Saalfelden (AUT)
2nd Specialized Enduro Series Kirchberg (AUT)
www.ralphnaef.ch

René Wildhaber, 36, Bike: Trek Remedy
Team/Sponsors: Trek, Red Bull
6x1st Megavalanche Alpe d'Huez (FRA)
7x1. Trek Bike Attack (SUI)
Statement on the Enduro World Series
"I am very excited to see how the Enduro World Series will develop and whether a race mode will establish itself worldwide. I hope for interesting tracks, reliable timekeeping, clear rules and a pleasant atmosphere at the events."
www.renewildhaber.ch

Lorraine Truong, 22, Bike: Norco "Range Killer B" in xs
Team/Sponsors: Norco World Enduro Team
1st Enduro des Portes du Mercantour (FRA)
1st XC Swiss Championships U23 Women Plaffeien
http://www.norco.com

Carolin and Anita Gehrig, 25, Bike: Specialized Enduro
Team/Sponsors: Specialized Twins Racing/Zimtstern, Mavic, POC, Oakley, Sram
Statement on the Enduro World Series from Carolin:
"Until now, most enduro riders have only competed in individual race series, but rarely have they all been together. With the "Enduro World Series", international comparison is guaranteed."

What I like about enduro... Anita: "I like the spontaneous riding style that these races demand and that you can ride different routes in one race. The beautiful descents first have to be earned with the uphill, but the satisfaction afterwards is all the greater!"
www.twinsmtbracing.com

Gusti Wildhaber, 24, Bike: Cube "Stereo Super HPC"
Team/Sponsors: Cube Action Team
1st King of Plose, Brixen 2012
1st Specialized Enduro Ride, Riva 2012
What I like about enduro...
"Enduro is the middle ground between downhill and cross-country. I just hope that the physical aspect of the races is not neglected by the organizers."
www.cube.eu

Lukas Anrig, 27, bike store owner, bike: Norco "Range Killer B"
Team/Sponsor: Norco World Enduro Team
3rd Specialized Enduro Series Winterberg (GER) 2012
1st Maxiavalanche Flims 2011
What I like about enduro...
"Enduro is a combination of cross-country and downhill. I therefore also have the opportunity to train in different disciplines, which makes the training varied."
What significance does enduro have in your store?
"We sell mountain bikes with 130-160mm suspension travel very well. Many customers who used to ride a hardtail now enjoy the advantages of these bikes. With an enduro bike, you also have the perfect enduro terrain in our region around Sargans."
www.lukasanrig.ch

Florian Golay, 35, Bike: BMC "Trailfox 01" and BMC "Fourstroke 01 29""
Team/Sponsors: BMC- Mountainbike-Racing Team
5th Transprovence 2012 (FRA)
3rd Transvesubienne 2011 (FRA)
www.bmc-mountainbike-racing-team.com

Ludovic "Ludo" May
Team/Sponsors: Norco World Enduro Team
1st overall place iXS Swiss Downhill Cup 2012
6th Megavalanche Alpe d'Huez 2010
www.ludomay.ch

Hello Ludovic, introduce yourself briefly
. "My name is Ludo May, I'm 23 years old and I live in Villette, near Verbier. I'm open-minded, I love life, I'm a bit stubborn from time to time, I like to laugh and I love spending time with my friends or on my bike."

What do you like about enduro racing?
"What I like about enduro racing is that I often ride routes that I don't know very well. The exchange with friends during the competition or otherwise on enduro rides is often more intense for me than in downhill racing."

Which bike do you ride?
"Last season, I rode a Norco "Range" with 26-inch wheels. I liked that bike. This season I'm riding the "Range Killer B" with 27.5 inch wheels. From the comparison test I was positively surprised how well the bike rolls. So I can hardly wait for the racing season to start."

You come from downhill racing. Why are you riding mainly enduro in the coming season? "After riding for Norco, I was given the opportunity to ride for the Norco World Enduro Team. I've always ridden individual enduro races but with a focus on downhill races. Now I'm turning the tide. I'm focusing on the enduro races and only ride downhill occasionally."

What are your goals?
"I want to get steadily faster in the races, but I don't want to lose my passion for mountain biking."