Italian-style Enduro mountain bike racing is coming to Utah in the form of the Bell Wasatch Enduro on July 21st, part of the North American Enduro Tour. The race will start and end at the Canyons Resort, and organizers promise it will be a world-class event.
So, what is Italian-style enduro racing anyway? Basically, the European enduro format consists of 6 stages covering 17 miles, with 3 timed technical descents and 3 untimed climbs. While the climbs are untimed, there is a cut off time. Racers will have to use one bike for the entire event, and be self supported.
In fact, the official website says it best: “It’s all about speed, power, endurance and bike handling skills. Enduro is the ultimate all-mountain challenge; a growing genre of off road racing that pits cardio and strength against nerve and skill. This European Style of racing is new to North America, using a rally-style format involving timed Competition Stages (descents) linked by Transfer Stages (climbs) that are not factored into the overall time. While the transfer stages are not timed, there is a set time limit for each one. Enduro combines the excitement of Downhill, the fitness of Cross Country and camaraderie like you’ve never experienced at an event before. The fastest growing mountain bike race discipline in the North America, 90% of the nation’s Super D events switched to Enduro format for 2012. Enduro offers the recreational cyclist a challenging yet fun racing experience while offering serious racers the ultimate test of fitness and technical skill. No longer do you need a purpose built XC or DH race bike, the best tool for the job is the bike most mountain bikers already own, a 5-6inch travel trail bike.”
Here’s a video of Scott and Kris from Go-Ride.com jawing about the Wasatch Enduro.
The course will take advantage of all the sweet singletrack trails in the Canyons Resort, linking together a web of sections that add up to the 17 mile total. Trails that will act as the venue include Ambush, Short Swing, Holly’s, the Canyon’s section of the Mid Mountain Trail and Insurgent. The trails will be closed to the public at certain times of the day, so if you’re thinking about riding there on that day, here’s the schedule:
8am – 6pm: Holly’s, Insurgent, & Short Swing – CLOSED.
9am- 10:15am: Ambush/Short Swing (Alt Route Mid Mtn: Rob’s & Colins)
10am-12:30pm: Mid-Mtn, Red Pine Lodge to Holly’s
12:15pm -3pm: Climbing Short Swing,Ambush,Mid Mtn South (Alt Route Rob’s & Colin’s)
Mid-Mountain will remain open but alternate routes are encouraged as 200 riders will be on the trails.
Really, if you’re going to be at Canyons, you might as well join the spectators and watch as these world-class mountain bikers show us average types how it’s done. There will be a free concert featuring reggae band See-I, and organizers expect over 3,000 spectators to show up. However, if you would like to race, there are still a few spots remaining. The entry fee is $65, and there are several categories including pro and amateur. Racers will compete for $12,000 in cash and prizes, and be able to partake in a post-race meal, get an athlete gift bag and raffle, plus the aforementioned free concert.
For more information or to register, visit www.bellwasatchenduro.com