The Enduro World Series continues its South American adventure as it moves from the Chilean coast line to the high Andes of Argentina, for the Cerro Catedral Montenbaik Enduro World Series Presented By Shimano.
Yoann Barelli
Richie Rude (Yeti/Fox Shox) and Cecile Ravanel (Commencal Vallnord Enduro) will head into the race as series leaders, having triumphed at the first race of the year in Corral last weekend.
However they’ll be facing tough competition from the likes of Anneke Beerten and Martin Maes, both of GT Factory Racing, who placed second in their respective categories last weekend. And third placed Isabeau Courdurier (SUNN) and Nico Vouilloz (Lapierre Gravity Republic) could also pose a threat.
Jared Graves
The second race of the season offers a sharp contrast to last weekend’s race, with an entirely different terrain and trail style. Whilst Corral offered riders a glimpse into remote and rural Chile, Bariloche moves riders into more familiar territory as they head to Cerro Catedral, South America’s largest ski resort. Nestled high above the famous mountain town of Bariloche, the trail network is one of the most established and well known in Argentina.
This two day race will see riders tackle three stages a day, pedalling roughly 49km in total with 2700m of descending. And although the temperatures aren’t likely to reach those of Corral, this time riders will have altitude to deal with. And with 350 riders from over 25 nations competing, there’s every chance of some new faces mixing it up at the sharp end of the results.
Martin Raffo, Event Organiser:
In terms of the course, I have a downhill background and I don’t really like flat parts on the stages, so with the mountains we have here we decided to make the racers ride the climbs, but after they’ll get to enjoy amazing, natural single track. And if we are lucky enough to have some rain before the race we will have the best grip ever. I think the course will suit the riders with a more downhill background.
I’m a local guy and I grew up here riding the single track around Bariloche. After competing at some downhill World Cups, and five Enduro World Series races I dreamed of having one here, and now finally I have that chance. For us, hosting the EWS is a big step in developing the mountain bike activity in Bariloche, I think that after the race more people will want to come and race here.
Jerome Clementz
Chris Ball, Managing Director of the Enduro World Series:
The Andes are such an iconic destination I’m so grateful to be able to bring the series here. To have two such contrasting rounds back to back in South America should make for incredible racing as the trails could not be more different and I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see some new faces appearing on the podium.
More information about this weekend’s race can be found on the Enduro World Series website here.