Source: press release
The true enduro returns to the scene in La Thuile with a technical and physical competition of the highest level that confirms the values on the field in the general classification of the Italian Enduro Cup with Nicola Casadei and Louise Paulin at the command.
Wide difference in altitude, long and physical special stages, steep sections and stretches to relaunch, battered portions with roots and stones that alternate with fun and flow-rich lawns and woods, La Thuile really has something for everyone and this race, valid as fourth round of the Italian Enduro Cup, after last year's EWS showed again the completeness and heterogeneity of the routes of this splendid alpine location.
The characteristics of the race course were the thing that most excited the competitors this weekend, who were literally exalted by the special stages, so different from each other, so “enduro” in the strictest and most original sense of the term. Driving at the limit of your possibilities is pure fun and is what pros and amateurs have in common. Here at La Thuile everyone was able to express their characteristics at their best, helping to make the competition spectacular and exciting.
On the edge of seconds the victory of Francois Bailly-Matre, BMC Factory Trailcrew, at the last special Mulino, the most enduro according to all riders, on an increasingly convincing Nicola Casadei, Airoh-Axo-Santacruz team, leading up to at that moment. During PS6 Nicola lowered his time by 20 seconds, 8 less than Francois's time the previous day. It seemed done, but the Frenchman, returning after an injury, pushed hard without making any mistakes, mending the margin and overtaking Nicola by just 2 seconds.
“I like running on alpine terrain, I love long stages, they have a lot of fun and fun is the fuel that makes me run. Two seconds after more than 50 minutes of special stages, not so many, congratulations to Nicola, we can say that we arrived together ”commented Francois Bailly-Matre at the end of the race.
On the third step of the podium Ludo May, Canyon Factory Enduro Team, who managed to maintain an excellent and constant performance throughout the race, with the victory of the most technical special, La Fresa.
In the women's field, on the other hand, it was an absolute domination by Tracy Moseley, Trek Factory Racing Team, in front of everyone since the first special stage with important gaps. To give an idea of what kind of athlete we are talking about, just say that she finishes 20th overall. Behind her the two Gehrig twins, Anita and Carolin, Ibis Cycles Enduro Team, close the podium. Only 30 seconds prevented the leader of the Italian Cup circuit, Louise Pauline, Alien Factory from reaching the third position. The Swedish rider fought to the last to be able to nibble a few seconds on her twins, but in the end she had to settle for fourth position.
“La Thuile has everything to offer a rider” declared winner Tracy Moseley on arrival “there is a good air here, everyone works hard to develop mountain biking and enduro in this location. This weekend I didn't spare myself, I wanted to do well and train for the next EWS Alpine stages ”.
Among the rookies the victory goes once again to Simone Martinelli, who will certainly be one to keep an eye on next year, when he will make the complete race together with the top riders at the change of category.
If last summer during the Enduro World Series stage the prohibitive weather conditions with cold and even snow have brutally characterized the race, this edition of La Thuile Enduro was kissed by the sun and by a summer climate with temperatures well above average. Difficult to push hard and maintain concentration along the specials at these altitudes, with the sun straight over your head and the dust drying your throat. But if on the one hand there was a lot of effort and sweat, on the other the spectacle of the surrounding peaks and glaciers made the experience of running in La Thuile quite unique.
La Thuile is a mountain bike destination with a strong character, with a vocation for gravity and in particular for enduro that has few comparisons in the world. Among the top riders it is considered one of the locations with the most complete trails. The naturalness of the trails, an aspect on which the resort focuses a lot with continuous improvement and maintenance of the trail conditions, is the main strength of the resort. Compared to other locations, La Thuile has recently entered the international scene but already enjoys reverent respect and consideration, it is the place where great champions begin to come to train and where important companies bring materials and products for final tests.
Once this second edition of La Thuile Enduro has been successfully archived, all the organizing staff and the Funivie Company involved in the front line in the race, wish all the riders a big good luck for the final stage of the Italian Enduro Cup and renew the I invite you to go to La Thuile.
Summer is still long and there will be plenty of opportunities to come and ride these trails!
We are waiting for you in the shadow of Mont Blanc!
RESULTS MEN OVERALL WOMEN OVERALL
