Author: Davide Finetto
Preparations are underway for the Enduro of Lamon, a small village of 3000 inhabitants in the province of Belluno. It will be the second stage of the Triveneto MTB after the inaugural stage in Trieste (report -> Peršak and Albanese make their own Enduro 3 Camini ). Organization by AR6 Dhteam Triveneto Enduro Lamon, who have already done a great job on the trails as we have already been able to "touch them" on Saturday 25 April together with a good group of bikers. We weren't alone since the holiday brought dozens and dozens of bikers to try the track even though it was not yet marked (on the site you can find the GPS tracks) and the weather called rain.
The race consists of 4 special stages over 28km of race with 1350m of altitude difference. It will run only on Sunday, thus avoiding the Saturday prologue, initially included in the race program. Despite the high altitude difference, the transfers are not too demanding as they are almost all on asphalt on a constant gradient of around 6/7% (the ascent will be the same for all the stages). It being understood that the transfer times are not yet known. We were lucky enough to ride on dry and wet surfaces (since a few drops of rain arrived in the afternoon). The ground has a stratospheric grip but if it rains the situation changes completely and you have to pay attention to the various stones and roots, there are not many but the few that are there are felt.
The PS1 is called 'Cookie', or "chainless" as the organizers tell us that here the chain is not much use. The start takes place after the longest transfer of the race on a meadow at an altitude of 1200m with a spectacular view of Mount Coppolo. The PS1 is really fast with an initial single track where in the race they will take very high speeds (I think even 50/60 km / h). Some say that maybe there will be some small slowdowns with 'tactical' webbing but if this does not happen, be prepared to let go of the brakes. Positive aspect is the land that holds well and the beautiful “buttery” pinewood-style curves. Nothing particularly technical apart from a central passage with 2 fairly high steps which, if done in speed. can lead to mistakes.
The PS2 takes the name of 'Aqueduct', this is because we start from an aqueduct located 400m away from the PS1. PS very short but well guided which can therefore waste precious seconds if taken lightly. It starts from the top of a hill, to pedal at full speed for about fifty meters. Then a guided section will take us through a block of flats that leads to a beautiful counter-slope wood. Highlight a couple of steeps (pay attention to the trajectory) and the final wall / drop. Nothing special but if taken hard, and with a flat landing, it will make us feel the bottom of the race.
The PS3, 'no hands', arrives after the time check. As a transfer, the same initial ascent is faced again but stopping first. The first part of the PS is the same as the PS1 but then completely changes character. It goes from a very fast section to a guided and technical undergrowth. Beautiful passage in a gully with 3 natural drops one after the other (perhaps the most technical passage of the race, be careful to evaluate them well and not be surprised with trivial errors). There is also room for 2 short snaps for a very nice PS.
My favorite (and of many) is the PS 4 called 'Beck Valley'. You return to go back to the transfer of the previous PS (the same also of the 1) and then climb only a few hundred meters further than the PS3. Definitely the most enduro stunt with stretches to drive and stretches to push on the pedals, but always with fun singletrack but never “technically infested”. Being also the last, and the longest, it will be the special stage that will make the most difference. Departure on a loose ground to then tackle a technical stretch, with a series of natural stairways. Then it whizzes quickly towards a forest with small roots that emerge. There is room for a short tear that ends with a large step: the more technical will be able to get on the saddle while the others will have to get off, but if the gesture is done well they will not lose seconds. Once this obstacle has been overcome, a leaning forest awaits us where we take a great speed in anticipation of the arrival of the PS.
A race without very big technical difficulties but not for this reason not fun. No great pedaling skills are required during the PS, if not in small flashes in PS3 and 4. The single tracks are many beautiful and well cared for, allowing both the less technical biker and the expert to have fun. The ground, if dry, holds well and can be tackled with fairly smooth tires. In case of rain, on the other hand, some nice pieces are useful on slippery stones and “bastard” roots.
The registration fee is € 35 for FCI and the bodies of the consultation, while it is € 20 for the junior categories Allievi and Esordienti, who will compete only on PS3 and 4. Possibility to participate also for non-members thanks to the day card (15 €). Registration closes on Wednesday 6 May. We'll be there!
All info at Official site
