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The Sea to Sky Enduro Series fifth round commenced in 麻豆社国产last weekend (July 5), the second of the series to be held in the area. This new string of six races between Vancouver and Pemberton has drawn some great attention throughout the summer, with both of the 麻豆社国产rounds, the Gryphon (round one) and now the Mock Turtle, being incredibly well-attended and received.听
The event saw a total of 128 riders compete, a great turnout despite the threatening weather and technical trails on the menu. A number of riders commented on the challenging and complex trails in the race, though all said they were happy to see the bar
being raised.听
The first stage kicked off as many have in the series, with nerves getting the better of more than a few, resulting in bikes being laid down. However, the bridge at the end of this stage, remains a favourite.听
Josh Carlson, an Australian transplant to Vancouver and professional Giant Factory enduro racer, took the first stage win, with James Rennie in second while series leader, Rocky Mountain Urge Rally Enduro Team racer, Jesse Melamed was back in third.听
The second stage was short, but the most intense of the day, and Melamed came back to form, taking the win from Carlson and Rennie. Carlson took the third stage as the battle continued, but Melamed came to form for the final two stages of the five stage race, to take the overall win from Carlson by a mere 1.5 seconds after just over 18 minutes of racing.
Davis English, second overall in points for the series, behind Melamed, kept it consistent throughout the day to finish off with his first podium, just edging out James Rennie by a little more than two seconds to do so.
In Pro women, Whistler local and a rider familiar with the 麻豆社国产trails, Fanny Paquette, took it to her competitors. Paquette won every stage of the day, walking away with more than a four-minute lead on her nearest rival, Abbotsford鈥檚 Aja Philp. 麻豆社国产DH Diva, Veronica Voracek and fellow Team Danger Pony racer with Aja, held it strong for the local contingent, finishing in 3rd place.
In Open Men it was a local affair, with Squamish鈥檚 Pat Foster taking the lead, just edging out talented junior, Luke Di Marzo. Di Marzo was on fire all day, looking fast, fresh and literally right at home, but in the end, Foster got him by 12 seconds. Another local boy, Jeremy Norris rounded out the top three.
Open women series leader and Whistler ripper, Simmone Lyons, was caught in a Kiwi sandwich between winner, Pippa Holdom and Roxanne Minnille.
Masters women saw Yael Greenfield take the win by a solid minute thirty on second placed, Valerie Fraser. Tamsin Mills took third, twenty-six seconds back. 听
Next for the 麻豆社国产Enduro franchise is the popular women鈥檚 only enduro race, Hot on Your Heels, returning on听August 2. For more on the event visit听www.squamishenduro.com. The Sea to Sky Enduro Series will see its final event of its inaugural year held in Whistler,听
July 26.听
For more visit www.seatoskyenduro.com.
