Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
Potential UCI-Backed World Enduro Series
Words by Seb Kemp.
Date: 2012-01-24
For the week of January 24 to 27, NSMB will be bringing you exclusive content about Enduro racing. There are more of these races popping up each year fed by enthusiastic organizers and keen competitors who want value for their money – Enduros generally mean a lot more time on your bike than downhill or even cross-country races – and a bit of biking fun. So what next?
Seb Kemp caught up with Chris Ball of the UCI, successful Enduro racer Jerome Clementz, and racer and photographer Sven Martin to piece together the story of the international sanctioning body's push into Enduro racing.
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: UCI to Become Involved in Enduro Racing
Words by Seb Kemp
Whilst speaking to Chris Ball (UCI Technical Delegate and Gravity Sport Coordinator) recently he told NSMB that the UCI are working on involving themselves with Enduro racing with the intention of incorporating existing events into a world series and perhaps making Enduro a World Championship event in the future.
In late January many of the most influential people in Enduro racing will meet in Switzerland to brainstorm the future. These people will include representatives from the organizers of the Megavalanche, Italian Super-Enduro Series, French Enduro cup, British Enduro series, Swiss IXS cup and Remy Absalon (one of the most well-decorated Enduro racers).
One of the first things that Ball expects the group to deal with is trying to define what Enduro currently is and what the rules are. Currently, Enduro races take on a variety of formats; the UCI has no intentions in trying to homogenize Enduro racing but rather to engage the various existing formats to produce a well rounded world series. As a result, some central theme needs to be understood so basic rules could be implemented. Basic rules would need to be corroborated in order to allow a consistent series and reduce incidents of infringements and disagreements. These might cover point allocation in the case of a world ranking or certain equipment protocols.
Only in Enduro racing will you see a rider nonchalantly picking his way through a scree slope with his bike on his back. Photo courtesy Trans-Provence.
As this meeting is still yet to take place we can only speculate on the future but according to Chris Ball it would not be far off to expect that the UCI will propose to work with the existing race organizers to try and start a UCI world ranking in Enduro – probably taking the a form somewhat like the FMB World Tour where events are still independent but come under one ranking and judging criteria umbrella, “a world Enduro series could potentially be launched as early as 2013”, Ball said, “With the eventual goal to launch a World Championship in the future. But this is very early days yet.”
But why would the UCI want to get involved in Enduro racing? Surely the other formats in UCI events will keep them busy enough. Ball said: “Enduro racing means mass participation. It allows pros to ride with amateurs on the same course on the same day. Downhill is an amazing format that leads to spectacular racing – the last couple of seasons has brought all of us spectators us some of the most exciting downhill racing the sport has ever seen – but it isn’t for everyday riders. Enduro is accessible for both riders and organizers.”
But why is the UCI involvement a good thing? Well, despite what the internet sprayers like to say, the UCI isn’t a malevolent beast sent to suck all the life from mountain biking and kiss it into the mouth of road biking. There has been a degree of bad press around the UCI in recent times, something which Ball finds perplexing: “Something now needs to be said, there’s a lot of work going on at the UCI. All the attacks and negativity is unjustified. While everyone needs to have opinions as long as arguments are balanced and factually correct. The underlying fact is that the sport is very healthy and moving forward, in part due to the contribution of the UCI.”
In this instance the UCI does not seem to be forcing itself on Enduro racing but rather working with the successful and bright organizers currently out there. This allows a degree of independence and creativity to be retained and for skills to be shared amongst a wider group in order to have mountain biking elevate itself.
RedBull's 5000 Down event was a mass start similar in scope to the Megavalanche. Could UCI involvement allow events like this to fit under the Enduro category?
Having a world series ranking makes good sense for riders and organizers. At present there is not as much recognition – and support – for Enduro riders because sponsors and bike companies like titles. Take Jerome Clementz for example, he has won the Megavalanche, Enduro Des Nations, Mountain of Hell, Trans-Provence, and the French Enduro series (pretty much all the races that really matter in the Enduro world) but he still has to have a day job to supplement what he earns from sponsors. And whilst doing all this race winning he is representing the types of bikes and components that most consumers use. Having a world ranking may help racers in getting recognition, value and sponsorship endorsements.
