Racing

Race Report | Santa Cruz Enduro Series #1 in Meri-Teijo, Finland

04.05.2015
by

The Finnish enduro racing season kicked off on Sunday 3rd May in Meri-Teijo bike park in Southwestern Finland. Although classed as the warm-up race in the Santa Cruz Enduro series, a record number of attendees were recorded, with bikers from all over Finland making the trip to take part.

In partly cloudy spring weather, 192 participants rode twice down five challenging stages which, like many enduro races, were darted with rowdy spectators encouraging the aggressive riders to push their bodies to the limits. Kari Veikkolainen took the overall win with a time of 17 minutes, 21 seconds.

192 riders took part in the Santa Cruz Enduro Series warm-up race
192 riders took part in the Santa Cruz Enduro Series warm-up race
The win did not come easy for Veikkolainen. 18-year-old Peter Leivo, who missed the victory time by only six seconds fought hard .
The win did not come easy for Veikkolainen. 18-year-old Peter Leivo, who missed the victory time by only six seconds fought hard .
Leivo, who is a local rider, won the Junior Men´s class followed by Atte Atrava.
Leivo, who is a local rider, won the Junior Mens class followed by Atte Atrava.
Kaisa Härkönen took the Women’s series victory with a time of 23:52.
Kaisa Härkönen took the Women’s series victory with a time of 23:52.
The exciting Finnish Championship, Santa Cruz Enduro Series, will start in Messilä 16.-17th of May. The series includes five races and the season final is at Sappee Bike Park in September.
The exciting Finnish Championship, Santa Cruz Enduro Series, will start in Messilä 16.-17th of May. The series includes five races and the season final is at Sappee Bike Park in September.

Results:

Men:

  • 1. Kari Veikkolainen 17:21
  • 2. Petteri Leivo 17:27
  • 3. Juhani Kettunen 18:02

Junior Men:

  • 1. Petteri Leivo 17:27
  • 2. Atte Atrava 18:48
  • 3. Oskar Vuori 20:50

Women:

  • 1. Kaisa Härkönen 23:52
  • 2. Kaisa Melkko 25:03
  • 3. Anette Latva-Piikkilä 30:04

For more info visit: mtb-enduro.net

Words: Anette Latva-Piikkilä/Andrew Richardson Photos: Victor Engström

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