The first Europe block of the UCI Enduro World Series wrapped up 8 weeks ago. 

We raced in Pietra, Ligure first up at the beginning of June. Pietra is an epic place, a place I really love riding and I was super excited to get back racing here as this was the first race I ever did outside of New Zealand in 2020. Practice was a big, hot day on the bike and really showed us for what we were in for come race day. 

Unfortunately, I had been struggling with some sickness beforehand and come race day I pushed through to complete the day but realistically should have pulled out with some heat stroke symptoms. 

Leogang, Austria was 2 weeks later. This venue was wild, with some super long bike park stages, rough rocky stages and part of a World Cup downhill track to finish on. I managed to put in some good stage times throughout the day but this paired with a few mechanicals meant I had some time to make up. I really enjoyed the variety this race had to offer. 

A week later we headed to Val Di Fassa, Trentino for the final race of this block. Up in the Dolomites, this place was incredible. This race was brutal, with 10+ minute descents with huge climbs in them. We raced some iconic tracks that cut along the ridge lines and had spectacular views. This one was a tough race for me as I really enjoyed practice day and then come race day I couldn’t string anything together but it was a good day out on the bike but this race again was a very steep learning curve. 

There was an 8-week break until we went racing again so I set off to the UK to visit family and explore the place I’m from. I sept a lot of time in Scotland, in the Tweed Valley. An incredible place. 

Now it’s back to Europe for the final two rounds of the EDR. Up at altitude in Loudenvielle and Chatel. This season so far has shown me that racing isn’t always straightforward and I am lucky to have people around me that understand and are willing to help me continue to learn and progress. I’m excited for these last races to get underway!