Team Wideopenmag’s elder statesman Chris Hutchens runs us through the opening round of the 2019 Scottish Enduro Series at Laggan.
Nestled between Fort William and the Cairngorms, Laggan hosts the opening round of the 2019 Scottish Enduro Series, and our own Christ Hutchens takes a look at what we can expect.
Scottish Enduro Series 2018 – Round 1: Laggan from Scottish Enduro Series on Vimeo.
The 2019 enduro race season in the UK is just around the corner. While thereโs been the odd local races here and there, the national series rounds are almost upon us.
Iโd argue that the Scottish Enduro Series is the most established series out there and the tracks are consistently world class. Scotlandโs terrain leads itself to unbelievable trails and often challenging and demanding races.
Photo by Trev Worsey.
With the first round heading to Laggan Wolftrax next month this place continues to be a favourite, maybe itโs the location just on the edge of the Cairngorms that makes it so special.
The trail builders have been busy up there again. The snow hasnโt really fallen this winter either, much to the dismay of the local ski resorts. It has meant more bike time compared to past years.
Thereโs still some entries available for the first round and from what I see the trails are going to be pretty class. Some inside knowledge has confirmed there will be longer stages than previous years. Itโs bound to be a good one.
If Joe Barnes turns up from just along the road itโs bound to be his race. This is his stomping ground and heโs only ever lost 1 SES round heโs entered. Maybe that highlights the lack of appearance from some of the other full time pros. Hopefully we see a few of them there.
With Ella Connolly joining a factory team, Cannondale, for 2018 sheโll be a sure bet for some podium spots again and no doubt the title. If Katy Winton turns up then it will be some battle between those two.
The full list of races for 2019:
Round 1 – Laggan Wolftrax – Sat 13 Apr to Sun 14 Apr 19
Round 2 – Innerleithen – Sat 18 May to Sun 19 May 19
Round 3 – Kinlochleven – Sat 15 Jun to Sun 16 Jun 19
Round 4 – Pitfichie – Sat 27 Jul to Sun 28 Jul 19
Round 5 – Fort William – Sat 12 Oct to Sun 13 Oct 19
There will be a great opportunity for a number of riders to get some good early season series points due to the event clash with the first BEMBA National Enduro Series round on the same weekend.
The line-up of events is also one of the best. The trails at all of these locations are fantastic. Innerleithen is always a safe bet and the Tweed Valley will add some real quality to the race calendar. It continues to be a real MTB hotspot with all the development plans for the area coming a long. Itโs also great to see Kinlochleven on the calendar as well. This is a hard place to race.
If youโre wanting to get some good riding a racing in, plus excellent cake from the Wolftrax cafe, then get yourself entered into the first round event at Laggan. Itโs definitely a recommended event to get into if youโve never riding around this area.
