E-EDR Race report #4 Combloux

On Friday, we trained intensively on the downhill stages. The rain before the training day made the tracks slippery and the tracks first had to be run in. The team initially used dry tires, but planned to switch to wet tires in view of the rain forecast for the weekend. The power days suited our three riders particularly well. These special tracks for E-Enduros are characterized by short, steep climbs, tight chicanes and challenging obstacles. The first power stage was atypically flat and led through a small wooded area above Combloux. Helen and Kelan opted for the inside line, cut the downhill corner over the roots, put a foot down briefly, lifted the front wheel around the tight radius of the corner and rode on. Torben preferred the outer line, but also had to "move his front wheel" while riding by doing a short wheelie. The second power stage began with a freshly marked out descent, followed by a few bends and a small stream crossing. A short, very steep counter-climb with an almost 180-degree bend led back into a descent. These quick changes between downhill and uphill were the biggest challenge.

The morning of the race started with rain, which made for a tough, wet and cold competition. The courses were quite rutted from the previous races, with large mud holes, slippery roots and deep grooves. Nevertheless, these conditions suited our athletes. Thanks to the great support of the sponsors, we were able to make all the necessary adjustments to the wet conditions and had the perfect setup for race day with the Cut Dirty Dan tires.

Torben got off to a good start and was able to stay close to the top 10 with clean and consistent race runs. Unfortunately, a defect on Stage 6 threw him off course. He injured his foot in a minor crash and had to go to hospital for a check-up.

Helen was looking forward to the rain race after a good training session. After a solid first power stage, it was on to the downhill stages. Still a little hesitant on stage 2, she found her flow on stage 3 and was able to really push. Unfortunately, she hit the rider in front of her shortly before the finish, crashed and fell a second time a few meters later. Nevertheless, she quickly got back into her rhythm after that, consistently achieved top 5 results and was delighted with third place on the ninth stage. At the start of the final stage, she was only eight seconds behind the podium, but crashed a few hundred meters before the finish and ultimately ended up in fourth place.

Kelan had a rather bumpy start to the race. He didn't quite find himself on the first loop, which cost him a lot of time and put him well outside the top 20. A few crashes didn't make the situation any easier. Nevertheless, Kelan was able to turn things around and, after a few top ten finishes in the second loop, fought his way back into the top 15.