Sport And Biking Talk: EWS heads to Whistler for penultimate race of year

Sunday, August 13, 2017

EWS heads to Whistler for penultimate race of year

Sam Hill sits atop the pro men’s standings. Photo courtesy Enduro World Series

The Enduro World Series is back in Whistler, British Columbia, for one of the most anticipated races of the year, the Crankworx Canadian Open Enduro presented by Specialized.

Round No. 7 is the opening weekend of Crankworx, one of the the world’s largest mountain biking festivals. As the penultimate EWS race of the year, the stakes couldn’t be higher for this Sunday’s race, as riders push for points one last time to put themselves in the best position possible ahead of the final race of the year in Finale, Italy, next month.

This year’s Whistler course will feature five long stages over one day of racing on a 57km course, although riders will welcome the news 8 kilometers of that will be on chairlifts. Nonetheless, it’s going to be a tough race in Whistler, with some big climbs and long stages – riders will start the day with the iconic but exhausting Top of the World trail.

Cecile Ravanel (Commencal Vallnord Enduro Team) continues to dominate the women’s field. Photo courtesy Enduro World Series

In the men’s competition expect a showdown between Sam Hill (Chain Reaction Cycles/Mavic) and Adrien Dailly (Lapierre) as they battle for points supremacy. Hill’s win at round five in Aspen Snowmass saw him leapfrog Dailly in the rankings – but with just 40 points separating the big Aussie from the young Frenchman there’s no room for error from either. Greg Callaghan (Cube Action Team) lies in third in the overall and will also be on the hunt – and don’t discount Richie Rude (Yeti/Fox Shox Factory Team) he was leading round five until a puncture ended his race, and he also won here in 2016.

Cecile Ravanel (Commencal Vallnord Enduro Team) continues to dominate the women’s field, and is all but assured of the World Championship if she finishes the final two races of the year. Katy Winton (Trek Factory Racing Enduro Team) has posted consistent results all year to sit in second, with Ines Thoma (Canyon Factory Enduro Team) a mere ten points behind in third. Isabeau Courdurier (SUNN) placed second in Whistler last year and at just 20 points behind Thoma, it’s still all to play for in the overall.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO-3sojuHNM

In the U21 women it’s Martha Gill leading the series, with Estelle Charles in second and Abigale Lawton in third. Whilst over in U21 Men round five winner Killian Callaghan leads the series, followed by Vojtech Blaha and Daniel Self.

Karim Amour (BH-Miranda Racing) remains unstoppable in the Master Men category, having won every race so far this year. Reigning World Champion Michael Broderick sits in second and Milan Cizinsky is back in third.

Ibis Cycles Enduro Race Team lead the team championship, but are being chased down by Rocky Mountain URGE-bp in second and Canyon Factory Enduro Team in third.

Speaking ahead of this Sunday’s race, Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro World Series said: “Whistler is always a high point in the season and this year is no different. The Crankworx team have put together an incredible course for Sunday – it’s going to be tough but the stages are so fun I don’t think anyone will mind a bit of Crankzilla action. The penultimate race of the year always brings the drama as it can make or break the championship – I can’t wait to see who’s on top of that podium on Sunday.”

To learn more and keep tabs on tghe racing action, head to http://ift.tt/XO6eQ8.

http://ift.tt/2w2fZ9b