22 - 24 May 2015 Wicklow - Ireland



Emerald Enduro - Newsletter 5 #Fillthehill

Last year the Enduro World Series arrived with a bang into County Wicklow with thousands of spectators on hand to witness history being made as Greg Callaghan took his maiden victory at a thrilling Emerald Enduro. Fast forward a year and we are days away from another exciting days racing as the Worlds best return to see can they claim the top step.

A key part of the success of last years race was you - the spectators who lined the stages from top to bottom and gave the racers a welcome that is unique in the world. The race was nick-named the "Social Enduro" and for good reason.

This year we want to raise the bar again, we're looking for you to scream on your heroes, to be the following wind for Irish heroes Greg Callaghan, Leah Maunsell and Killian Callaghan and all their fellow competitors. The race is really shaping up to be a thriller so we've put together some basic info to help you out.

Help us to #fillthehill

Spectate - make some noise!

Spiderman, leprechauns and cows were only some of the characters that lined the hill. The course is almost the same as last year with seven stages in a ring around the mountain, simply move to the right each time to catch the action.

In terms of the best spots, last year had it's highlights. The top of stages 1, 2, and 3 have some open mountain sections that allow for great views of the riders. Stage 3 in particular has a large wall feature (see the photo of Nico Lau below raising the horns) and stage 7 has a now infamous corner near the very top of the stage that caught out loads of riders last year while the forrest bowl section at the bottom had a rockstar atmosphere last year. However there are really no bad spots on the course and we advise you to walk up each one and enjoy.

It's worth noting that the course is open to the riders for practise on Friday and Saturday and with a three day admission costing only €8 you can't go wrong as you'll get the best access to riders who'll be more relaxed.

Event Village

Don't forget the event village where there will be the team pits, demo areas, food and drink outlets and our main stage. The riders will be departing and returning from here and we'll have commentary on hand to keep you updated throughout the day.

There's plenty going on with a signing session with EWS legend Jerome Clementz on the Saturday evening at 5.15 at the Cycle Superstore stand and a huge demo area from Chain Reaction that will have the brand new Vitus Sommet carbon Enduro bike. Don't forget to have a squint at the Hope prototype carbon Enduro bike that is being ridden in the race too!

Loads of brands are on hand too so make sure and check them out. Here's a nice treat too - a 20% discount code from our bike wash sponsor Muc-Off for every reader.



Simply use the code EWSIRE20 to receive 20% off at

muc-off.com (excludes bundles)

Course maps

We are hugely proud of our course with 7 stages of gnarlyness across loads of different terrain types and with cracking views of the 'Garden of Ireland', County Wicklow.


With the top riders in the world on stage, it's going to be a rip roaring day out with 4 stages easily accessible from the race village on fire roads. It's rare to get a chance to see these guys so often in a race never mind in Ireland so join us to cheer on local and international biking heroes.


Spectators should note that riding is allowed on the fireroads as long as you stay off the actual course so you can easily access stages quickly. Save the image above to your phone for a handy quick guide to the course as you head around.

You can follow the Top 10 Women & Top 30 Men on course at the following times -

Stage 1 - 12.00 to 12.40

Stage 2 - 12.53 to 13.33

Stage 3 - 13.47 to 14.27

Stage 4 - 14.11 to 14.51

Race village (lunch) 14.40 to 15.20

Stage 5 - 15.26 to 16.06

Stage 6 - 16.24 to 17.04

Stage 7 - 17.19 to 17.59


Awards ceremony 18.30

The first rider will roll off the line at 8am with the last man and number one seed Richie Rude starts his day at 12.40.

Parking

We have ample parking on site for all with easy access from Glenealy village. The carpark is at the Expo and race village site. Entry is €5 for the day for adults and children are free. This is payable locally at the gate, please note cash only! We also have a three day pass available for €8.

Please take note of signs advising when car park areas are full and follow the directions of Gardai (Police) and the Parking Stewards. Please drive at walking pace. No tents, awnings or camping in the parking area.

See you all this Sunday for the Emerald Enduro! In the meantime make sure you follow us on Facebook & Twitter (see links below) for all the up to the minute info.

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