Dust? Anybody?
The Enduro World Series had back-to-back races in South America to kick off the season, the second of which was wrapped up yesterday in Barlioche, Argentina.
It could go on record as being one of the dustiest races in mountain biking history with some of the stages resembling sand pits more than the Alpine trails these riders are used to. There were two tough days of racing in store for the riders as they were limited on lift access meaning some tough transitions followed by flat out racing.
If this race proved one thing it’s that the cream always rises to the top. Despite the tough conditions the top step of the podiums were claimed by the winners from Chile – Richie Rude and Cecile Ravanel. They both have already established commanding leads in the overall standings despite the fact we’re only in the early stages of the season.
Rude was followed home by Martin Maes in second and downhill specialist Sam Blenkinsop in third. In the women, Casey Brown claimed second in her first ever EWS race while ISabeau Courdurier completed the podium.
>>> For the full results form Bariloche, click here
Here are the best photos from the weekend’s action (all images credit Duncan Philpott and the Enduro World Series):
Barlioche
It may look rocky here but the Barlioche tracks were dustier than a tomb from an Indiana Jones movie and provided a real challenge for the riders.
Credit: Duncan Philpott
Casey Brown
Brown seems at home considering it’s her first EWS race. Here she tries to memorise a track while having a recovery massage
Nico Vouilloz
The French master was always one to look for slim advantages. Here he changes shocks between stages
Are we nearly there yet?
The riders were limited on lift access which led to a lot of pushing
Credit: Duncan Philpott
