Racing

Photo Report: Practice Starts for EWS Round 2, Scotland!

29.05.2014
by
EWS_Round_2

Practice is finally underway for Round 2 of the Enduro World Series held in Peebles, Scotland. The town is buzzing with riders, team vans and atmosphere, and with course now revealed, there is nervous talk of the true Jekyll and Hyde nature of the race. The second day in Glentress Forest is a true rider favourite, flowy, long and fast stages that suit those with power and skill. However, it is the first day, held on the legendary hills above Innerleithen, which is getting the pits talking! This morning as riders head up to get some more practice in, they will discover some of the steepest, gnarliest and most technical stages that the EWS has so far seen.

Where Finale Ligure had rough rocky stages to test the skills of the riders, the Innerleithen trails bring something else, fierce, unrelenting steepness and challenging roots everywhere, and with a wet day yesterday the stages are going to be churned up! These are the stages where natural flair and ability will outshine pure fitness, they cannot be hammered without extreme skill! There is whispered talk over which riders will shine, soon we will find out! Here are a few pictures of the first day of practice!

The green hills of the Tweed Valley hide some highly technical trail!
The green hills of the Tweed Valley hide some highly technical trail!
There is plenty of history here to entertain the visiting racers, this is Traquair Hourse.
There is plenty of history here to entertain the visiting racers, this is Traquair Hourse.
Local pinner Katy Winton has been out with an injury, but is looking forward to her return this weekend, in her own town!
Local pinner Katy Winton has been out with an injury, but is looking forward to her return this weekend, in her own town!
The course is a long one, with plenty of hills to contend with! The transition times have not been announced yet, will they be tight?
The course is a long one, with plenty of hills to contend with! The transition times have not been announced yet, will they be tight?
The forecast for the weekend looks good, the battle will be fought in the dry! But after last nights rain, will the trails dry out in time?
The forecast for the weekend looks good, the battle will be fought in the dry! But after last nights rain, will the trails dry out in time?
There are steep chutes everwhere! This will challenge rider focus during the long stages!
There are steep chutes everwhere! This will challenge rider focus during the long stages!
Stage 4 on Saturday throws in some of the old downhill stages!
Stage 4 on Saturday throws in some of the old downhill stages!
Speeds in the tress will be insane, with disaster just wheel slip away!
Speeds in the tress will be insane, with disaster just wheel slip away!
The lower section of stage 1 takes in some rocky action, fast and loose!
The lower section of stage 1 takes in some rocky action, fast and loose!
Plenty of legends mixing with the local riders, the EWS has excited the whole valley!
Plenty of legends mixing with the local riders, the EWS has excited the whole valley!
Racing begins on Saturday! Who will be victorious!
Racing begins on Saturday! Who will be victorious!

Words: Trev Worsey | Photos: Matt Wragg

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