The final race of the Enduro World Series, held appropriately enough in Finale Ligure, Italy, was the embodiment of the enduro race discipline; stunning landscapes, stunning trails, stunning riding and an epic battle for victory.
Finale Ligure is located on the Italian riviera, west of Genoa, in a rocky landscape scattered with pine trees and fragrant herbs. This is the second time the Enduro World Series has finished the year here, and, like last year, the sun shone bright throughout.
Tracy Moseley (Trek Factory Enduro Race Team), who took the Enduro World Champion crown in the inaugural 2013 series, started the race just 80 points ahead of Anne Caroline Chausson (Ibis). The two riders have been battling throughout the series, and it all came down to this last race. With points this close, Moseley had to place at least second to take the series win.
The racing went right down the line. Chausson took stage win after stage win, with Moseley in second, and Cecile Ravanel (GT Pulse Session) in third. In the final stage, Chausson won decisively, but Moseley took the second place she needed to secure the title of Enduro World Champion for the second consecutive year.
Speaking after the race, Tracy Moseley said: “After a year of hard work for it to come down to essentially the last stage of the last race meant there was a lot of pressure and your mind plays games. Last year it was a bit of a surprise to win the inaugural series, but in a way this year has actually been more satisfying as I’ve battled with Anne all year and had to raise my game every weekend.”
Katy Winton, the only other British competitor, narrowly missed out on a top 10 position, placing 11th behind Kelli Emmet of the USA (Giant Factory Team).
Results:
1. Anne Caroline Chausson (Ibis) FRA – 42.51.21
2. Tracy Moseley (Trek Factory Enduro Race Team) GBR – 43.52.27
3. Cecile Ravanel (GT Pulse Session) FRA – 44.14.19
For the full results and more images, visit the Enduro World Series site.
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