Hey racing fans, how about a race?
Racing? No thanks! Just the thought of pinning a star number to the handlebars makes many mountain bikers nauseous. But enduro racing in particular has already brought such racing grouches to the starting line. One reason for this is that the discipline is suitable for mass sports. Not in races of the Enduro World Series EWS, but rather in stage races or team competitions, as these exude a much more relaxed atmosphere than one-day or individual races.
The daily trail adventure
Stage races break the nervousness for the sole reason that they last several days. The days are long and have the character of big downhill tours. You spend the whole day in the saddle, surrounded by like-minded people with whom you recap the day and the events over a beer in the evening. You sleep in a tent, which doesn't make it any easier to relax, but adds an important dose of adventure to the atmosphere. Riding is always done blind, i.e. without any prior visual knowledge of the routes. The start number on the handlebars is forgotten by the second day at the latest. But not the great memories, because they last a long time.
Enduro stage races, on the other hand, require very good riding technique and a good level of fitness, even for those who don't like racing.
A selection of enduro stage races
- www.trans-julius.com
- www.transbcenduro.com
- www.transnz.com
- www.trans-nomad.com
- www.andespacificoenduro.com
- www.trans-madeira.com
Together the fun is greater
Riding in a team of two is familiar from the big marathon stage races such as the Cape Epic. Implementing this in an enduro race is therefore obvious, and not just since yesterday. In 2015, the first team event was held in the French ski resort of Les Arcs. Two years later came the first edition in Switzerland, in Davos. Since then, these team races have enjoyed great popularity.
While marathon stage races often get down to the nitty gritty, the partner races in enduro hit a different nerve. The concept offers exactly what makes the spice of racing together - shooting down what you can with your riding buddy. This is otherwise hardly conceivable on hiking trails and is also not advisable out of respect for other trail users. At races, however, the routes are reserved for mountain bikers. You should still have a sense for lost pedestrians.But what's better than riding in pairs? Riding with the whole group, of course! Now separate from the main organizer of the Enduro2 races, the event in Davos is held under the name "Enduro Team". In September 2020, the team race in Davos will offer the first group shred with start number. Up to six people can race together over the trails during an extended weekend, without nervousness and doggedness - high fives included - perfect for racing fans. The exclusivity of racing with your buddies on the Davos trails is so popular that the 2020 edition of the "Mondraker Enduro Team" is already sold out.
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.