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UCI Enduro World Cup lands in Italy for round five
The UCI Enduro World Cup fires back into life this weekend among the towering peaks of Val di Fassa Trentino, Italy.
Nestled high in the Dolomites, Val di Fassa Trentino needs little introduction, this stunning venue has hosted enduro racing since 2019 and remains a firm rider and fan favourite. As famous for its breathtaking views as its extensive trail network, these iconic tracks will once more welcome the world’s best to battle it out on an epic single day of racing.
In the women’s competition, series leader Isabeau Courdurier (Lapierre Zipp Collective) remains the rider to beat. The Frenchwoman has won three of her four races there and will be looking for more of the same this weekend. Among those trying their best to stop her will be the top-five title contenders after four of seven rounds. These are Courdurier’s compatriot Pivot Factory Racing’s Morgane Charre, Brits Bex Baraona (Yeti/Fox Factory Team) and Harriet Harnden (Trek Factory Racing) and Italy’s Gloria Scarsi (Canyon CLLCTV Dainese) .
In the men’s battle, the USA’s Richie Rude (Yeti/Fox Factory Team) will wear the green and white leader’s jersey in Val Di Fassa Trentino. Rude is just 33 points ahead of Canadian Rhys Verner (Forbidden Synthesis Team) in the overall and former champ Jesse Melamed (Canyon CLLCTV Factory Enduro Team) is hot on his heels. Nukeproof SRAM Factory Racing’s Dan Booker is still in the chase in fourth and France’s Alex Rudeau (Commencal Enduro Project) is gaining traction as the season moves forward in fifth.
E-enduro athletes will also be getting back between the tapes for the third race of five. Chilean Florencia Espineira Herreros (Orbea Fox Enduro Team) will be aiming to defend their lead in the women’s series after winning at Leogang and coming second to France’s Laura Charles (Miranda Factory Team) in Finale Outdoor Region. In the men’s, it’s a battle of the former downhill stars with two-time UCI Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel leading after winning both of the first two rounds and former UCI World Cup Downhill winner Mick Hannah (Yeti/Fox Factory Race Team) in second.
The World Cup races will take place on Sunday, July 25 but amateurs will get their chance to race in both formats the day before thanks to the Enduro of Val Di Fassa Trentino.
To follow all the action from the UCI Enduro World Cup, tune in to the UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel for the official race highlights, bike checks and exclusive athlete interviews.
Recaps and highlights from the racing are also available on Eurosport and globally on GCN+.
More information on the weekend’s races in Val Di Fassa Trentino can be found here.