I was lucky enough to have a conversation with Jerome Clementz who was able to elucidate on the benefits that UCI involvement may have – but balanced enthusiasm with a modicum of caution: “The UCI’s involvement will be good if they keep the actual spirit of Enduro racing as it has stood for the past ten years and bring some organization, media and structure. On the other hand the UCI also know how to alter a sport by taking aways the spirit, putting too much stupid rules in place and wanting to control everything.”
At the moment, all the Enduro races operates in isolation from each other. Having unified recognition, marketing and promotion will help bring more attention, and hopefully dollar, to races which will mean better races for riders. “For people who don’t know a lot about mountain bike racing having UCI ranking and allegiance can be a good reference,” Clementz said in reference to outside sponsors.
But what does this mean for the amateur racer? “If we can first have a UCI ranking for us as riders it’s great. Regular riders can see what kind of races they might enter.” says Clementz. Much like FMB freeride events are ranked according to their profile, Enduro events may be ranked also.
Locally, the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association runs an All Mountain race series. Will we see an Enduro format added to their XC, AM, and Super D offerings for 2012?
I asked Sven Martin, guru of all things race related and huge proponent of Enduro racing (don’t confuse that with Super-D racing though), what he thought of UCI involvement in Enduro racing and he had a very mature outlook.
“So the fact that they [the UCI] are taking notice of the direction where the sport is heading, that there is growing participation and interest by amateur and professional riders/racers alike (and media) in Enduro style racing is a good thing. It means they are in touch. Lets face it, a large portion of the MTB public do not own 4X or Slalom bikes, but these days with gains in bike and suspension and brake design nearly everyone owns a bike that can climb and descend well. We are at a good place in MTB right now with 25lb-30lb 4-6" travel bikes.”
All in all, it seems like a very healthy and potentially prosperous route for mountain biking to take. There are some very talented race organizers behind the current crop of top Enduro races and the Enduro racing format has the potential to close the gap between the world’s top professional athletes and us regular chaps. If this format allows more riders to engage and become involved in racing – and if the UCI want to help that grow – then it can’t be a bad thing.
My view is that careful collaboration with the UCI can only lead to bigger and brighter things. But for anyone with a negative spin on the UCI then the knowledge that the existing Enduro race organizers have got where they are without the help of the UCI and if things get tricky between them and the UCI then they can walk away holding the cards at any moment.
The seven day Trans-Provence is a textbook example of Enduro racing, and has quite the following. Would UCI involvement change the race in any way? Photo courtesy Trans-Provence
The UCI's move toward supporting Enduro racing raises a lot of questions. As we are still in the early stages of this development, many of these questions are still unanswered. We have, however, endeavoured to answer as many as possible with this article. What are your thoughts on UCI involvement in Enduro racing? Let fly below...
To see all the Enduro Week articles, click HERE.
Comments
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I am going to spray now.
If you look at local UCI/Cycling BC sanctioned races like Ardruum, that get canceled because of lack of people(pre-reg), and lots of great riders didn't reg due to the rules only pros could hit the big features. Then you have an offroad road race like the Test(not enduro) that sells out 1000 spots in 25 minutes, sure you get 5 back for having a CBC license but not required. Why, because all riders are on the course at the same time and it's about the experience.
The Grassroots aspect must be retained to "enduro" otherwise participation will be curbed. Granted, an organizer needs to have insurance, but the restrictions placed on the event by CBC/UCI, can, and do stifle creativity. If you reduce the experience that drew poeple to the event you will drive them away.
Enduro is amazing don't let the UCI take it over and put extra costs and rules in place that no one wants or organisers need to pay shit loads of money for nothing!
World cups cost an Organisor €7500 just to register and for what?
If you want recognition for Enduro do it the same as FMB World tour.
Make your our world ranking but what ever you do don't fall the UCI bullshit it will end in tears p.
If the UCI take it over it's the first nail in the coffin for Enduro
Fun while it lasted
put me in the category of internet sprayer who doesn't think much of old school old boy club ioc-like organizations. International/National/Provincial bodies in my opinion are increasingly irrelevant to the majority of riders out there (unless you want to be a world champion, which most of us will never be). Many clubs exists and operate outside the confines of such bodies and provide excellent value for the members with some really fun events. The huckflipspinners were smart to stay on the outside of those old boys clubs, and I think the enduro racers/promoters would be smart too as well, but yeah, that's just like my opinion...to be honest I'm fine with never doing another sanctioned event again, it adds costs and for the majority of riders adds no real benefit. I dunno, call me a cynic but it seems sanctioning bodies are continually trying to stay relevant by chasing participants, and force them to buy licenses and whatnot, I just see it as an unnecessary level of costly bureaucracy....yeah, I dunno, I just hope the promoters proceed cautiously and don't end up selling out the things that made them unique and desirable from a participant perspective.
