EWS Scotland: In praise of the unsung heroes!
As I stood at the bottom of stage two on the first day of the Santa Cruz Tweedlove World Enduro presented by Sweet Protection, I watched as rider upon rider charged down the steep and muddy stage. After a while I became aware of a group of kids standing with their family on the next corner, and started to catch their excited conversation. As each rider exploded into view through the tight tree lined trail, the kids would start cheering and shouting the riders by name. And then it hit me, how did these young kids, not more than 10, know each and every rider in the top 20 at a quick glance? Something was different here, something had changed!
As news from the Tweedlove World Enduro fills the social media channels and burns up ‘office’ time all over the globe, our screens are illuminated with amazing riding and inspirational images of Scotland at its finest. The event served up a heady dose of action and excitement, and also turned the current standings upside down. But more than that, Round 2 of the Enduro World Series redefined the ‘spirit of enduro’, presenting and integrating it into a community like never before. For one incredible weekend, Scotland opened its arms in welcome to the world, and put on one hell of a show!
Visiting riders from all over the globe were blown away, not only with the trails, but also with the incredible support and cheering from the crowds of spectators who travelled to the event. Even on the farthest flung stages, hordes of excited spectators gathered on each and every corner, cheering and encouraging the tired racers, helping them to unlock more reserves. Children waited all day in the expo, high fiving returning riders as they returned to the final checkpoint, until the last of the 600 strong field had collected their complementary ‘Riders Reward’ beer!
Of course we need to know who won, we need to experience the races within the race, and the challenges that were encountered and overcome. Scotland brought its unique terrain to the series and upset the natural order. Some of the worlds fastest were able to adapt, while some fell by the wayside, opening the doors to the fast local specialists. However, what the media may not have expressed is that for all those that joined in the festival, the Tweedlove World Enduro represented more than just a race, it marked a turning point for enduro, finally bringing the sport to the people!
What had shaped this unique atmosphere, why did this event feel so friendly? Top riders had been encouraged to join in with kids coaching and skills camps on the build up to the event, enjoying spending time with the local kids clubs. Watching the tiny ‘champions of tomorrow’ as they pedalled their 20 inch wheels furiously round practice courses, brought smiles to the pros faces, and the youngsters were elated to have ‘world champions’ showing them how to ride their little bikes. From this point onwards a unique bond was forged, breaking down barriers and immersing the visiting racers in the Scottish community. Throughout the weekend the top riders chose not to hide in the tech area, but instead to socialise in the expo area, signing autographs and talking to kids and big kids alike, there was no elitism here, just an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.
And let us not forget the forgotten heroes, all this fun and community spirit had not simply been chanced upon, every smile and high five had been earned behind the scenes by the hard working team of volunteers, organisers and marshals. You will never meet a more bike mad community than that of the Tweed Valley, and the level of volunteer participation really expressed that! Although individually they will never stand on the top of an EWS podium, every member of the team defines enduro, each are the spirit and the foundation of our sport!
As the media and teams now make their way to Valloire in France for a very different EWS experience, what is left behind? As the last of the ‘event guides ‘are collected up and the race tape rolled in, a peace settles over the valley. After the hugely successful event the valley now gears up for a busy summer season, with the world now knowing about the incredible diversity of trails on offer we can be sure to welcome in far more international riders, keen to experience the same hospitality. The event demonstrated to the local community and forestry organisations, just how important riding bikes is to the Valley, and heralded in the new breed of rider seeking to leave the confines of the trail centre and explore the intense, technical trails that lie hidden in the hills. As locals walk past the now empty Tweed Green, they will remember fondly the vibrant colours of the expo, the flurry of activity and many smiling faces.
Tweedlove has redefined the way that enduro is presented to the world, so many moments captured the spirit of the race, but for me it was the moment when Tracy Moseley took the top step to a rapturous applause. The stage area was packed out with an audience of over 500, with the best seats in the house filled with a gang of excited children, cheering louder than anyone. As Tracy was handed her victory champagne, a chorus broke out from the children, “do it, do it”. Without hesitation Tracy popped the bottle open and proceeded to hose down the leaping children in the front rows, all delirious with excitement. The best of our sport had become more than just ‘the winners’, they had become role models, friends even. You could see from the happy faces that the racers, children and spectators knew they were part of something special, a moment that will live on to define the ‘spirit of enduro’, Tweedlove we raise our hat to you , “chapeau”
Words: Trev Worsey
Photos: Trev Worsey, Chris Leakey, Doc Ward and Matt Wragg
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