EWS Petzen-Jamnica has entered the calendar for the first time since 2018. This venue straddles the Austrian and Slovenian border and will host both EWS and EWS-E this week.
The races begin tomorrow (Thursday) with the second round of the EWS-E, which will see competitors tackle a huge seven-stage circuit measuring over 2600m of elevation gain over a 61km course.
EWS-E
In the women's e-bike competition, reigning champion and series leader Laura Charles (Miranda Factory Team) remains the rider to beat. Her main rival, Tracy Moseley, hopes her long PS here will work to her advantage and that she can use her experience to excel. Flo Espiniera (Orbea FOX Enduro Team) is also always a threat to the podium.
In the men's race Edgar Carballo Gonzalez (Orbea FOX Enduro Team) will be on the ball after the victory in the first round, but beware of Andrea Garibbo, who we hope will be able to pull out of his hat a victory with an international flavor. Also at the start Mick Hannah (Yeti / Shimano EP Racing) and the reigning champion Nico Vouilloz (Lapierre Overvolt Team).
EWS
Saturday is the turn of the EWS drivers, who kick off their race with the Pro Stage. Ella Conolly (Cannondale Enduro) leads the standings after her victory in the first round, Bex Baraona (Yeti / Fox Factory Team) is behind by just 70 points. Isabeau Courdurier (Lapierre Zipp Collective) completes the podium and is only 30 points behind Baraona.
In the men's race Richie Rude (Yeti / Fox Factory Team) starts as usual favorite. Jesse Melamed (Rocky Mountain Race Face Enduro Team) took two stage wins in the final round in Scotland and could certainly do well here, as would Innes Graham, the privateer who stunned the group by finishing third. Expected at the gate, Jack Moir.
Persak races in front of his home crowd in 2018
Local Vid Persak (Orbea FOX Enduro Team) is the most anticipated outsider. The Slovenian rider finished fifth here in 2018 when he was still a privateer, but now he has the weight of a factory team behind him and could very well aim for the podium. His teammate Martin Maes is also among the favorites.
Full details of EWS-E Petzen-Jamnica can be found here and more information on EWS Petzen-Jamnica here.
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