I wish you could buy a single membership/license for all the club level events in BC..
$100 or $200, whatever, and then you could choose which groups your money goes to..
I would hope that exposure for enduro would help raise the profile for the sport, increase the technology through intrest by bikes and parts manufacturers, and in many ways boost participation in these types of events. There are UCI downhill and XC races which I don't think detract from cycling clubs/ communities hosting their own grass roots races or toonie races. UCI's involvment in Downhill for example may lead to small pockets of dedicated riders feeling left out but overall I think it has led to that segment of the sport growing substantially.
I really don't get the "all or nothing" comments. If the UCI gets involved with Enduro at the highest level how is this going to kill grassroots racing? There are grassroots DH and XC races that are going just fine. It's up to a promoter to decide if they want to host an event as part of an organized series or if they want to strike out and do it on their own.
If YOU value a grassroots event then go out and host one.
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Originally Posted by connor
(Post 2611262)
I wish you could buy a single membership/license for all the club level events in BC..
$100 or $200, whatever, and then you could choose which groups your money goes to.. |
Needing to sign up for three or four or five different organizations to do local races does not help the local scene it hurts it.
We have to think progressively.
Saying the UCI is bad for Enduro racing is like saying, on a smaller scale obviously, that TAP or the NSMBA are bad for the North Shore trail network: Going with that train of thought, why would builders have to get a permit for trail work? Why would the NSMBA go through the efforts of creating a trail builder's academy to maintain consistency and ensure techniques used are principles proven successful (sustainability and trail quality wise)? Why would we work with our District to legitimize our trail networks? Couldn't we just go out in the woods, punch a line wherever, ride the crap out of it, add some rickety throw-away stunt and then move on when the trail is thrashed to the next fall-line? Just like the good old days, the way its always been?... Greater bodies involved can make for greater results.
I see mostly positive outcomes to founders and a competitor (Absalon, possibly #1 rider on the circuit) getting together with the UCI to discuss a legitimate points system. You can be sure guys like Fred Glo (Tribe 10000 event founder in 2002, French Enduro series founder in 2004, Trophy of Nations founder more recently) knows what makes Enduro popular, and is not ready to compromise the appeal of the event to work with the UCI.
I see the UCI's involvement first and foremost as implementing systems somewhat behind the scenes to regulate a global points series for already existing, and successful events. As Kemp said, "the UCI does not seem to be forcing itself on Enduro racing but rather working with the successful and bright organizers currently out there. This allows a degree of independence and creativity to be retained and for skills to be shared amongst a wider group in order to have mountain biking elevate itself." Of course, this implies rules and regulations. Which are not necessarily a bad thing, as long as the character of the format (and thus appeal) are maintained. Which is why those involved are who they are. I am thankful for this.
Enduro is going to grow no matter what, and if there is some regimenting early on, it will allow for better consistency, more funds allocated to the discipline and riders, and further development of the technology we all benefit from (adjustable seatposts, double ring guides that work, light/strong/stiff 4"-6" bikes with aggressive geometry, etc... ).
Besides, this doesn't mean small grassroots events can't happen anymore. It's not because the UCI is getting involved that events like the Four Kings won't happen, or what not. There are grassroots DH and XC races worldwide, that aren't part of any points standing, that are a blast to race and are run successfully year after year.
Best approach would be to stay informed and trust that those who have created these events and concept in the first place will maintain their high standards.
The UCI will tell you what the rules are.
You won't get any choice.
I can see the start line of the Mega now.
Ok everyone with a helmet camera you must take it off becuase they are not allowed in the UCI rules.
Currently I like the idea of more attention to Super D and Enduro. On the east coast of the US we have a hard time finding races, you either race DH or XC. The momentum is building but any publicity helps.
