Race report: ES1 #1 in Maboge (Belgium)
Jeff Luyten, XC Racer for the Team Versluys, won the first race of « ES1 », the new Enduro Series organized by Starting Line and powered by Freecaster. It happened in Maboge and La roche en Ardenne this Sunday 7th april under a so welcomed heavy sun and with comfortable temperature. The starting list was really amazing with many current or former Belgian Champions from different disciplines and most of the best Belgian Enduro racers.
The first special was very technical because it used some large sections of the Maboge downhill track. Off course, without the most difficult sections. Riders will have to race it a second time at the end of the day because it was also used as the last special.
The speciales 2-3-4 were more fast and winding and from time to time the pedalling section could be determinant for the final result. That is probably where Jeff Luyten made the difference even if his time is pretty close from his pursuers in the technical sections.
Who knows what would have happened if Kristof Lenssens did not broke his chain at the very start of the Special 4, just before the 300 meters of a pedalling section that leads to the slope. At the beginning of special 4 Kristof was in a really good shape at that time and knowing that the last special was on the downhill track, he was pretty confident to make a very good result. Despite this problem, Kristof still signs the 6th time of the day.
The second fastest rider is Laurent Georges, who wins the Master 1 Category, before Nicolas Casteels (2) and Lionel Van Eldom (3).
Jeff Luyten, wins the Elite category, before Daniel Prijkel (2°) and Kristof Lenssens (3)
Kriesten Nelen, former XC Belgian champion, wins the women category
The Next ES1 race will more than probably happen in Houffalize on the Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August, during the Houffamarathon. There will be 2 specials on Friday and one of them will happen at night. Four other specials will complete the program on Saturday.
Last race will happen in Andenne (28th September)
Photography: Chrisophe Collard
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.
