As the racing season gets underway, riders are traveling from event to event, and you may be feeling the itch to race too. Whether you’re an experienced competitor or you’re still waiting to take the plunge into your first event, this guide is designed to get you excited about racing and show you how to approach it with a relaxed mindset. Let’s dive in!

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What Makes Racing Fun

The sound of the starting horn, a simple “beep, beep, beep,” is enough to make even the most experienced racers feel the excitement, the nerves, and the pressure. This unique mix of emotions is something only racing can offer. Whether you’ve already felt the rush from your last race or you’re still unsure about what to expect, we’re here to get you pumped for the experience.

Racing is more than just about winning; it’s about the joy of being on the bike, challenging yourself, and enjoying time with friends. While enduro racing involves plenty of time on the bike, it’s also about the social experience. You get to spend the day riding with friends, exchanging stories, and sharing the highs and lows of the weekend. The atmosphere is key to the fun!

Your Race Mindset

While racing is exciting, it’s important to maintain the right mindset to ensure you have a good time. Setting goals is great, but keep them realistic. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to win. Remember, racing isn’t about putting yourself at risk. Aim to finish in the top 50% of your category or compete with friends of similar skill levels for the best fun.

Your primary goal should always be to enjoy the race and finish injury-free. After all, none of us makes a living from racing, so there’s no need to take unnecessary risks. Keep in mind that the ultimate reward is the experience, not the podium placement.

Choosing the Right Race for You

With so many race series out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing the right event. Races come in all shapes and sizes, from local races to big international events, and each has its own level of difficulty. Be sure to assess your skill level before jumping into an event that might be too much to handle. If you’re new to racing, start with an entry-level series and work your way up.

There are plenty of fun formats, too. Whether you’re riding solo or want to try tandem or team racing, the possibilities are endless. You could even go for something more adventurous, like mass-start races or multi-day events. We’ve compiled a helpful overview of the major racing series, so you don’t have to spend hours looking them up.

Race Formats

• Entry-Level Series: These events are ideal for newcomers or those getting back into racing. The terrain isn’t overly challenging, and the focus is more on fun than on competition. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you’ll find that the entry fees are usually quite affordable. Popular examples include the Enduro One series in Germany and Enduro Tirol for those in the Alps.
• Mid-Level Series: For those who’ve gained some experience, mid-level races offer a step up. Expect to ride longer and more technical stages, sometimes with the help of a shuttle to take you to the top. The atmosphere is still fun, but there’s a bit more of a competitive edge. The Swiss Enduro Series and BC Enduro Tour are great options for riders looking to challenge themselves.
• Pro Series: If you’ve got racing experience and want to push your limits, a Pro series event, like the Enduro World Series (EWS), may be for you. These events feature technical courses and a high level of competition. The entry fees are higher, but the experience is unbeatable if you’re ready to take on the pros.
• Multi-Day Races: For a more adventurous challenge, consider multi-day races in locations like Madeira or the Azores. These events are physically demanding but provide the opportunity to experience epic landscapes and challenge yourself over multiple stages.
• Mass Start Races: These races are all about chaos and adrenaline. Imagine hundreds of riders racing down a ski slope together. If you’re looking for a high-energy, full-throttle challenge, a mass-start event like the MEGAVALANCHE in France is a must.

Picking the Right Bike for Your Race

Not all bikes are created equal, and the type of bike you ride will impact your performance. While trail bikes are versatile, enduro-specific bikes are better suited for racing. With long travel suspension and more stability, an enduro bike helps you handle the rougher, more technical stages of a race. Ensure your bike is one you’re comfortable riding, as confidence on your bike will directly impact your performance.

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Preparing Your Bike

Bike prep is crucial to ensure you’re race-ready. A durable bike is essential for avoiding breakdowns. Check your tires, swapping out the stock tires for ones with more puncture resistance, like Michelin Wild Enduro Race Line models, to prevent flats during the race. Adding tire inserts also allows you to run lower pressures, giving you more grip and cushioning.

Ensure your components are in good condition: Check the brakes, chain, and suspension. Don’t leave anything to chance, as issues can lead to a frustrating race. Take the time to inspect your bike before the event to avoid surprises on race day.

Packing for the Race

Even if your bike is perfectly tuned, breakdowns can still happen, so always pack essential tools and spare parts. We recommend bringing items like a derailleur hanger, chain link, tire repair kit, multitool, and CO2 cartridges. Organize these into a tool bag attached to your bike for easy access. The better prepared you are, the more likely you are to handle any issues that arise during the race.

Training and Fitness

If you’re concerned about getting in shape for your race, remember: you don’t need to go overboard with training. While fitness helps, it’s more important to ride consistently and be familiar with the demands of your race. Research the terrain and elevation profile to understand what to expect. Focus on building stamina for descents, as these are where you’ll race against the clock.

During the Race

On race day, take it easy at the start. Your goal is to pace yourself throughout the weekend, and don’t rush into anything on the first stage. As the race continues, stay focused on the trail and avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially on unfamiliar sections. Stay hydrated and have small snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels up. A mix of salty and sweet snacks is perfect, and don’t forget the iconic enduro banana!

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After the Race

Once the race is over, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the post-race celebration. Whether you’re proud of your performance or still reflecting on what could’ve gone better, remember: it’s about having fun and learning something new. Share your experience with friends and compare times. Don’t forget to remind them who was the fastest on each stage!

By the time you’re heading home, you’ll likely be planning your next race, proof that you did it right. Racing is about challenging yourself, having fun, and enjoying the camaraderie with fellow riders.

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