Racing | EWS #8 Finale Ligure – Rude & Moseley take overalls.
04.10.2015
by
After a long race season packed with drama and action perhaps the popular holiday destination of Finale Ligure on the Italian riviera would offer a relaxing end to the season? Think again… Even before the tires had touched the dirt in Finale we had drama. The weather gods have not been kind on the EWS this year and they enjoyed adding yet another twist to the 2015 series with big storms bringing heavy rain and high winds during practice. Thursday’s practice went ahead with the riders allowed to practice all 6 stages, but with the forecast set to deteriorate further on Friday the organizers were forced to cancel the day’s practice before reviewing the situation on Friday evening.
A moody welcome to Finale!
The high winds were good for the surfers playing on the swell, not so for the riders on the stages.Anneke Beerten making light work of a steep chute on stage 1.After securing his first podium last time out, Martin Maes will have extra confidence this weekend.Stage 1 had a lot of varied terrain, it didn’t phase Yoann Barelli though.There was some deep dust to catch those who ventured off line.CRC’s Mike Jones hot off a successful season of downhill takes to the aptly named men’s downhill stage.The views Finale is renowned for!Nico Lau is always a contender and looked pinned throughout practice.Friday’s weather was best escaped by drinking coffee in one of Finale’s many great cafes.
After a day of resting and hiding from the weather, the riders were keen to get on the trails. Unfortunately for them the popular stage 1 had to be cut from the schedule as the river was flowing over the bridge at the bottom of the stage.
Tracy Moseley had one hand on the overall coming into the weekend but she didn’t let that phase her, taking the lead into Sunday’s final stages.A solid day for Richie, he has his mind on the overall and not the race win.One last race for one of the sport’s true legends.Jerome Clementz smashing through the Italian jungle of stage 3.Isabeau Courdurier is great fun to watch, super stylish and super aggressive!The crowd was incredible on stage 4, Graves took the stage win and the lead into Sunday.
After another storm over night the trails were left very slick and muddy, the weather however had improved and we were treated to a warm and sunny day with little wind, the 2 final stages of the season seen the racers face another long liaison from the town. Graves and Moseley carried the lead overnight and although they carried on to take the win, it was far from straight forward as Jared had to battle back from a difficult stage 5 whilst Moseley had a tight battle with Cicile Ravanel. Richie Rude had a steady day with his mind on the overall, his 11th place was more than enough to take the 2015 overall.
Tracey gathering her thoughts before the final 2 stages that separated her from the overall.Conditions were slick after heavy over night rain, they didn’t phase Iago however.Jared battled back from a difficult stage 5 to take the win.Joe Barnes makes light work of one of stage 5’s long rock gardens.Tracey sealed the title in style taking the win in Finale.Richie’s 11th place was enough to seal the title.Jared on the lower pedally section of stage 6.It would be wrong not to include a shot of Fabian on his final stage!Victory tastes sweet!The top 3 women on the day.Jared takes the win after steadily coming back from injury throughout the season.The winning man and machine.Your top 3 women in the overall, Moseley, Ravanel and Beerten.Richie was carried in style onto the podium.Finding consistency was the key to Richie’s success, he dominated the end of the season despite taking a conservative approach to the final round.Beginning to sink in?
Full Results:
Women:
Men:
Words and Photos: Ross Bell
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.
