Countdown: EWS #4 – La Thuile: Details & Race Book
The countdown to the Aosta Valley round of the Enduro has begun and today there are only 3 days left. La Thuile Valley starts to be crowded with the first athletes and teams, which since last Monday arrived to inspect the terrain of the six PSs of the race, taped by the volunteers of Funivie Piccolo San Bernardo and the Superenduro staff.
Next Thursday the course trails will be finally open to the riders on their bikes in order to let them try the terrain of what it is expected to be an epic race, with all the ingredients of the Enduro discipline, starting from the lenght of the stages. The Superkappa (PS1 and PS4) is now more than 10Km long, because the snow on top of the Cima Belvedere melted and made new trails accessible. Such a great opportunity for the Superenduro staff, which has a huge experience in the management of events of the national and international panorama and could not miss the chance of making the racing course even more spectacular.
Even the transfer sections between PSs have been planned in order to follow the pure Enduro philosophy: they will take place using the uplifts (Bosco Express and Chalets Express), but also pedalling in the breathtaking scenery of the Mount Blanc massif and finally getting through 15 minutes of portage, to reach the start line of the PS2 which will be located at the ruins of the pillbox in the old mines area.
The Enduro appointment of La Thuile is going to be a very special round of the Series, not only for the uniqueness of the location — a novelty for both riders and staff — but also for the importance of the event which introduces the second part of the whole Series. At this half-way stage, the racing scenario starts to be very interesting for the guys with the return of Atherton, Vouilloz and Ducci after their accidents, and with a leadership which is still unclear, as the first positions are shared among Jared Graves (Yeti / Fox Shox Factory), Leov (Trek Factory Enduro) and Oton (DeVinci/Alltricks.com), but are threatened by the attacks of the other top ten riders. Not much different is the situation of the ladies in the race, with Tracy Moseley (Trek Factory Racing), Anne Caroline Chausson (Ibis) and Cecile Ravanel (GT Pulse) at very short distance between each other in terms of ranking points.
We also would like to remind all of you that the paddock area will open Wednesday July 9 at 9:00, and tomorrow will be the first day of practice, with chairlifts starting at 8:30.Don’t forget to check the Race Book released this sunday, with all the details and informations you need about the race event.
Words: LaThuile PR | Pictures: Matteo Cappe
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.