Dirt

As a youngster, Nicolas Vouilloz tried BMX freestyle, road cycling, motocross and motorcycle trials, before settling on downhill mountain biking at the age of 14. He went on to become a downhill legend, winning multiple World Championships, World Cup series and 16 World Cup downhill races over an illustrious eleven-year career.

After his downhill success, he became a world-class rally driver, taking part in the World Rally Championship in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge every year from 2007 to 2011. He returned to World Cup downhill mountain biking in 2007, but his attention was already beginning to wander towards the emerging discipline of enduro.

Over the next five years, he was one of enduro’s leading athletes, picking up podium finishes at events all around the world. Among the highlights were victories at the Enduro Sospel in 2010, at URGE Cap Vert in 2011 and at the Super Enduro San Remo, Super Enduro Pogno, and the Enduro des Portes du Mercantour in 2012.

Going into the 2013 season, he was naturally one of the favourites for the inaugural Enduro World Series. After a tough start at the first round in Punta Ala, he won round two in Val d’Allos, finished second in Les 2 Alpes and second again in Winter Park. His chances of taking the overall title disappeared after he crashed in practice in Whistler, although he still managed to finish fifth overall.