Enduro World Series finals courses revealed
The Enduro World Series is back in action September 30-October 1, this time coming from the challenging trails of Finale Ligure, Italy. The Bluegrass Finalenduro powered by SRAM is always one of the toughest of the year, and will go a long way in deciding this year’s overall series winners. This year’s course features an entirely new zone, which will see riders race from the highest peak in the region all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Press play to see what racers can expect.
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Here’s a stage-by-stage description. For current standing and more, head to www.enduroworldseries.com
Day One: Karma Trail: 8.6 km (Descent 1185m)
Mount Carmo is the highest peak in the Ligurian Apennines, towering over Finale and visible from miles around. Starting at 1200m up, the Karma is one of the most complete trails on the global enduro circuit. With 8.6km of fast descent, punctuated by a handful of sharp, punchy climbs, it’s a physical test not to be underestimated – and will push the riders hard. This trail is the purest embodiment of the Finale Ligure motto, “From the mountain to the sea”, with a total drop of 1,185 meters. The full run includes a succession of natural toboggans and razor-thin singletrack, before finishing a few meters from the glittering blue Gulf of Genoa.
Day One: Bric Tampa: 2.8 km (Descent 630m)
A super-technical, extremely physical trail, distinguished by narrow and treacherous turns, with plenty of rocks to keep things interesting. With 650m of drop packed into 2.8km, it’s a precipitous ride – the slightest lack of focus could bring a rider’s run to an early end.
Day One: X-Men: 2.3 km (Descent 250m)
This descent toward the sea is the ultimate initiation to riding in Finale Ligure. It’s a mellow start, but the trail becomes very steep in the later stages, entering a section full of turns with occasional glimpses of the sea through the trees.
Day Two: Dolmen: 2km (Descent 215m)
One of the oldest, most revered trails on the mountain, the Dolmen was used in Finalenduro way back in 2008. The trail takes its name from a stone megalith positioned along the route, but the competitors will have no time to take in the sights as they send it down the mountain. The first part of the trail alternates smooth sections and technical rock gardens. One hundred per cent concentration is required. The grand finale comes on an amazing rock section – perfect for an explosive finish.
Day Two: Val NAVA: 2.5 km (Descent 220m)
This path runs very close to some crags popular with rock climbers. It starts off loose and dusty, before giving way to some seriously gnarly rock-strewn sections.
Day Two: BRIGA RIGHT: 3Km (Descent 270 m)
A true classic in the Finale area, rattling through nearly 400m of descent in just 3km. Fast lines and two of the most technical rocky sections on the whole mountains, with a finish virtually at sea level.
Day Two: DH MEN: 2.4 km (Descent 280m)
An iconic trail, both in Italian enduro and beyond, it embodies the spirit of ‘riding the Riviera’ like no other route. With packed crowds lining the routes, the riders should be super-psyched and bringing their A-game.
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