After the dusty madness of Round Two in Argentina, the Enduro World Series heads to the greenery of County Wicklow in Ireland this weekend. The event goes by the name of the Emerald Enduro.

The timed racing will take place on a single day. There will be a total of seven stages and a lap will be aound 50km.

>>> The best photos from Round 2 of the Enduro World Series in Argentina

Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro World Series, said: “The Emerald Enduro was a real favourite amongst the riders last year. Not only are the tracks incredible, but the Irish fans who turned out in their thousands made for an atmosphere like nothing the EWS has ever experienced before. The terrain in Wicklow couldn’t be more different to the first two rounds and I think it will be really interesting to see how the riders adapt to the different conditions.”

Can the local hero do it again?

Last year’s Emerald Enduro saw crowds go wild as their local hero Greg Callaghan (Cube Action Team) took the win (see the video below). Greg is set to defend his title this year but he’ll have to really go some considering the competition he’ll be up against.

Who’s favourite in the men?

After winning both of the opening rounds of the EWS in Chile and Argentina, the hot favourite by a considerable margin is reigning EWS Champ Ritchie Rude (Yeti/Fox Shox).

The esteemed pair of European racers – Martin Maes (GT Factory Racing) and Jerome Clementz (Cannondale) – will be there or thereabouts. Maybe a splash of rain will tip the odds more in the Europeans’ favour?

There’s only 100 points separating the top three men. If you’re not well up on how the points system works at EWS, 100 points is basically not a lot. A crash or a simple mechanical will see the positions change significantly.

If you fancy an outside chance then last year’s local boy Greg Callaghan is worth watching – will he be able to handle all the eyeballs on him though? And what about Damien Oton (Devinci Enduro Racing)? Maybe in the light of recent tragic events he’ll find some extra inspiration.

Women’s standings and predictions

In the women’s racing it’s a similar story to the men. Cecile Ravanel (Commencal Vallnord Enduro Team) has won the previous two rounds and has a decent points advantage. Isabeau Courdurier (SUNN) is in 2nd and Anneke Beerten (GT Factory Racing) is in 3rd.

But hang on a mo. Tracy Moseley is back for this round. She won the Emerald Enduro last year and the terrain is most definitely her sort of stuff. It should be great to watch veteran Moseley take it to the younger French current leader.