Racing

Race Preview | European Enduro Series #2 Sölden, Ötztal Alps

13.05.2015
by

After kicking off at the coastline of Tuscany in Punta Ala, Italy, the European Enduro Series touches new ground in another spectacular venue and travels to the ‘Bike Republic Sölden’ in Austria. The second stop will be held in the course of the ‘Open Borders’ opening. From icy glaciers to gnarly and rooty trails, the riders will shred every imaginable terrain during stop #2 on July 4th and 5th 2015.

Best known for its winter tourism, Aprés ski and the Alpine Ski world cup, Sölden is a place of superlatives. But winter sport is not the only way to prove yourself in the Tyrolean Alps, more and more the Ötztal is well known for its network of great single trails and bike events. The ‘Bike Republic Sölden’ creates a unique brand with a clear vision, which not only stands out by means of a spacious terrain, diverse trails and Tyrol’s biggest pumptrack against other bike regions. Also the distinctive ‘Ötztal’ dialect has been considered – each republic has its own language and so does the newly founded ‘Bike Republic Sölden’. The dialect flows into the names of the various lines and characterises the features of the trails in a very special way. Due to the diversity of trails, Sölden becomes a huge playground for biker, which not only satisfies all mountain bikers, enduro bikers or free-riders.

Sölden is a small town located in the upper Ötztal in the middle of the Tyrolean Alps. It is a unique hotspot in the Austrian Alps offering no less than 250 mountain peaks above 3,000m.
Sölden is a small town located in the upper Ötztal in the middle of the Tyrolean Alps. It is a unique hotspot in the Austrian Alps offering no less than 250 mountain peaks above 3,000m.

Since Sölden is no longer an insiders’ tip but has become an unquestioned hotspot for mountain bikers, it is now time to show this to the elite of European enduro bikers in the first ever enduro race in Sölden. Straight from the Mediterrenean Sea in Punta Ala, the riders will find themselves on the trails of the Tyrolean glaciers on July 4th and 5th 2015. Besides the stunning scenery of the Ötztal, one of the highlights will be the start of the race at the Rettenbach glacier at an altitude of 3247m. On 24.56km in total, the race will lead down to the village of Sölden also via the unique ‘Teäre Line’ – a 6km long pumptrack line with 130 turns, part of the newly introduced concept ‘Bike Republic Sölden’. From flow trails to real technical parts – the five stages will stretch the competitors to their limits. But to give a little uphill support, the gondolas of the area will be running.

In the second stop of the EES pros and amateurs will again compete and Robert Williams, overall winner of the EES 2014, signed for the whole series, will also race in Sölden.
In the second stop of the EES pros and amateurs will again compete and Robert Williams, overall winner of the EES 2014, signed for the whole series, will also race in Sölden.
The ‘Bike Republic Sölden’ creates a unique brand with a clear vision, which not only stands out by means of a spacious terrain, diverse trails and Tyrol’s biggest pumptrack against other bike regions.
The ‘Bike Republic Sölden’ creates a unique brand with a clear vision, which not only stands out by means of a spacious terrain, diverse trails and Tyrol’s biggest pumptrack against other bike regions.

Sölden is a small town located in the upper Ötztal in the middle of the Tyrolean Alps. It is a unique hotspot in the Austrian Alps offering no less than 250 mountain peaks above 3,000m. Three of those – called the BIG 3 – have a viewing platform on top. It is a spectacular venue, which offers beautiful landscapes and sporting challenges.

In the second stop of the EES pros and amateurs will again compete and Robert Williams, overall winner of the EES 2014, signed for the whole series, will also race in Sölden. Since he took 3rd place at the first stop in Punta Ala, seems to be in good shape. Also the winner of the season-opener, Michal Prokop, is confirmed and is looking forward to extending his lead. Stop #2 of the 2015 European Enduro Series starts on the perpetual ice of the Rettenbach glacier and guarantees a tough race in a unique landscape, mind-blowing for both shredders and spectators.

Registration for EES 2015 Tour Stop Sölden

Open for all shredders from May 25 // 07.00 am – June 30 // 11.00 pm.

Where to stay

There are plenty of accommodation possibilities in Sölden and in the surrounding villages. The tourist office will help you find the best place to stay! For questions on accommodation, please contact: soelden@oetztal.com.

European Enduro Series 2015 Race Calendar

  • 25./26.04.2015 #1 Punta Ala (ITA)
  • 04./05.07.2015 #2 Sölden (AUT)
  • 25./26.07.2015 #3 Reschenpass (ITA/AUT/SUI)
  • 05./06.09.2015 #4 Molveno-Paganella (ITA)
  • 17./18.10.2015 #5 Málaga (ESP)

For more info visit: europeanenduroseries.com

Words & Photos: Markus Greber | Sebastian Schieck

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