As announced in the previous press release, after 10 editions characterized by very generous free practice sessions, this year we have reached a turning point in the Superenduro format.
Source: press release
Last season we worked to introduce the FCI federal categories, aligning the circuit with a vision of the national and international sporting discipline. This year it is the turn of an equally important novelty that will be active from the first Superenduro 2019 race in Pietra Ligure.
The following are the new items of the regulation in the field of tests:
- It is possible to try the race paths only on the Saturday before the Sunday of the race without any run limit
- It is possible to take advantage of mechanized lifts (own or made available by the organization) in compliance with the pick up and drop off points indicated online in the race document, in the paper map available in the secretariat and with appropriate signs on the field
- The announcement of the race route will be given on the Friday of the weekend before the race (8 days before), prohibiting access to the race trails by bike through online communication and appropriate signs on the field
- From the announcement of the race course, to the Saturday of practice, there remains the possibility of walking along the paths
- Competitors caught (by the local organization, other competitors or other staff members) breaking the test rules (riding on trails and unauthorized shuttles) disqualification will be sanctioned (photographic proof required)
The theme of the tests has always been extremely debated and this is because it touches different sensibilities: that of the rider and the teams, of the location, of the organizer and not all are always on the same line of thought.
The reasons that led the Superenduro to change the rules of the tests are many.
First of all, the goal is to try to reduce the impact on the trails. Today many localities have to face the intense exploitation of the path network, especially during competitions. There are trails that react well to thousands of passages in race mode due to their conformation and ground, others that dig and damage in an almost irreparable way. Reducing the number of test passages has a positive impact on the trails and the subsequent maintenance of the trails which must "last" at least for the entire season.
Secondly, by effectively limiting the event to one weekend, the Superenduro championship becomes more economically sustainable for both teams and individual riders. To be competitive, as much as the opponents, it will be sufficient to be present at the Saturday tests and if possible to view the walking paths in the previous days.
It is clearly impossible to find the perfect square in such a complex topic, so it is essential that everyone does their part. Superenduro and local organizations will do their utmost to enforce the rules but on the other hand, all riders need to express fair play towards their opponents and the sport.
Certainly not a few individual “crafty” ones will de-legitimize the result of a race weekend, the stakes are high and the potential fool towards those who respect the rules would be just as difficult to swallow.
The regulation is clear, it is tested on Saturdays.
Every change generates an initial confusion and need for adaptation but if the common goal is the good and the growth of the discipline and the success of successful races and events then everything will be for the best and the first to benefit will be the riders themselves grappling with a completely different strategy of preparation for the race and more in line with other important international competitions, while maintaining the character of "free practice" in which the rider is autonomous in deciding to try the paths in the order and number of times he wishes.
The debate is now open and the start of the season is just around the corner! See you all soon in Pietra Ligure to kick off the 11th edition of Superenduro with an EWS Qualifier!
