Race Report | Round #2 7iDP Enduro Series France, Val D'Allos

Val D’Allos, France, welcomed the second round of the French cup last week-end for the legendary Tribe 10000, hosting some of the biggest names from across the enduro-racing globe including Florian Nicolai and Nicolas Vouilloz. It looked to be an awesome affair with incredible views, incredible trails and incredibly fast riding.

Forced by technical issues on the ski lifts, the organizer chose to run a rally format at the last minute. Another challenge, brilliantly solved at the end, as we can confirm that even if the formula was different, the pleasure of riding, of battling at all levels and of sharing these unforgettable moments was ever present along this fabulous week-end.

Val d’Allos welcome last week-end the second round of the French Cup – Enduro Series 7idp for the legendary Tribe 10000.

Stage 1 and 2 are dreaded because they’re very long, with “killer” pedalling sections. But the riders are unanimous, the trails, cleared the day before after the free runs, and the race rhythm gave a lot more flow and at the end the runs went well, real physical endure.

Saturday was dedicated to free runs and allowed the riders to discover the new tracks but also to enjoy the XXL panoramas, especially at the start of the Stage 1. Run times, only for information and displayed on Saturday night, allowed each of them to analyse their runs before the big day on Sunday.

In any case, Nico Vouilloz and Thomas Lapeyrie would agree, as they increase the gap over a bunch of EWS level riders. Flo Nicolaï dropped his chain just few meters after the start of the Stage 1, when Barel fell and seemed to have difficulties getting into race mode, it seems already over for them. In the female category, the kiwi Meggie Bichard killed the race in front of Isa Cordurier still a bit shook up after a crash the week before the race.

The battle would get even more intense on Stage 3, a classic run in the Seignus d’Allos bikepark. It’s Flo Nicolaï who took the win but all eyes were on the 3 seconds between him and Thomas before the Stage 4. Tension is maximum on the finish line where nobody could have wished for this finale. Unfortunately for Nico, he broke his chain not far after the start and saw his winning hopes and also his second place disappeared.

Fab Barel would take the win of this last stage as he got his skills and speed back at the end of the day.

Thomas Lapeyrie got a very convincing win over a challenging line-up of riders where Nico Quéré finished off the podium with the fifth place. A very emotional podium as on this Father’s Day, the dads Richard Lapeyrie, Robert Nicolaï and Georges Vouilloz were invited to join their sons. With all the sacrifices done, they deserved it for sure.

In the female category, Meggie managed her advanceand put her name in the history book as the first kiwi to win an Enduro Series. Easy win for Sénéchal in Master 1 and Bonifay in Master 2. In the Junior category, after an intense fight, it’s Lucas Monetti who took the win with only 3 seconds in front of Valentin Brulas.

In the general ranking, Nico Filippi, Benoit Clement ou Baptiste Gaillot retain good chances to take the final win of the ENduro Series as from Millau, Nico Vouilloz and Flo Nicolaï will not take part as they’re preparing the rest of the EWS season. But we will see again with pleasure Cécile Ravanel and Anne Caro Chausson who will fight in the female category.

Results

Women
1. COURDURIER Isabeau | Rocky Mountain Urge bp
2. MURIGNEUX Axelle | Chamrousse Enduro Team
3. DUVERT Julie | Giant France

For full results & info, visit: tribesportsgroup.eu

Words & Photos: TribeSportGroup

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Race Report | Round #2 7iDP Enduro Series France, Val D’Allos

Results

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