Enduro is a growing division of mountain bike racing that is similar to rally car racing. Riders set off individually and face several 'special stages', timed descents. The winner has the lowest cumulative overall time for these special stages. There are a few series running now domestically, check out the Cube Enduro Series, the First Tracks Series in the North and the national Gravity Enduro Ireland series run by the organisers of the Emerald Enduro. Most of the mountain bikes clubs support Enduro including Gravity BC, Mad Elk, IMBRC, KMBC, MAD and the Giant Dublin Club.
Check out the following links to find out how you can get involved with Enduro riding in Ireland.
The Emerald Enduro features seven special stages that operate in a ring around Carrick Mountain in Wicklow. Riders will leave the race village and pedal to the top of Carrick for several stages before returning for a 30 minute lunch stop in the event village and then face into the final few stages. The riders are seeded and the last man on course is the number one seed.
The race course layout allows spectators to catch the top riders on every stage and the simply move to the right after each stage to the next stage. There is plenty of signage and maps dotted around the course and marshals can direct you to the best spots. Please be aware that there are lots of riders on course and obey instructions. We suggest you bring plenty of water and sunscreen! There is a heatwave forecast. Don't forget to make your way to the arena for the finish, last year saw local hero Greg Callaghan take his first win and the party went on for some time.
There's plenty to see in the event village with signing sessions (including 2013 EWS overall winner Jerome Clementz on Saturday at 5.15pm), test rides (Friday and Saturday), food outlets, the team pits and exhibitors. We'll keep you up to date on the goings on out on the course.