King Rude wins the World Cup opener, women provide plenty of excitement

In the first race of the UCI Enduro World Cup in Finale Ligure, Brit Harriet Harnden (Trek Factory Racing Gravity) wins thanks to a commanding ride on the third stage. Overall, the top three women are closer together than the top three men, with reigning champion Richie Rude (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team) winning three of the four stages. The German Christian Textor cracked the top 20, while the Swiss Tim Bratschi just missed the top 30.

In the women's race, the overall winner of 2023, Isabeau Courdurier (Lapierre Zipp Collective), came second after taking an early lead on the first stage. She led until the halfway point of the race, but fell back after a grueling third stage. There it is Harriet Harnden who wins the stage, riding over 20 seconds faster than her rivals. Third place went to Ella Conolly, who beat France's Morgane Charre by the blink of an eye after four downhill stages and 36 minutes of added riding time.

Results

In the men's race, New Zealander Charlie Murray (Specialized Enduro Team) rode solid times on all stages and finished second on the day. However, there is no match for the American Richie Rude. He rode the best time on three stages. Third place went to the Belgian Martin Maes (Orbea Fox Enduro Team).

Christian Textor also put in a solid race. The German was just behind the top 10 until after stage two, after which he lost some ground and finished in a respectable 19th place. Tim Bratschi also rode a remarkable race. The Swiss was on course for the top 30 when the final stage denied him this mark. Nevertheless, 31st place is one of his best results in the World Cup.

Results

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