Enduro mountain bike racing has been around for decades and is now one of the biggest sporting events in Australia. It’s currently one of the most competitive types of cycling on Earth. From humble origins as a rogue cousin of downhill mountain bike racing to an official, full-fledged international sport, Enduro has certainly become the biggest sporting event in Australia. But what does the word ‘Enduro’ really encompass?
The word Enduro comes from the French term meaning “endurance”. It is the racing event for the highest category of mountain bike racing. It was founded in Europe and since then it has become hugely popular throughout the world with its very unique format.
Leagues and Races
The Enduro racing events are organized by two organizations that have two different groups: The National Enduro League (NEL) and the International Enduro League (IEL). The NEL is the governing body of the sport and organizes the various races and events. The IEL is the governing body for the international level of the sport. Both leagues conduct their own national and international races. They also organize national championships and international events.
The Enduro race is held on flat, smooth, level terrain. It usually runs over half a day and is completely done through remote areas or in rural areas where there is no traffic. The track is made up of two to three hundred kilometres of mostly rocky, unpaved roads. The bikes are typically used on single track that makes the course very technical. The riders are racing against the clock and are forced to use very good skills.
The riders are not allowed to use their usual mountain bike on the road, because the road surface is so different from the trail used for downhill mountain bike racing. They are instead required to wear specially-made street bikes called the Enduro Sport. that have been customized for the race.
Requirements
Unlike other categories of mountain bike racing, the Enduro racing is open to all ages and skill levels. Although many of the riders are professionals, you will still find plenty of amateurs racing in the enduro category as well. The reason for this is because the terrain used is not extremely challenging and is designed for the experienced rider to be able to keep their balance and do their best. The enduro bike is very durable and because of its construction, it’s also very easy to repair should anything that may go wrong during the race.
Another reason why this type of cycling is becoming increasingly popular is the fact that it’s an excellent way to get into competitive enduro and other types of mountain bike racing. You can get involved and learn the ropes without risking much of your own money or risking injury on a difficult trail. And even if you don’t get involved, you’ll learn enough about the sport and how to ride a mountain bike to get started in racing the different categories of mountain bike racing.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get riding!
Where It Began
A little bit of history of the sport can help you figure out just how and when it began. Many believe that the sport was first developed in Italy by a professional Italian rider called Enrico Bertoncelli who was a part of a team sponsored by Pirelli and helped develop the Pirelli racing bicycle tire.
With the euro being so new, it became popular among people who didn’t have much money and wanted to race. Even though the races were fairly simple and inexpensive, they soon gained popularity and began attracting professionals who became sponsors who helped to build the sport into the huge sport it has become today.
It’s easy to see that you can race on a dirt track, and get the same thrill from racing as from riding on a dirt track as with other types of mountain bike racing. Enduro mountain bike racing is fast, exciting, and will challenge your skills like no other sport on earth. Whether you’re looking for a little excitement or a challenge, or just want to see what it’s like to go racing on a well-designed, challenging track, enduro mountain bike racing is for you.
