News: EWS Round 2 Scotland: Day 1, Wildcard Domination!

There is no doubt that Scotland is putting on an incredible show, with perfect weather, huge crowds of enthusiastic spectators and a capacity field, this is set to become a legendary event on the racing calendar. Never before has there been such an excited atmosphere at an event, families, children and fans joining forces to cheer on riders and join in the fun! Tweedlove are showing the world what the ‘spirit of enduro’ really means!

However behind the enjoyment, high fives and excited conversation, lies a deep unease, the race is not only long and demanding, but the stages are some of the gnarliest and most technical the series has even seen! Many racers had taken the chance to get an early night, minds focused on the technical trails that faced them in the morning. The opening day is one that all riders will be looking forward to riding, but also fearing in equal measure.

When asked about the trails the overall impression from racers after practice was that they were awesome fun to ride, but will be very scary to race! There are no two ways about it, the stages are steep, perilously steep, and it’s not about trying to go fast, more about trying to keep control! Tyres fight for traction as racers fall down the tight, rutted and grooved trail. Those that can find the flow, link up the turns smoothly, those who are pushing too hard soon discover why the trees are covered in damage.

The first day featured 4 stages that define riding in the valley, a location that has grown well beyond its trail centre reputation and become something of a technical masterpiece. If you live for skimming within a hairs breadth from sturdy trees, while the bottom drops out of the earth, you would love it here! Many riders were having difficulty adjusting from the bright sunlight as they plunged into the darkness, deep below the canopy Pine and Larch! Stages just get steeper and steeper, but also feature some long and lung busting climbs that go on for far too long! Just when you think that you are about to pass out, the trails drop again, sometimes 7 minutes of pain!

In testament to the uniqueness of the riding here, this would be a day where local riders were looking for a big result! Both Joe Barnes and Gary Forrest forged their skills on just these trails and were screaming down the stages, taking an incredible 2nd after Stage Two and 8th overall after Stage Three! Greg Callaghan is also on fire, running in an amazing 6th place overall! Local wildcard entry Ruaridh Cunningham showed brutal pace to take the victory in Stage Two, marking an incredible debut to enduro! But again Nico Lau is making his claim on the overall title, taking a decisive win, fresh from a win in the UKGE round a week before, he is now sitting 1st overall going into day 2, proving that Nico is fast everywhere!

Francois Bailly-Maitre put down a consistent performance to currently sit in 3rd going into day 2. This was a day that Jared seemed a little off the pace, but tomorrow has his name written all over it, the stages will be longer and involve more pedaling, and when it comes to power on the pedals, Jared is king! It is still all to play for!

Full results can be downloaded here

When it comes to the women, Tracy has come to Scotland with a plan, and that plan is to win! Taking victory in the first 3 stages she looks set to pull some points back on Anne Caro for the overall! Cecile Ravanel is sitting in 3rd and is poised to make her attack on the podium in day 2. With a tough physical day planned for tomorrow it is still all to play for!

Words: Trev Worsey | Photos: Doc Ward and Trev Worsey

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