Les Arcs Enduro2 2016 – Powered By Stages Cycles
Win a GO3 Camera by Insta360 this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
Enduro2 provides all the amazing tracks you would expect from the Les Arc and Peisey Vallandry resorts but in a pretty unique two person team format. Three days racing over 14 tracks, with one timing chip and one final team time. Stoke levels were high, and team work was key. Luckily Charly’s bar had all the liquid refreshment needed each evening to keep everyone on point. Ben Gerrish reports.
It was all seriously last minute hustle, heading to meet Mick at the airport so he could put my contraband in his hold bag (namely Hope F20 pedals, I was worried they looked a little too much like knuckledusters) then I was on my way out to Les Arcs for the Enduro2, pairs format Enduro.
Rocking up late at Chazalet, the Trail Addiction Chalet, I was greeted by some familiar faces and instantly knew the weekend was going to come together. I was handed a demi peche and a plate of left overs from dinner, what more could I want. #PecheOrGlory.
The race itself is a twisting, all encompassing three day, 14-track route of the Les Arc and Peisey Vallandry resorts. Everything from bike park smashing to the most insane, steep, fresh cut loam. Some elements put people firmly out of their comfort zone, but as far as i could see shooting about the hillside, everyone gave it a good shot and tales of rowdy corners, near misses and out of control sections quickly came to light with a bottle of Vedette and a moment to reflect down at Charly’s Bar.
Filming events is always hard work, lugging that bloody bag about, but well worth the rewards. Alps stuff, although covering some huge (20+ minute tracks) is demanding, but at least you have the luxury of lift assist and on E2 some pretty breezy and fun liaisons.
Filming solo on this one I had to cut my losses on some of the tracks and aim for the ones I knew were going to provide the goods whilst trying to stay ahead of the crowd.
Hopefully you get a good feeling for the race, who knows maybe it’s the one for you, next year!
Enjoy.
