MTB cycling: Last weekend, the Enduro World Series 2016 started the first round in Corral (Chile). Even if the American Richie Rude (Yeti Fox Shox) was able to secure victory in the men's race, the dominance of the French drivers caused a stir. There were no fewer than seven French riders in the top ten!
The first round of the EWS could hardly have had a more dramatic appearance: After a forest fire that broke out in the mountains above the venue on Friday evening, the green light was given for the event on Saturday morning. After the smoke and dust cleared, 400 riders lined up in what has been dubbed the “Cold Jungle” region. The drivers were accompanied by the hot Chilean sun and fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Enduro World Series #1: Seven French finishers in the top ten
In the Men's "Open Super Expertos" class, Richie Rude, EWS Champion of 2015, was able to build on the performance of the previous year. After six stages (total driving time 32:47 minutes), the American had a lead of 7,75 seconds over Belgian Martin Maes from the GT Factory Racing Team. As already mentioned, places three to seven were occupied exclusively by the French. Third was MTB legend Nicolas Vouilloz (Lapierre Cycles), 17,33 seconds back from the leader.
The women's driving times were much larger. France's Cecile Ravanel (Commencal Vallnord Enduro) won with a total time of 37:43, nearly 26 seconds ahead of Dutch Anneke Beerten (GT Factory Racing). There was already a gap of over 44 seconds between the winner and third-placed Frenchwoman Isabeau Courdurier (Team SUNN). The fourth place finish of the German rider Ines Thoma (Canyon Factory Enduro Team) is very pleasing.
The second round of the Enduro World Series will take place this coming weekend. The series will make its first stop in Argentina. Venue is Cerro Catedral, Bariloche (Patagonia) in the Andes, well-known among skiers.
Website
Photos (c): Enduro World Series, Duncan Philpott photos
Leave a Comment