News | Venue Change for Final Round of Scottish Enduro Series
The team at the Scottish Enduro Series has today Wednesday the 2nd of September announced that the final round of the series, scheduled for the 17th and 18th of October will now be taking place at Innerleithen in the Tweed valley on the same original dates.
The decision to change the venue from Largs was taken in partnership with the landowner and managers at Kelburn Estates. There were a number of concerns raised around the event including responsibility to other sporting users of the estate and the impact and the sustainability of the existing network of trails with the number of riders that the series is attracting in 2015. Finally, the SES team had concerns over route choices for stages and transitions in the unlikely event of adverse weather.
Frazer Coupland said today “Whilst it is disappointing for all involved, the riders, the SES Team and the landowner, it is essential that the final round works well and delivers to the standards expected by all. I have no doubt that in the coming years both the SES and other No Fuss Events will use Kelburn as a destination. We all felt that the risks outweighed the benefit of using this new venue in October.”
Innerleithen is a well-known location for all those involved in Enduro and the team there is promising a great mix for the final round of an amazing series, with close racing being predicted right up until the final stage. A recent survey taken by the SES team highlighted that over 80% of those who responded thought the stages were “Just right” while almost 90% thought overall length of the courses were “Just right” Duncan Nisbet was part of the team that originally brought Enduro racing in its current format to the UK; “Back in those early days, we had ambitions to take the successful format around Scotland, showcasing the very best of trails on offer at very different venues and I am delighted we are achieving that with the Scottish Enduro Series. When looking for an alternative venue for the final round, we were naturally drawn back to the Tweed Valley with it’s varied network of trails and we are grateful to Forestry Commission Scotland for their continued support of the Series.”
The SES organisers have today also announced that for the final two rounds at Fort William and at Innerleithen riders can expect a slight change to the format on race day with the Elite riders setting off later in the day and having an overall time commitment for the lap. David Spook Munro said, “It is important that we look at ways of improving the event, this wee tweak will help in a number of ways both for riders and organisers. At the end of the season, we will evaluate feedback and continually look to improve the series”
The SES team has been delighted with the feedback to date from rider surveys and will build on the success of the series in the future. There is already great anticipation about dates and venues for 2016 and it is hoped that we will be announce the 2016 calendar at the final event in Innerleithen in October. With the series having attracted the numbers and the following that it has over the last two years, there is no doubt that the Scottish Enduro Series is now the UKs premier enduro series.
Words: Scottish Enduro Series Photos:Trev Worsey
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
