Racing

Photo Report: Enduro World Series Round 5, Winter Park

28.07.2014
by

With the extreme high elevations, dry and loose tracks, and more pedaling than racers are accustomed to, Winter Park, Colorado was yet another different installment on the international enduro racing scene. Testing racers on many different levels, the tracks in Colorado were steep and rugged, tight and pedally, full of trees, and containing huge bike park jumps, at times on the same run. Some loved it, some did not. The weather held for most of the weekend of racing, being hot and sunny. The new bike rollout train continued, with new rides being seen under many racers. In the end, we saw familiar faces at the very top, but new faces on the podium. Read through to find out more.

As it was the final day of racing, and many racers would be leaving the event grounds immediately afterwards to catch flights, they had to check out of hotels, and get luggage to sponsor tents. This seems like the best way to do it.
As it was the final day of racing, and many racers would be leaving the event grounds immediately afterwards to catch flights, they had to check out of hotels, and get luggage to sponsor tents. This seems like the best way to do it.
When the pressure in your fork needs adjusting, sometimes it's best to have a woman's touch. Anneke Beerten is trying to not smile with the valve cap in between her lips.
When the pressure in your fork needs adjusting, sometimes it’s best to have a woman’s touch. Anneke Beerten is trying to not smile with the valve cap in between her lips.
Some French riders making plans to hit the Apple store in Denver on Monday.
Some French riders making plans to hit the Apple store in Denver on Monday.
Anne Caroline Chausson finds some sunlight and enters a flat corner on Stage 6. Lots of riders were not happy with the terrain, but ACC didn't seem to mind, as she takes home the win in Colorado.
Anne Caroline Chausson finds some sunlight and enters a flat corner on Stage 6. Lots of riders were not happy with the terrain, but ACC didn’t seem to mind, as she takes home the win in Colorado.
Racing began the day on a pedally and tight in the trees section. With many variations on eyewear throughout the race field, Valentina Macheda went went clear glasses.
Racing began the day on a pedally and tight in the trees section. With many variations on eyewear throughout the race field, Valentina Macheda went went clear glasses.
Katrina Strand on Stage 6. Can you get that front wheel a little closer to the camera please?
Katrina Strand on Stage 6. Can you get that front wheel a little closer to the camera please?
Justin Leov had a steady and fast weekend of riding to find himself in 5th place.
Justin Leov had a steady and fast weekend of riding to find himself in 5th place.
Cedric Gracia has been major injury free all year, and having the time of his life. In the spirit of enduro, flipping his helmet visor, and wearing classic Oakley specs, he cruised to a Top 10 finish.
Cedric Gracia has been major injury free all year, and having the time of his life. In the spirit of enduro, flipping his helmet visor, and wearing classic Oakley specs, he cruised to a Top 10 finish.
Welcome in the international enduro racing stage Mitch Ropelato. In his first EWS ever, Ropelato finishes in 4th place. Maybe downhillers can pedal.
Welcome in the international enduro racing stage Mitch Ropelato. In his first EWS ever, Ropelato finishes in 4th place. Maybe downhillers can pedal.
Marco Osborne, with ultra focus in this corner, had a good weekend, finishing in 21st, but is hungry for so much more, and with some self acknowledged mistakes, knows where he can gain big time.
Marco Osborne, with ultra focus in this corner, had a good weekend, finishing in 21st, but is hungry for so much more, and with some self acknowledged mistakes, knows where he can gain big time.
Joe Barnes had another great weekend of racing, finishing in 7th, and ends up 7th overall. Solid.
Joe Barnes had another great weekend of racing, finishing in 7th, and ends up 7th overall. Solid.
Lars Sternberg was having a good weekend of racing, on US soil, until an untimely flat on the final stage dashed hopes for a good result. Here he drifts through the mega dry Colorado "dirt".
Lars Sternberg was having a good weekend of racing, on US soil, until an untimely flat on the final stage dashed hopes for a good result. Here he drifts through the mega dry Colorado “dirt”.
Tracey Moseley kept trying to get back in the race, but ACC was too much. Mosely had to settle for 2nd, which will not sit well going into Whistler. We expect her to be charging, just like she was here on the final descent down Trestle Downhill.
Tracey Moseley kept trying to get back in the race, but ACC was too much. Mosely had to settle for 2nd, which will not sit well going into Whistler. We expect her to be charging, just like she was here on the final descent down Trestle Downhill.
Anka Martin flying down an off camber section of Stage 7. She had an off weekend, finishing in 17th.
Anka Martin flying down an off camber section of Stage 7. She had an off weekend, finishing in 17th.
Ines Thoma blurring the lines of a steep, rocky bit on Stage 7.
Ines Thoma blurring the lines of a steep, rocky bit on Stage 7.
Cecile Ravanel in the 2nd rock garden section of Stage 7.
Cecile Ravanel in the 2nd rock garden section of Stage 7.
Graves entered the final stage of the day with a 40 second time gap over teammate Richie Rude and rest of the field, and therefore rode just a bit conservatively on Stage 7. He still was 20th on that stage.
Graves entered the final stage of the day with a 40 second time gap over teammate Richie Rude and rest of the field, and therefore rode just a bit conservatively on Stage 7. He still was 20th on that stage.
Theo Galy couldn't really find his pace all weekend, but looked good here. The season is long and takes it's toll.
Theo Galy couldn’t really find his pace all weekend, but looked good here. The season is long and takes it’s toll.
Curtis Keene is finding the top 10 a difficult place to be in, finishing in 12th.
Curtis Keene is finding the top 10 a difficult place to be in, finishing in 12th.
Richie Rude had his first EWS stage wins (three this weekend) including the final Stage 7 on Trestle DH, and his first EWS podium here in Colorado.
Richie Rude had his first EWS stage wins (three this weekend) including the final Stage 7 on Trestle DH, and his first EWS podium here in Colorado.
And when the dust had settled, Jared Graves was a happy man, with a new shiny bike, taking the win at the Enduro World Series, Winter Park, Colorado stop. Congrats!
And when the dust had settled, Jared Graves was a happy man, with a new shiny bike, taking the win at the Enduro World Series, Winter Park, Colorado stop. Congrats!

Pro Women’s Results

  1. Anne Caroline Chausson
  2. Tracy Mosely
  3. Anneke Beerten
  4. Cecile Ravanel
  5. Rosara Joseph

Pro Men’s Results

  1. Jared Graves
  2. Richie Rude
  3. Rene Wildhaber
  4. Mitch Ropelato
  5. Justin Leov

Words, Photos: Daniel Dunn

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.

You may also like