Mountain bike enduro is seriously gaining traction here in Utah. Last year saw a huge success with the Bell Wasatch Enduro at the Canyons, and the action will be heading to Moab this summer for the new Enduro Cup at Magnificent 7. So, what is European-style enduro racing anyway? Basically it’s a mountain biking stage race using a rally-style format involving timed competition stages on the descents with uphill transfer stages in between that are not factored into the overall time. However, there is a set time limit on the climbs so you can’t slack.
The new Enduro Cup at Magnificent 7 happens on May 4th in the popular Gemini Bridges area just north of Moab. It will feature the fairly new Magnificent Seven trails that are known for flowy singletrack combined with Moab’s classic slickrock. Race organizers say the timed segments will all be descending at a low angle, (read: lots of pedaling) so fitness will be a key component for a good result.
Registration began on March 11, so hurry over to the Enduro Cup website for more info or to sign up.
Here’s the full press release from Mountain Sports International:
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (March 18, 2013)- Renowned cyclocross and enduro racer Ali Goulet has teamed up with Salt Lake City-based event marketing agency Mountain Sports International to create the new Enduro Cup series. Enduro is the most progressive form of mountain bike racing which is hugely popular in Europe and gaining incredible interest in the United States. Inspired by rally car and motorbike enduro racing, enduro mountain bike racing is an all mountain stage race where riders compete to gain the lowest cumulative time from several downhill sections of the course.
Inspired by the great enthusiasm spurred by the 2012 Bell Wasatch Enduro at Canyons Resort in Park City, the new Enduro Cup provides more opportunities for racers to compete in the state. The first event of the 2013 Enduro Cup will be held in Moab, UT at the Magnificent 7 trail area.
“I’m excited to offer more quality enduro racing to Utah and our neighboring states,” said Ali Goulet. “The Enduro Cup features a great cross section of what Utah has to offer and we’ll make sure the course layout leaves you grinning with your legs stinging.”
Registration for the Enduro Cup in Moab is open now on http://endurocup.athlete360.com. Participation cost is $80 for adults and juniors.
For more information visit endurocupmtb.com or follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EnduroCupMTB.