The Big Picture | Design & Innovation Award 2015 - Preview

As mist rolled over the flanks of a mountain high above the quiet South Tyrolean town of Latsch, a castle stood resolute, hanging precipitously over the void. Inside, something strange and amazing was happening; artificial light blazed from within the stone windows and cutting-edge bikes lined the ancient battlements, presenting a colourful contrast against the crumbling stone. A Golden Eagle circled high above, its keen eyes disturbed by the train of riders shredding in unison down a tough rocky trail. For 10 exciting days, this historical venue was to discover a new role, playing host to the Design & Innovation Award 2015: the most important award of the bicycle world.

As night fell over the mountain, the court remained in session — Foundations that had stood without change for hundreds of years would herald in new ways of thinking

The remote castle’s thick, 800 year-old stone walls echoed with speculation, scrutiny then understanding, as the expert jury and editorial team assessed each product in turn. Featuring the most exciting products of 2015 from over 100 brands, many still unreleased onto the market, the winners of the prestigious award will be announced in Issue #014 of ENDURO.

Until then, here is a short teaser of how the process unfolded. The Design & Innovation Award 2015 has changed the game.

Hidden beneath the morning mist voices could be heard, passionately debating the status quo

The uplift Land Rover crawled up the mountain road, ready to collect the international jury

With many unreleased and embargoed products, the remote Castle kept the process covert — Far from prying eyes; with many unreleased and embargoed products the remote castle kept the process covert

We tested the leading trail, cross country and enduro bikes on the challenging trails of South Tyrol

A team of over 20 experienced test riders and world class racers challenged the bikes in everyway — A team of over 20 experienced test riders, engineers and world class racers challenged each bikes in every way

Experience that cannot be bought; the jury featured some of the best riders in the world. Olympian XC racer, World-Cup Pro and badass styler Manuel Fumic as well as Enduro World Series Winner Nico Lau are part of the select international jury.

Vali Höll from Austria was one of the two female judges. The expertise and riding skills of the 12 year old are outstanding! — Vali Höll from Austria was one of the two female judges. The expertise and riding skills of the 12 year old are outstanding and contributed a lot of interesting perspectives to the new kids-category!

The team rode though all weathers; testing in mud, sun and rock

Joe Parkin, a US legend who has competed in more than 1000 races and probably the most influential bike-journalist of North America flew overseas for this event

Open your mind, learn new perspectives, try out new products and challenge the status quo. The Design & Innovation Award is a forum for the future.

The 800 years old, private castle in Latsch (Alps), is the safe location for the many confidential discussions between the editorial team and the international jury. — The 800 years old, private castle in Latsch (Alps), is the safe location for the many confidential discussions between the international jury and the editorial team of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

The ENDURO Magazine team presented products to the tough jury — The ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine team had researched each product extensively, presenting an unbiased account to the tough jury. In the picture: Director Robin Schmitt during the official opening speech.

Technologies were disassembled, inspected and questioned. Design Engineer Ruben Torenbeek from the Netherlands analyzes the Switch Infinity System.

Over 100 brands submitted products for the award, some that polarised opinion. — Over 100 brands submitted products for the award, many that polarised opinion

We questioned the need for a new way to buy bikes — A new way of thinking? We questioned the need for new ways to buy bikes

Each product was discussed and debated; jury members provided unique insight — Each product was discussed and debated; with jury members providing unique insight

Conversations and debates ran late into the night — Within the crypts of the castle, conversations and debates ran late into the night

We would like to show you many more of the exciting products we tested in the South Tyrolean Alps, but since some submitted products still haven’t been presented officially, we are unable to publish more information. In the meantime, stay tuned for the Design & Innovation Award Breakout Sessions, a series of articles analyzing, discussing and challenging current and future trends.

The winners will be announced in Issue #14; there will be surprises! — The award winners will be announced in Issue #014 of ENDURO; there will be surprises!

For more informations about the Award visit: dia2015.enduro-mtb.com.

Words: Trevor Worsey Photos: Christoph Bayer

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The Big Picture | Design & Innovation Award 2015 – Preview

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