Cycling: The clock is ticking mercilessly and the riders are getting ready for the last big race of the season. The last big race of the 2014 season starts today with the Enduro World Series in Finale Ligure. The riders have been out and about on the trails since Thursday, training them extensively...
...and for good reason. Finale Ligure represents a milestone in the history of enduro racing. This mountain biking mecca offers breathtaking scenery, a great atmosphere, and some of the most challenging trails in Europe. The Enduro World Series celebrated the conclusion of its first successful season here last year. With six stages that couldn't be more different, riders are challenged in every aspect. These range from fast and pedal-intensive stages like Stages 5 & 6 to the extremely steep and technical Stage 4, affectionately, yet with a certain reverence, known as "The Men's Downhill."
# Finale hosts many trials with beautiful views over each valley..
#…or the Mediterranean Sea. Joost Wichman scrubs away after a strenuous first day.
# The NATO base is well known in Finale and will be the starting point of Stage 5 this year.
# Cerdric Gracia is known for his infectious sense of humor. The first training ride ended for him after just a few meters with a flat tire.
# Matti Lehikoinen makes his Enduro World Series debut, training with Martin Maes and Dan Atherton.
# Francois Bailly-Maitre was in a good mood after the long sixth stage.
# Shuttle over shuttle. The training could be completed with the help of vans. The Canyon Factory Enduro Team certainly had no problems getting into rougher terrain with this monster.
# Nico Lau has had a mixed season. Finale suits the fast French!
# Comeback #1 in Finale is Jerome Clementz. After a shoulder injury, Clementz is back in the EWS and is keen to get back in the mix.
# According to the age classification, Martin Maes actually belongs in the junior class. But last year he proved that he can keep up with the big players and is really stirring up the elite.
# There are enough hidden stones on the trails. One or the other chain guide has to believe in it. Watch out!
# Stage two starts with a very fast pipeline. Anyone who allows mistakes here will be punished and not exactly gently.
# 4x World Champion 2013 Joost Wichman tests the limits of his tires. Conclusion: Found good.
# These little needles hide everywhere and are a real nightmare for every driver. Not only the stones are the main cause of many plates.
# Comeback #2 Fabien Barel. In Chile, Barel fell badly and suffered a serious fracture in his back. After a long break, he's back at the start and wants to get back on the podium.
# Tracy Moseley leads the series with 70 points. Her closest pursuer, Anne-Caroline Chausson, has to finish ahead of her to still have a chance at the title.
# Chris Ball is one of the initiators of the Enduro World Series and an enthusiastic rider himself.
# Ben Cruz knocked himself out on Thursday. The race came to an early end for the Cannondale driver with a dislocated shoulder.
# These two Cannondale pilots are usually only seen on hardtails. Marco Fontana and Manuel Fumic have already finished their World Cup season and will not miss the opportunity to start at the EWS in Finale.
# Final preparations for the race. Shaun Hughes prepares Jared Graves' wheel for the grand finale.
# Graves only has to be 22nd in the finals to win the overall ranking. He will do everything to finish without a defect, but that doesn't mean he's slowing down. Here he craps through one of the many switchbacks on stage one.
# Anneke Beerten finally wants her well-deserved victory. The enduro format in Finale, where the riders have to do everything under their own steam, should stand them in good stead.
# Damien Oton won La Thuile and has been Graves' biggest competitor ever since. With a good race and a bit of luck he could end up on top.
# Even after the training, the individual lines were eagerly looked at. The "men's downhill" is, as the Brits tell you, GNARLY!
# Richie Rude is a powerhouse. The many short climbs and technical trails are new to the young Ami, but should suit him.
# Last Riders briefing last night. Enrico Guala explains the program to the drivers, where the individual feed zones are, when you can get technical support and and and... the race starts at 8:30 am with Tracy Moseley, who will be the first to leave the starting ramp. Jared Graves follows her just after nine as the first elite rider.