The PMBA Enduro Series heads to Graythwaite Estate for ‘The Epic’ to kick off this year’s enduro racing.
29th-30th May will see the PMBA Enduro Series kick off both their own 2021 series as well as the British National Enduro Series that also brings with it EWS Qualifier status.
Here’s everything you need to know about ‘The Epic’.
Photos by Dialled In UK.
May Bank Holiday 2021 will mark the 6th year that the PMBA Enduro Series returns to Graythwaite. It’s fair to say this venue is the biggest race in their calendar, and 2021 will be no exception. There’s an unbelievable thirst to get between the tape this year, with the drought of 2020, people just want to get racing.
Graythwaite has the advantage of being on totally private land therefore there’s not the restrictions and limitations of using Forestry England land. This event also doubles as the opening round of the British National Enduro Series and comes with EWS Qualifier status for some nice early season points.
There will be challenges to face as the country starts to come out of restrictions etc, so no large gatherings at the event village or the KS Drop into the event village. They managed to pull off a great round last year, even though the weather gods threw everything at them. Who will ever forget the biblical rainfall leading up to and during the event last year?
With national events only allowed from 17th May this will be one of the first, with the international events still suppressed, a raft of the best riders have signed up to scratch that itch and get back to racing. Nothing beats that feeling when you are flying between the tapes and this has brought out a range of the country’s best Enduro and Downhill riders.
Scanning down the entry list we find EWS stars like Joe Barnes, Lewis Buchanan, Becky Cook, Bex Barona, Martha Gill; Along with a whole bunch of the CRC crew Greg Callaghan, Kelan Grant, Elliott Heap, Katy Winton, Ad Brayton. How will the series regulars like Polly Henderson, who was fastest woman in 2020 & Ian Austermuhle perform? Christopher Hutchens is on the list and in 2017 described a version of this year’s stage 2 as “eye-watering technical” so he’s an advantage of knowing what this event can serve up along with team mate Christopher Gallagher after his senior win last year.
Reece Langhorn was last year’s masters winner, can he do it again? With so little racing over the past year maybe it will be somebody like Jess Stone with so much experience that will find the groove to win against all these other ladies. However if experience will out then the first lady of enduro Tracy Moseley has that covered and already had a lap to give some feedback.
Sam Shucksmith has already been in action and taking the top step in the regional Southern Enduro event, will that have sharpened him up and give him an edge?
If you want in there are an extra 50 places going live at 9pm on Wednesday 12th May. With the last batch of 200 going in under a second you’ll have to be fast.
Adam met up with the event organiser and some great riders to have a preview of the stages, here’s what to expect. 6 Stages, 20km for the lap with 1000m of elevation.
Stage 1 – Charismatic Megafauna
This is a whole new one and the longest of the day. Stages 1 & 2 both start below the peak of “Black Brows” the highest point on the Graythwaite Estate. This new stage is going to be popular, designed for flow and fun both of which build as you descend and finally finish using the classic “Gary the Polar Bear” trail. Vinny and his team have done a great job here with this stage.
Stage 2 – Scorpion
All the way back to the top after the flow of Stage 1 you tackle the brutal Graythwaite raw tech as the steepness builds before being spat out of the top woods and into the aptly named “Happy Ending” for a stage almost as long as the first.
Stage 3 – Remainiac
Fun, fast and flow with added berms. Stage 3 is a perfect antidote to the raw tech of Stage 2, making you feel great on the bike especially when you realise you’re halfway around the lap and the cafe stop is next up.
Time to rail those berms
Stage 4 – Ridgelines
Roots, Rocks, Ruts and Roost. Extended for 2021, a whole new start section adds some freshness to the stage, now in its 3rd year and improving with age.
Stage 5 – Nick’s Party Line
Serious work on this stage to make it easier, especially on the start ridge. Here we have the classic ridgeline start and a chance to admire the view. Riding so fast at the moment, and the heavily worked on middle section again adds flow. Save your sprint legs for the final quarter.
Stage 6 – Vinny’s Divorce Statement
Stage 1 last year, the final stage this year, tamed at the top with a new ending “Child’s Play” and a chance to style it up on numerous features.
Check out the rider briefing on the PMBA website here.
What will change?
The event will be very much like the September 2020 event, the racing itself will be pretty much as it was pre-COVID, we are losing the arena finish / KS Drop to the rules, as well as discouraging spectators & dwell areas, and we are losing podiums, prize presentation, trophies & medals…
Can I go and watch?
Sorry, under Covid event guidelines spectating is not allowed.
Parking, camping and race arena
Camping, sign on, parking and toilets all in the picturesque grounds of Graythwaite Manor, please follow the signage to the designated free parking/camping area. Dogs are welcome – but please pick up after them. Spectating is not available, and we discourage any attendees other than racers. However if you need to come with a driver or other essential person that is fine.
A message from Kev: “I normally encourage you to bring the family here and enjoy the venue, but that is not compatible with Coronavirus risk reduction, sorry. Please understand our situation”.
EWS Qualifier with Tier 3 Points
Riders will need to have a membership prior to the Graythwaite Epic Enduro race in order to be eligible to collect EWS Global Ranking points. Points will not be assigned retroactively if riders purchase the membership after the race. Riders can purchase / renew their 2021 EWS memberships here.
Race schedule
Friday.
Race arena opens, free camping available. Portable loos on site.
Saturday.
- 08:30 Marshal Brief
- 09:15 Sign on will be open from
- Catering open from the morning – time TBA
- 09.30 Practice starts from arena – Stages open 10am – FULL RUNS, NO SESSIONING
- 17.00 Practice finishes – stages closed after this time (and gates on S5 locked)
Sunday.
- 04:46 Sunrise
- 07:30 marshal brief
- 08:25 Sign On opens (timing chip collection)
- 08:30 First riders depart
- 09:00 Stage one opens
- 12:00 All racers have departed
- 12:30 first racers back
- 17:30 last racers back
