Cycling: The first stop of the 2015 European Enduro Series took place this Sunday in Punta Ala, Italy. Michal Prokop (CZE) and Valentina Macheda (ITA) came out on top on the dusty trails of Tuscany.
After a tough and exhausting prologue, the European Enduro Series 2015 started today with a demanding race. In four stages, the drivers had to prove all their technical and physical abilities in order to compete and endure in the beautiful Tuscan landscape.
All riders tried to give their best on the dusty trails of Tuscany, but Valentina Macheda (ITA) and Michal Prokop (CZE) were ahead of everyone and won the Women's and Men's Elite class. Franziska Meyer from Germany and Monika Büchi from Switzerland were hot on Macheda's heels.
Valentina Macheda told us in an interview that she was extremely lucky and had a perfect day at the EES without any crashes or technical problems. Michal Prokop, who already won the prologue yesterday, was very happy with the result, but for him it was one of the toughest races with a lot of pedaling and technical parts. With his beginnings in BMX, he was able to stay soft on the technical sections and ride with flow. Also, his core training and conditioning on the road bike seems to have paid off as he was fit enough to finish first on the grueling course. Robert Williams (GBR), last year's winner of the EES, and Robin Wallner (SWE) finished second and third in the men's elite class.
The Austrian Benedikt Purner won the Men Masters 30+. After falling badly on Thursday and about to leave, he was just happy to be able to start today and finished with a great result.
Straight from the sea we went up to the start of Stage 1 above the Tuscan coast. Stage 1, or better known as "The Guardian", led through dense forests and over loose gravel to a small harbor by the sea. The transfer to Stage 2 was one of the most challenging stretches of the race as it was an all uphill section with a 1,5 hour climb. Afterwards it went downhill quickly and with a few counter climbs, before an ascent over a long and, above all, steep gravel road leads to Stage 3. The drivers had no choice but to push. Short and painless. The rider André Wagenknecht said that it was one of the most strenuous races for him so far. He had never pushed his bike so much before. Stages 3 and 4, better known as "Rock Oh", demanded all the drivers' strength once again, as they are considered to be particularly technical and strenuous parts of the race.
The first stop of the EES 2015 was a complete success for the participants and the organizers. The sunny weather and the beautiful surroundings of Tuscany made it a spectacular event with great atmosphere and sporting highlights. With no serious falls or injuries, the Punta Ala stop was a great start to EES 2015.
The aim of the EES is to become a link between the national series and the EWS. The drivers all confirmed this mission today as well. Robert Williams said in an interview: "A good mix of long stages and long transfers is the perfect enduro competition for me and that's exactly what the EES have in common." Winner Michal Prokop also said that this is a step in the right direction for the sport and is definitely looking forward to the start of the second EES stop on the glacier in Sölden.