Words: Isabeau Courdurier
Photos: Matt Wragg

The Team is already all wrapped up after the second round of the EWS and is settling in in Scotland. However, the Emerald Enduro held this weekend in Wicklow, Ireland will live on in memory for a long time. One hill, seven stages, a 6 hour race and an Irish crowd on fire… How could it get any better?

The team was welcomed on the Irish soil by two locals; Peter and his wife Karen, who graciously hosted and took care of all of us for the week. And the team was big for this round as we were pleased to see Peter Ostroski, our American, back with us after a rough off season, as well as Jordan Hodder, our rally team development rider.

The practice consisted of one day of walking and two long days of riding to discover all seven of the stages. From technical rocky sections, to fast wide open sections and slippery woods, the tracks were flowy and had everything to offer.

This second round of the EWS was very tough but overall we managed to get some very good points and finish the weekend as the second fastest team.

Florian was consistent and ended up 5th which put him in fourth overall of the EWS. He was literally flying over the technical sections and carrying speed all the way down. Jesse Melamed had an impressive day and signed his first European top 10 ever. In good form and managing the gnarliest section of the race with some insane lines… True Whistler style!

Alex Cure had a mechanical on the top of the stage two where he broke his handle bar. He still managed to ride stage 3 and 4 before heading to the pit with half a handle bar and no rear brake. Can you believe he finished 32nd on the stage 4 like that? He is in shape and will be looking forward to the Scottish round to show what he is capable of.

Jordan was among the fastest North Americans with a strong 34th ranking in his first race overseas. Peter, who wasn’t able to ride a bike for most of the winter, still finished an incredible 56th.

In the Women’s field, I ended up 5th and I am stoked about this result. My form is a bit better and I finally had my riding under control again.

In a nutshell, this second EWS was one of the best events we’ve ever done. Huge thanks to the organization, trail builders, and volunteers who made the most of this tiny hill and to the crowd for being one of the loudest we have ever heard.