International mountain biking stars compete at Nevis Range
Some of the biggest names in international mountain biking travelled to Lochaber recently to compete in the Scottish Enduro Series (SES) at Nevis Range.
Two days of racing saw everything from balance bike challenges for two-year-olds to professional level enduro racing that attracted riders from as far as France, Canada and South Africa.
Saturday was devoted to the stars of the future, with two to five-year-olds hitting the balance bike course, whilst the six to 16-year-olds headed out on to the area’s blue and red trails.
More than 70 young racers took part in SES KIDS, sponsored by Frog Bikes and Dirt School, enjoying perfect conditions under blue skies.
On Sunday it was the turn of the adults, with the new ebike category kicking off proceedings, followed by the amateur SES 100 and SES 80 races.
These racers tackled five and four stages respectively, taking in the spectacular views from the Nevis Range resort.
One group of racers not hanging about to enjoy the scenery though was the pro category, which attracted a host of EWS stars keen to put their tyres on Scottish dirt ahead of EWS Tweed Valley in June.
In the women’s category, France’s Isabeau Courdurier took the win, with Scotland’s Ella Conolly and Bex Baraona in second and third place respectively.
Greg Callaghan of Ireland came out on top in the Pro Men competition, with Scotland’s
Christopher Gallager second and Elliot Heap England in third.
The weekend’s action was the first SES since it was acquired by ESO, owners and operators of the Enduro World Series (EWS).
As EWS Qualifier races, the SES offers a pathway from amateur racing to the highest echelons of the sport.
Offering grassroots racing for youngsters through to in of professional level sport, the SES wants to engage and grow the sport of mountain biking for future generations.
Race director Alan McConnell said it was great to be back racing and that organisers and competitors could not have asked for a better start to the season. ‘Thanks go to all the racers, volunteers and spectators who turned out in force to make this weekend such a success,’ he added.