I think it would be a big mistake to let Enduro be UCI sanctioned. I'm still new to Enduro racing, but coming from a "serious racing schedule" from both road and off road (xc), the reason I love Enduro is because of it's laid back attitude. Not to mention the idea that you gotta "ride what you brought" so to speak in terms of bike choice. Seeing dude rocking' 180mm forks on trail bikes (Ben Cruz) at Trans Provence next to racers that are on 160mm and 150mm bikes is awesome. The fun is in the fact that we get experiment and learn what works best. If the UCI were to get involved, surely there would be regulations on bikes, gear, times, etc. that would in my opinion ruin the essence of the sport. Discovery and exploration is what defines mountain biking. Not spandex, uniform bikes, and uniform gear. If you want to do those things buy a road bike or race xc. Let's be different than the rest of the cycling world and go at this on our own. After all, isn't that why guys started riding fat tires in the first place???
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Originally Posted by Onegear
(Post 2611241)
I am going to spray now.
If you look at local UCI/Cycling BC sanctioned races like Ardruum, that get canceled because of lack of people(pre-reg), and lots of great riders didn't reg due to the rules only pros could hit the big features. Then you have an offroad road race like the Test(not enduro) that sells out 1000 spots in 25 minutes, sure you get 5 back for having a CBC license but not required. Why, because all riders are on the course at the same time and it's about the experience. The Grassroots aspect must be retained to "enduro" otherwise participation will be curbed. Granted, an organizer needs to have insurance, but the restrictions placed on the event by CBC/UCI, can, and do stifle creativity. If you reduce the experience that drew poeple to the event you will drive them away. |
|
Originally Posted by connor
(Post 2611262)
I wish you could buy a single membership/license for all the club level events in BC..
$100 or $200, whatever, and then you could choose which groups your money goes to.. |
|
Originally Posted by shirk
(Post 2611290)
I really don't get the "all or nothing" comments. If the UCI gets involved with Enduro at the highest level how is this going to kill grassroots racing? There are grassroots DH and XC races that are going just fine. It's up to a promoter to decide if they want to host an event as part of an organized series or if they want to strike out and do it on their own.
If YOU value a grassroots event then go out and host one. |
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Originally Posted by Suspension Therapy
(Post 2611293)
We have to think progressively.
Saying the UCI is bad for Enduro racing is like saying, on a smaller scale obviously, that TAP or the NSMBA are bad for the North Shore trail network: Going with that train of thought, why would builders have to get a permit for trail work? Why would the NSMBA go through the efforts of creating a trail builder's academy to maintain consistency and ensure techniques used are principles proven successful (sustainability and trail quality wise)? Why would we work with our District to legitimize our trail networks? Couldn't we just go out in the woods, punch a line wherever, ride the crap out of it, add some rickety throw-away stunt and then move on when the trail is thrashed to the next fall-line? Just like the good old days, the way its always been?... Greater bodies involved can make for greater results. I see mostly positive outcomes to founders and a competitor (Absalon, possibly #1 rider on the circuit) getting together with the UCI to discuss a legitimate points system. You can be sure guys like Fred Glo (Tribe 10000 event founder in 2002, French Enduro series founder in 2004, Trophy of Nations founder more recently) knows what makes Enduro popular, and is not ready to compromise the appeal of the event to work with the UCI. I see the UCI's involvement first and foremost as implementing systems somewhat behind the scenes to regulate a global points series for already existing, and successful events. As Kemp said, "the UCI does not seem to be forcing itself on Enduro racing but rather working with the successful and bright organizers currently out there. This allows a degree of independence and creativity to be retained and for skills to be shared amongst a wider group in order to have mountain biking elevate itself." Of course, this implies rules and regulations. Which are not necessarily a bad thing, as long as the character of the format (and thus appeal) are maintained. Which is why those involved are who they are. I am thankful for this. Enduro is going to grow no matter what, and if there is some regimenting early on, it will allow for better consistency, more funds allocated to the discipline and riders, and further development of the technology we all benefit from (adjustable seatposts, double ring guides that work, light/strong/stiff 4"-6" bikes with aggressive geometry, etc... ). Besides, this doesn't mean small grassroots events can't happen anymore. It's not because the UCI is getting involved that events like the Four Kings won't happen, or what not. There are grassroots DH and XC races worldwide, that aren't part of any points standing, that are a blast to race and are run successfully year after year. Best approach would be to stay informed and trust that those who have created these events and concept in the first place will maintain their high standards. |
Oh and the UCI killed CycloCross as well. I mean look at the terribly low numbers involved in that sport.
