Scott Enduro Cup kicks off with tight competition
Cyclocross star Katie Compton proves she’s no one-trick pony (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of Scott Enduro Cup
The Scott Enduro Cup presented by Vittoria kicked off the season on the Klondike Bluffs trail system in Moab, Utah, last Saturday. Approximately 200 athletes gathered in the desert for the opening race that was followed by a barbecue, horseshoe tournament, awards ceremony, and a raffle. At the end of the day, Macky Franklin and Katie Compton posted the fastest times in the men’s and women’s open categories.
Event organizers worked closely with the BLM and Grand County Trail Mix to host the race for the first time on the Klondike Bluffs trail system. The trails received rain the night before providing tacky traction on race day. The new venue challenged athletic fitness for the 29-mile course covering 3,000 vertical descending feet.
Macky Franklin sails toward victory (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of Scott Enduro Cup
The competition began with the open men’s division. Vittoria athlete Macky Franklin of Taos, New Mexico, led the way by executing the technical sections of the course with fluidity and skill to post a remarkably fast time of 19:50.36 dominating the high caliber division. Young gun, Cody Kelley, 21, secured the second fastest time at 19:58.24. Notably, third through 14th place athletes all finished within one second of each other.
“It was stiff competition out there and you had to fight for every second,” said Franklin. “Moab has beautiful scenery, great weather, the race was really well run and you can’t ask for much more than that.”
You’d be hard pressed to find a better spot to ride mountain bikes than Moab, Utah (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of Scott Enduro Cup
In the open women’s category, Katie Compton proved she can do more than just race cyclocross. The multi-time U.S. CX national champion sailed through the four timed stages with a total time of 22:10.53. Within one minute of the first place time was Scott Sports racer Teal Stetson-Lee, at 23:29.62, with Heather Irmiger third at 23:31.92.
“My favorite part about enduro racing is the camaraderie,” Compton said. “Klondike Bluffs is a good trail system for both beginner and expert riders because it’s more technical the faster you go.”
The expert and amateur divisions were composed of high-energy, skilled riders representing both the weekend warriors and new racers. The junior division was represented by an enthusiastic group of young up-and-coming enduro racers. One stand-out amateur competitor was Salt Lake City’s Lauren Bingham. The 12 year-old placed third in the amateur women’s division.
A little air time was part of the game (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of Scott Enduro Cup
“I love Moab. I have more technical skills, so with how technical Moab is, it makes the riding better for me,” said Bingham. “It feels awesome to podium with all of the ladies-they’re really nice.”
Full results can be found at endurocupmtb.com.
The open category podium winners received $3,000 total in prize money divided evenly between men and women. The podium athletes in the expert, amateur and junior categories received gear from Scott Sports and Vittoria. Many participants also received prizes in the raffle, which raised $364 for Grand County Trail Mix. Raffle prizes were also provided by Scott Sports and Vittoria.
Very appropriate trophies (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of Scott Enduro Cup
The series’ next stop is at the Ride Sun Valley Bike Festival in Idaho on June 27-28. The final stop will take place at Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, on August 15. Athletes will be vying for points at each race this season to earn the overall Enduro Cup series championship title.
For more information visit endurocupmtb.com.
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