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The racing is on! With today’s prologue in the heart of Castiglione della Pescaia this historic race has just begun!

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Riders tackled a fast course down through the town’s medieval streets.

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The changing weather conditions highly influenced the stage. In the beginning it rained heavily!

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Due to the large number of over 500 participants it took quite a long time – enough that the track could dry out for the last (top) riders.

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On the top of the village’s hill the racers were really focussed! Well, nearly! John Hauer, Curtis Keene and Anneke Beerten looking happy – seems like they knew what to do: PEDAL TO THE METAL!

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Preparing for the prologue there was some creativity in the game: Blinky aka Sam Blenkinsop removed the backpack from his backpack. Ha!

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Within the rules but definitely too much: A slick tire shouldn’t be on an enduro bike!

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That is how we like it: Jared Graves showed up with the bike how he would ride it on sunday’s race! Even with the water bottle for the 40sec-prologue!

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Jey and Pauline in the finish area! Happy!

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The local guys from i-mtb.com after the prologue – that is what enduro is about. Going to the races with your buddies and having a good time!

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About all those of you worrying that enduro might get to serious: As long as we have the likes Ben Cruz we shouldn’t worry. Cheers!


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About the author

Robin Schmitt

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, plays the cello or with his dog (which actually belongs to his girlfriend), travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.