MTB: On Sunday, September 15.09.2019th, XNUMX, the multiple trials world champion Marco Hösel invited to a somewhat different enduro race. For the fifth time he had managed to set up a race that combines trials sport and classic enduro riding. The highlight of the race? There were so-called no-feet zones on every special stage. These are areas where it's better to keep your feet on the pedals, otherwise you'll get penalty seconds.
Living less than half an hour from Thalheim, I almost felt bad that I had never competed in the Technical Enduro Race. This year it happened for the first time. At 08:30 a.m. I entered the trial area of the motorsport club Thalheim. The first as well as the sixth and thus last special stage took place there. It slowly dawned on me what I had gotten myself into. Technically demanding trials lay ahead of me. As you might have guessed. these were pure no-feet stages. In addition to most of the faces I knew, there were also stars of the scene among the starters, such as Max Hartenstern and Hannes Hermann.
At 09:30 a.m., after a short briefing, the starting shot was fired. In the worst case, I could lose three minutes on six special stages. Of course, this had to be avoided as much as possible. So I took a good look at Stage 1 and analyzed the other drivers.
Stage 1:
Stage 1 was peppered with off-camber passages and various obstacles that had to be overcome without putting your foot down. I managed that very well. Contrary to expectations, I drove smoothly over the tree trunks and concrete rollers that were in my way. I didn't even put my foot down. My friend Toni, on the other hand, chose the wrong gear uphill and slipped off the pedal, resulting in the first few seconds penalty.
Unlike normal enduro races, we looked at the remaining riders after our run. Only when the last rider in the e-bike classification had completed his run did all riders continue. This creates a very relaxed touring feeling and you have the opportunity to talk to all the drivers.
Stage 2:
The second special stage was one of the fastest and steepest stages of the day. After the start, there were a few curves on level ground. Then a forest road had to be crossed. From then on, the trail became significantly steeper and ran to the first no-feet zone, a "rock roller". Translated, this means that it is a stone that you drive up with momentum in order to then drive further down the valley on the other side. After a short climb, the key point followed, a steep and at the same time rocky descent to the finish of the special stage. To top it all off, there was a switchback here that you had to get over. Again, I didn't have to put my foot anywhere. In retrospect, I could have accelerated a lot more with previous knowledge of the route. But that's real enduro: driving blindly as fast as possible.
Stage 3:
Stage 3 was the most flowy special stage. Immediately after the start, you drove from a fast, long left-hand bend into a tight right-hand bend. The entire stage was just as twisty as the start. The only sticking point was once again the no-feet zone. At full speed, the driver had to turn 90 degrees to the right and up a steep ledge. To make matters worse, there was also a root across it. I got through the first corners well and then almost failed at the key point. I had to stop and hop up the root. I lost a lot of time doing this, but didn't have to put my foot down. Looking back, I'm not sure if I was really faster that way or if I should have just taken the penalty seconds. Be that as it may, I mastered the rest of the special stage very well. At the finish, I was awaited by an aid station with delicious, sweet little things.
Stage 4:
The start of the fourth special stage was less than 500 meters from the finish of the last special stage. This was steep and had one switchback after the other. All switchbacks were of course integrated into a no-feet zone. I messed up on the last corner. I got a five-second penalty from a foot-drop. It was even worse for my friend Toni. Although he didn't have to put his foot down, he fell in one of the last corners and destroyed the shifter. Luckily we were able to make a makeshift repair to it so that it could continue the race.
Stage 5:
After all drivers had mastered special stage 4, we drove towards the trial area, where everything began in the morning. The penultimate test started not far from there. It was exciting from the start. You had to drive through a hollow where there were two lines at the exit. It quickly became clear that the outer line, initially classified as difficult, was the more sensible of the two. Then it went over some skinnies that were not easy to drive down into the valley. After several U-turns, which were very nice to drive, we went over a last short steep steep passage with roots to the finish. Toni and I were completely out of breath, but crossed the finish line very smoothly and quickly.
Stage 6:
The last stage was similar to the first. It was a demanding trial test that could be viewed on foot beforehand. I mastered all the key passages with flying colours. Later, unfortunately, I had to put my foot down at what was probably the easiest part of the stage and was given a five-second penalty for the second time. Toni finishes the last special stage without any mistakes.
Despite small mistakes, it was a perfect day on the bike. We were offered six demanding enduro trials that lived up to their name. It was also very nice that everyone drove from stage to stage together and we were able to cheer on each other on the track.
At the end of the day I was seventh in the Pro Class. In the Riders Class I would have finished fourth. Max Hartenstern clearly won the Pro Class rating. I'm extremely satisfied with my 7th place, even if I could have driven faster in some places afterwards. Toni was also satisfied with his ninth place in the Riders Class in his first enduro race.
And finally ...
Next year I will definitely start again at the Technical Enduro Race in Thalheim. I can only recommend the enduro race. Anyone who likes technical single trails and an absolutely relaxed atmosphere will find their dream race in Thalheim in the beautiful Ore Mountains.
ATTENTION:
Due to the format, the race is limited to 50 participants. So hurry up and secure a starting place early.