It was time for the Enduro Series to head back to the north-east of France. The opening of the 2016 7 idp Enduro Series took place in the perfect setting of Raon L’Etape, at the heart of the charming Vosge’s mountains, dominated by century-old forests. Only a few sun rays managed to pass through those robust leaves to illuminate the trails for the riders of the Trophee VTT AE by Giant and the French Cup Enduro Series.

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The Vosgian playground surprised more than one rider with its difficult turns, slick roots and rocks, all of this on some steep slopes where the smallest braking mistake quickly impacted on the stopwatch. Once again, we were able to notice the constant progression of the level of our national enduro riders.

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Racers took a lot of pleasure in racing on this soft ground and tried to challenge Jérôme Clementz who literally flew over the competition leading by almost 21 seconds over the 2nd placed Rémy Absalon. Both locals riders gave an incredible riding lesson to everyone, making these trails look easy! We thought we had returned to the early years of the French Cup Enduro Series when these two racers were constantly battling for 1st place on the podium. Leader of the World Series, Cécile Ravanel won in the women category on challenging terrain she isn’t used to.

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Nicolas Vouilloz, the living mtb legend is still here to kick some ass and will never make it easy for the others. He takes the lead after winning this first round of the Trophée VTT AE by Giant, that gathered more than thirty challengers.

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On the 25th and 26th of June, the 14th edition of the Tribe 10000, Val d’Allos will host the next meeting of the French Enduro Series and the second round of the Trophée VTT AE by Giant. Try to recover, the challenge will be tough!


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Words & Photos: Tribe Events/ 7 idp Enduro Series