Racing

Race Report: Enduro de les Salines Invitational (Catalonia-Spain)

13.03.2015
by

What began as a joke became the highest category Enduro event in Spain to date… The federation communicated to the organization at the end of 2014 that this year the race will not be included in the point values for the championship. After five years Maçanet de Cabrenys is left out. After speaking with the French organizers, we found out that we have also been left out of the Trophy of the Pyrenees. Once the decision had been made to not hold an event this year, the organizers spoke to Damien Oton (Devinci) and he commented that what the riders want to do is ride, and the locale of Les Salines is perfect for the Enduro. They also spoke with Jérôme Clemetz, Remy Absalon… and all agreed that they did not care about trophies. Instead, what they want is to put the finishing touches on their preparation for the World Cup… The idea of holding an Invitational Enduro and that camaraderie be the foundation of the weekend began to percolate in the minds of the people of a village of just 600 inhabitants.

Damien Oton (Devinci) flies towards his ultimate victory.
Damien Oton (Devinci) flies towards his ultimate victory.
A large part of the top riders at the moment were present. AC. Chausson (Ibis) Rémy Absalon (Scott)
A large part of the top riders at the moment were present. AC. Chausson (Ibis) Rémy Absalon (Scott)
Jérôme Clementz (Cannondale) arriving at the finish line. 100km +5500 of singletrack and fun.
Jérôme Clementz (Cannondale) arriving at the finish line. 100km +5500 of singletrack and fun.
4 - copia

Even though it seems like a “homemade” event, the enduro of Las Salinas has many technical sections. Granite rocks are present everywhere and very characteristic of this part of Catalonia. The stage on Saturday is the very essence of the Enduro of Les Salines as riders pass through very diverse terrain from the start to the finish. Rémy Absalon in the Toni Bou section.

The organization took great care to make sure that the riders were pleased. Various briefings were held and many decisions were made based on these conversations throughout the weekend. The opinion of the riders is ultimately what is most important.
The organization took great care to make sure that the riders were pleased. Various briefings were held and many decisions were made based on these conversations throughout the weekend. The opinion of the riders is ultimately what is most important.
Jumps, boulders, singletracks... The BTT Centre of Salines Bassegoda is in the area: 600km of established trails.
Jumps, boulders, singletracks… The BTT Centre of Salines Bassegoda is in the area: 600km of established trails.
Local riders such as (24) Oriol Prat were evidence that the level in Catalonia is rising from year to year. Both pros and amateurs had a complete and rewarding weekend.
Local riders such as (24) Oriol Prat were evidence that the level in Catalonia is rising from year to year. Both pros and amateurs had a complete and rewarding weekend.
Local riders such as (24) Oriol Prat were evidence that the level in Catalonia is rising from year to year. Both pros and amateurs had a complete and rewarding weekend.
Local riders such as (24) Oriol Prat were evidence that the level in Catalonia is rising from year to year. Both pros and amateurs had a complete and rewarding weekend.
The aid stations at the end of each section are a good opportunity to converse with other riders.
The aid stations at the end of each section are a good opportunity to converse with other riders.
Bryan Régnier (YT) is in shape and was the only one who won a special against Damien Oton.
Bryan Régnier (YT) is in shape and was the only one who won a special against Damien Oton.
The organizer Jep Coromines with the most award winning rider Chausson (Ibis) checking out the new HDR3.
The organizer Jep Coromines with the most award winning rider Chausson (Ibis) checking out the new HDR3.
Family environment and family organization. In Maçanet de Cabrenys that show they understand the enduro. The group of organizers have been attending the sporting events in the village since they were small children.
Family environment and family organization. In Maçanet de Cabrenys that show they understand the enduro. The group of organizers have been attending the sporting events in the village since they were small children.

Words: Jep Corominas Photos: Oscar Santiago Fariñas

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