Spanish pro Iago Garay (Santa Cruz X SRAM Racing) has been on the EWS circuit since 2013. A We asked Lago how the sport has changed since then and how he manages to stay positive even on the toughest days between the tapes.
EWS: You have been running the EWS since the beginning of the discipline in 2013. What brought you closer to the sport of enduro?
Iago Garay: I was a runner at the time downhill, but I had taken part in numerous “avalche style” races that were held on regular trail bikes. So I guess you could say I was racing enduro bikes before they were widely called that. When the EWS was announced, it was very natural for me to try. I already had experience racing on my trail bike and had a setup I felt comfortable in.
I did a local enduro race, a Spanish cup, and then I went straight into the middle of the third round of the EWS in Les Deux Alpes in 2013. There was a lot to learn, I decided to do another test in the sixth round of the year, in Whistler and I had a great time.
EWS: At what point did you decide to dedicate yourself to enduro? Was it a difficult choice to make?
Iago Garay: At that point, I was placing myself in more or less the same position in both the downhill world cup and the EWS. I wanted to choose a discipline, focus my training and work hard for the whole season. I didn't really know what to do, so I spoke to my sponsors, Santa Cruz Bicycles. They were really eager to get me to participate in all EWS rounds. I have run every single EWS round since then.
EWS: How would you describe the progression of enduro since then ten years ago?
Iago Garay: It was really nice to see the sport grow from within. Enduro has become an elite sport. The rules, the training, the bikes, the equipment… It all progressed so quickly.
However, despite the growth of the sport and the growing professionalism, the relationships between the runners have not changed. The spirit of having fun in the mountains is still there. Between recordings, it's game time and everyone is competitive, but before and after everyone makes jokes, helps each other, and shares food and spares. This is what makes it special. Even though it's a really tough day of racing, it's still nice to be out cycling with your friends.
EWS: Did you have to adapt your skills and training to match the progression of this sport?
Iago Garay: At the start of the EWS, you just ached to have a consistent day of racing. You didn't mind being aggressive or taking too much risk, as competitions were often over several days. Currently, with mostly one-day races and shorter, explosive courses, it's much more intense.
EWS: If you could, would you make any changes to the current direction of the sport?
Iago Garay: It's difficult. I miss the period when each race was enormously different from the other. So to answer the question, maybe I would try to include a few more new locations every year
EWS: You look like a driver who always enjoys racing. What is your key to having fun during a race?
Iago Garay: It is sometimes difficult to maintain a positive attitude when you are fighting in a race, but all it takes is a funny joke or a fantastic stretch of track to get things back on track. I love to ride a bike and I love to go to new places, so for me even being in a race is already a victory.
EWS: Were you able to bring the same mindset into the 2022 season? How have the races been going for you so far?
Iago Garay: Yes! Round one in Scotland didn't go great for me with some bad luck and a big crash, but I loved the stage and the crowd so I ended the day with a big smile! I guess Ella's victory was also a big part of this… hahaha.
EWS: Next we will go to Whistler, which is a very familiar place that you have enjoyed in the past. What does it take to do well there?
Iago Garay: I love Whistler !! It is a completely different location from what we see in Europe. The trails are much smoother, there's not much to brake for tight switchbacks or flat turns. I would say that the average speed of the slopes is higher so you have to feel comfortable going very fast through the trees. You also need to be able to read the terrain very well so that you can find a smooth line where you can pump or overrun the potholes because the trails are not smooth.
EWS: After Whistler, we have two brand new stops in the northeastern United States (Burke and Sugarloaf). Are you excited to compete in new places?
Iago Garay: As I said earlier, what brought me to EWS racing are all the new venues. I'm super excited to take a look at the East Coast of the United States and what these two new locations have in store for us. I feel it will be different from how we have raced in the past.
If you want to keep up to date with Iago as he travels the world to ride his bike, you can follow him on Instagram here