As a past organizer what I liked the most from Cycling BC was that there was insurance if something went wrong, and that the people that they brought out were amazing and knew what they were doing. You think that I liked it when someone got hurt at my race? I didn't watch people race out of fear that something would go wrong and someone would get seriously injured. I never watched friends race... But on the flip side the Commissaires and the First Aid at our events were top notch. Well worth the money that we spent on them. People seldom forget that races of that caliber are not willy nilly races that you throw together on a whim. Having that framework is amazing. It is super nice that someone has your back if some does go seriously wrong.
I think some type of uci support would really benefit the sport?
The organisers just have to be really on guard when the uci starts to make silly rules, regarding bikes, spec, clothing regulations and the penalties for pro riders competing in non uci races.
We messed it up with xc, dh and 4x i guess this is a chance to so it right!
Quote:
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Originally Posted by connor (Post 2611262)
I wish you could buy a single membership/license for all the club level events in BC..
$100 or $200, whatever, and then you could choose which groups your money goes to..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS is needed.
Needing to sign up for three or four or five different organizations to do local races does not help the local scene it hurts it.
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All this can be achieved by supporting all the local Clubs in your area. When you go to buy your Cycling BC license, just purchase a Club Associate or Citisen license. Make sure you affiliate yourself with all the Clubs you have bought membership into. You will now be insured to race in any of their Club level races.
A Club buys affiliation into Cycling BC to insure themselves from being liable if anything goes wrong at thier Club Level races. A racer needs to hold their own insurance to race, ie club associtat or citisen license. Clubs insured, racers insured. As an Organizer, this is the easiest and cheapest way to put on GrassRoots race when using Cycling BC. There are other options out for Organizers that do requuire CBC. The Test of Metal buys into a different Insurance provider, thats why you don't have to have a CBC license to race the Test.
The way I see it, the majority of racers aren't interested in racing at the BC Cup or Canada Cup level. So the demand to have a UCI level Enduro here in BC might be low. Its quite possible you see more Clubs getting creative in trying to replicate this Format.
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Originally Posted by mattbc
(Post 2611333)
All this can be achieved by supporting all the local Clubs in your area. When you go to buy your Cycling BC license, just purchase a Club Associate or Citisen license.
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It's the NSMBA, SORCA, WORCA, and FVMBA type grassroots events that you need to be a member of each one to participate in that adds up. Then tack on the Club license as you have mentioned.
One fee/license to get access to everything is needed.
There is a larger topic to be discussed but in BC the sport of mountain biking is missing out on huge efficiencies of scale by every zone trying to do there own thing be it racing or trail advocacy/maintenance.
SORCA, WORCA.... ed.. ^ASS
I'd love to see some information posted on organizing an Enduro event. How you set the courses, handle the timing, etc. Sounds like it could be really interesting to try organizing one this season.
Now, when it comes to organizing...
I organize events from the uninsured, grass-roots to club-level to fully sanctioned events and there is a place and a need for all.
There is no doubt that a lot of people are not aspiring to race events like Canada Cup, World Cup, Nationals, Canada Summer Games... But that doesn't mean there isn't a place for it. We need to have all these layers and thankfully we do.
Moreover, I don't understand why people are hating.
I have to admit I was stung a little bit by some of the comments on this thread. I'm not some kind of old-school, elitist bureaucrat. I'm just a regular rider who loves to ride but still finds time to put hundreds of hours a year into coaching, organizing races and events, building trails, leading group rides, and, yes, helping to run our cycling association.
In the past I have disagreed with the way things were run or thought they could be done better. You know what I did? Instead of 'spraying' about it I went out and ran them myself.
If you think you can do it better than please, do so, and make the rest of us look dumb.
Common licence/insurance doesn't work. Nice idea but...all clubs now for the most part operate with different insurance companies. So to race WORCA events you must be a WORCA member...with their insurance. Cycling BC insurance is quite expensive...if we all still used it maybe it could work. For WORCA we will now be doing a single event membership...so maybe $15-$20 instead of becoming a full member at $45-50.
The last thing MTB needs is more UCI involvement / meddling. Enduro racing is MTBing in its purest form. Leave it be to evolve on it's own.
a local enduro series would be very popular.
a big obstacle is getting permission from all the various land owners that the courses would pass through.
it would be a lot of work, but well worth it for someone with the time, patience, and desire.
