One week ago, riders battled it out over the Italian town of Talamello. The challenging 22km course caused punctures and crashes and made for some impressive photos. Enjoy!

Talamello town in the south Emilia Romagna, home of "Fossa cheese", an amazing tipical italian cheese
Talamello town in the south Emilia Romagna, home of “Fossa cheese”, an amazing tipical italian cheese

The strange-looking sky promised rain… perhaps the recent sun eclipse has left some sign of its presence … no problem! We want to ride bikes, we want enduro! It was a tough race, very physical, many confirmations form 2014 ER, Marco Mazzi and Giorgio Righi as expected, many surprises: Anja Bocchini fit as ever, a lot of bad luck for Simone Fabbri with a puncture that put him out of the game, a debut for undeserving Simone Gilli resulted in two punctures… but right knee on the ground for Andrea Paolini: 17 years old, boyish face but no fear, so much speed that allowed him to put everyone in line behind to his back with a commanding 5 minute lead. Talamello Staff (Wolf and Luke) prepared all this, for those who believe for those who know what to do! This is ER in 2015 … and it is only the beginning … see you in San Piero in Bagno May 3.

bike parking
packing light.. just don't crash!
packing light.. just don’t crash!
Downhiller Claudio Bertozzi rails a corner
Downhiller Claudio Bertozzi rails a corner
Proper gnarly terrain...
Proper gnarly terrain…
Heading down toward Talamello
Heading down toward Talamello
rooting for everyone, no matter the team or age.
rooting for everyone, no matter the team or age.
totally exhausted after a long day
totally exhausted after a long day
Time for a beer!
Time for a beer!
Emilia Romagna champs
The dominating winner Andrea Paoloni... 17 years old and was 5 minutes quicker than the second biker. Incredible...
The dominating winner Andrea Paoloni… 17 years old and was 5 minutes quicker than the second biker. Incredible…

Photos: Mario Pierguidi


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