RECON - Enduro World Series, Wicklow, Ireland

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#ripchainsaw as the rider meeting kicks off.
Richie Rude on stage 7 and ready for a continued season of dominance.
The whole mountain the venue is held on. It doesn't look that big, but it packs a great variety of stages and fun trails.
Jared Graves on stage 6.
Jared Graves on stage 2. With experience comes wisdom.
With Sven missing the race this weekend, things will definitely stay tidy.
Martin Maes and Wyn Masters in the middle of stage three, the only stage that goes down the back of the mountain.
Cody Kelley with new Giro lid featuring a removable chin bar.
Sebastien Claquin, leader in the Junior class.
Sam Hill on stage 1, not worried about Fort Bill coming up.
Tracy Moseley on stage 1.
Seven stages one day.
Rene Wildhaber back from his foot injury.
Jerome Clementz on stage 3.
new Cannondale prototype
Greg Callaghan, hometown hero.
Greg Callaghan on stage 6.
Baller status for Nico.
Josh Carlson on stage 6.
Yoann Barelli on stage 5.
Isabeau Courdurier stage 2
Aye, yo! Yoann Barelli.
Wyn Masters on stage 5.
Wicklow castle ruins. The racers will feel like the walls after 7 stages in one day.
Isabeau Courdurier near the top of stage 3.
Chris Seager, media recon stage 4
Mark Scott on stage 3.
Glendalough.
Yoann Barelli on stage 7.
Nico Lau on stage 6.
Richie Rude stage 6.
Damien Oton on stage 5.
Nicolas Vouilloz top of stage 2.
Martin Maes on Stage 4.
Adrien Daily & Nicolas Vouilloz top of stage 2.
Joe Smith stage 7.
Cody Kelley on stage 5.
Florian Nicolai on the step technical rocks on top of stage 7.
Katy Winton on the top section of stage 2.
Emerald Enduro
Anneke Beerten on stage 6.
Stevie Smith tribute on Yoann Barelli´s bike.
Iago Garay
Martin Maes looking for a lost contact lens.
Sarah Leishman.
Local flavor.
Luck of the Irish be with you. Stay tuned as race action heats up in just a few hours!
Intro Graphic
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Description

Photos by Sebastian Schiek, Rick Schubert and Duncan Philpott

The Enduro World Series lands in Ireland this weekend for round three, the Emerald Enduro presented by Biking.ie

In stark contrast to the dusty trails of round two in Argentina, riders will be back in more familiar territory as they once more face the lush green hills of County Wicklow. Sticking to the traditional Irish enduro format, racers will tackle seven stages and around 50km of pedalling over a single day.

Last year’s event became synonymous with the amazing Irish fans, who turned out in their thousands, as well as the fairytale ending to the day as local hero Greg Callaghan (Cube Action Team) lifted the trophy. And whilst Greg will be looking for more of the same, he’s got some tough competition along the way.

With back to back wins in Chile and Argentina, reigning World Champion Richie Rude (Yeti/Fox Shox) is the man to beat. Trying to do just that will be his closest rival in the rankings, Martin Maes (GT Factory Racing) along with third placed Jerome Clementz (Cannondale). And with just 100 points separating the top three men in the competition, the pressure will be relentless as the smallest of mistakes on this short course could see them lose their position.

The men’s race is incredibly tight again this year and there are plenty of danger men that could push Richie Rude off the top step of the podium; Nico Vouilloz (Lapierre Gravity Republic), Damien Oton (Devinci Enduro Racing), Toni Ferreiro, Florian Nicolai (Rocky mountain URGE bp) and Francois Bailly-Maitre (BMC Factory Trailcrew) all pose a threat.

In the women’s race Cecile Ravanel (Commencal Vallnord Enduro Team) has dominated the field, winning the first two races of the year and more than 100 points ahead of second placed Isabeau Courdurier (SUNN). And third placed Anneke Beerten (GT Factory Racing) will be looking to make things right after a disappointing round in Argentina. However, all three women will be very aware that current World Champion and last year’s winner Tracy Moseley will be back on the start line and as competitive as ever.

In the Under 21 Men’s category, leader Sebastien Claquin (Rocky Mountain URGE bp) will be battling to maintain his lead over Adrien Dailly (Lapierre Gravity Republic). The pair are tied on points, but after his win in Argentina, Claquin leads the series. Whilst in the Under 21 Women’s category all eyes will be on Leah Maunsell, the Irish Enduro Champion who is just 16 years old.

Lapierre Gravity Republic lead the team rankings, with Rocky Mountain URGE bp and GT Factory Racing in second and third place respectively. However, a good result from either Ibis Cycles Enduro Race or Devinci Enduro Racing could be enough to shake things up as they sit just outside the top three in the points.

Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro World Series, said: “The Emerald Enduro was a real favourite amongst the riders last year. Not only are the tracks incredible, but the Irish fans who turned out in their thousands made for an atmosphere like nothing the EWS has ever experienced before. The terrain in Wicklow couldn’t be more different to the first two rounds and I think it will be really interesting to see how the riders adapt to the different conditions.”

Race organiser, Niall Davis of Emerald Enduro, added: “The trails proved themselves to be fast and fun last year so we've largely kept the same route. Competitors should expect rougher tracks with a few exciting tweaks and less pedalling in the stages. It's going to be an incredible weekend in Carrick.”

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