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Originally Posted by transcend
(Post 2611347)
The last thing MTB needs is more UCI involvement / meddling.
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Originally Posted by shirk
(Post 2611336)
This only applies to Cycling BC associated events and clubs.
It's the NSMBA, SORCA, WORCA, and FVMBA type grassroots events that you need to be a member of each one to participate in that adds up. Then tack on the Club license as you have mentioned. One fee/license to get access to everything is needed. There is a larger topic to be discussed but in BC the sport of mountain biking is missing out on huge efficiencies of scale by every zone trying to do there own thing be it racing or trail advocacy/maintenance. |
Oh my god... the UCI wants to get involved? The horror.
*yawn*
Where have I heard this before? Oh yeah.. the 90's when triathlon was trying to get into the Olympics. Talk of doom and gloom.
Reality is it will only really effect a small % of the riders involved. Enduro's will happen whether or not the UCI is involved. Really.. who cares what a bunch of Europeans in Khaki's think? You think it will stop Team B from running their own?
FYI for those looking for a common license for club/grassroots events in BC. Pretty much each club is operating with their own insurance-some with Cycling BC, some with independent companies. The only way to get a common license would be if we all used Cycling BC and the events were sanctioned by Cycling BC under their guidelines. I don't see this happening as the events are "grassroots" and independent and Cycling BC's per rider premiums are quite a bit higher than some of the other insurers. However WORCA will be offering single event membership for $15 or $20 this year so you don't have to become a full member for doing a particular event/toonie/Phat wed/camp etc. Other clubs will do the same I am sure if they aren't already. And remember usually a portion of that club's fee goes right back into trails...good thing in my books.
Grassroots Club events are the way to go. Its a great way to support the trails in that area and take in some cheap racing.
WORCA and SORCA put on a lot of great events. A few years back, I was making the weekly drive up to do some Toonie racing with them.
FVMBA also offers some very affordable Club racing with our $20 membership. Last year we held a 5 race Toonie Series and currently right now we are running the Indoor 4X Series. And our All Mountain Spring Series is just around the corner. Almost all of our membership money goes back into the trails and to the local builders.
It would take some co-operative planning but it would be great to eventually see all the clubs under the same insurance umbrella. There would be a lot of bureaucracy and red tape to cut threw though. Not every Club has the same membership fee. Some clubs insurance cost are based on the amount of kms of trails they have stewardship over and so on.
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Originally Posted by the Master Plan Dan
(Post 2611327)
. As organizers we made the decision, not Cycling BC. The racers ended Arduum, not any influence or orders from Cycling BC/CCA/UCI.
... Oh and the UCI killed CycloCross as well. I mean look at the terribly low numbers involved in that sport. As a past organizer what I liked the most from Cycling BC was that there was insurance if something went wrong, and that the people that they brought out were amazing and knew what they were doing. .... People seldom forget that races of that caliber are not willy nilly races that you throw together on a whim. Having that framework is amazing. It is super nice that someone has your back if some does go seriously wrong. |
I have been involved this past year in the set up and running of BC cup sanctioned CX races this year, and yes the sport is doing ok.
IMO, the attendance on the Mainland for the races are always less than the Cross on the Rock series, and the numbers are almost same as the Bellingham series. IMO the reason is that if you race a BC cup race you can only advance in categories if you have a $140 uci license. so a fast club level guy can end up sandbagging the citizen class with a $ 40 license all year and maybe end up bored, because he/she isn't moved or allowed to move to the next level. That and the lack of a true bottom tier for beginners to get a taste.
The insurance that CBC provides is a must.
Enduro events need to remain inclusive and focused on the experience. I am stoked to rip them up this year, and have additional races that are not marathon XC.
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Originally Posted by Fraxinus
(Post 2611396)
Accept it, UCI are getting involved. Luckily, Chris Ball is in charge of this project, which is pretty much as good of a guy for this as anyone could have hoped for.
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UCI want to get involved great! Top end isant the issue for me personally! The spirit of mountain biking is out with your mates in the great outdoors doin skids and wheelies. I want to see more developing from the bottom feeders where there is no insurance there is no liability just an awesome local scene with a walkie talky and a stop watch, a bit of thought, a bit of organisation and alot of fun. Take mountainbiking back! This is where I see the future!
Got nothing bad to say about the UCI they do alot of good work but they are a big machine, I on the other hand ride my bike!
Great article !
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