[Press Release] – The Enduro Sports Organisation (ESO), the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Finale Outdoor Region are pleased to announce that a second Italian race weekend has been added to the 2020 Enduro World Series (EWS) event calendar. Set to take place on a closed course on the expansive trail network surrounding the town of Pietra Ligure, just along the coast from Finale Ligure, home of the iconic Bluegrass EWS Finale Ligure and Rider’s Trophy. The pro-only race in Pietra Ligure will take place on 19-20 September.
In light of the ongoing Covid-19 precautions, safety for both event participants and local communities is of paramount importance. The restrictions on rider and spectator attendance are designed to limit unnecessary travel to the region as much as possible. With that in mind, the races slated to take place in Manizales, Colombia and Farellones, Chile in November have now been rescheduled to open the 2021 season. The rounds in Nelson, New Zealand and Derby, Tasmania which were due to raise the curtain next year have been repositioned as the opening rounds of the 2022 season.
EWS Pietra Ligure (Pro Only), Italy – 20 September 2020
Bluegrass EWS Finale Ligure and Rider’s Trophy, Italy – 26-27 September 2020
EWS Manizales, Colombia – 19-20 March 2021
Montenbaik EWS Farellones, Chile – 27-28 March 2021
Shimano EWS Tasmania, Australia – 2-3 April 2022
Aorere EWS Nelson, New Zealand – 9-10 April 2022
As a result of this restructuring, the 2020 season will now take place solely within Europe, and, although we will miss some of our international racers who would normally take part as well as the crowds, this decision has been taken to ensure on-site safety whilst still providing our fans with as much racing as possible.
The revised schedule also sees the second EWS-E race of the year move to the stunning trail network surrounding Pietra Ligure on 22-23 September to sit between the two Italian EWS events. This move is designed to ensure that maximum social distancing can be observed throughout the individual events. The three Italian events will take place over a ten day period to allow ample time for athletes, local staff and media to move safely around the venues in accordance with local government guidelines.
Finale Outdoor Region has hosted an EWS race every year since the championship began in 2013. Today’s announcement is a further example of their continued support for the athletes and teams of the EWS as we continue to work together to put safety and the sport first.
Ugo Frascherelli, the Mayor of Finale Ligure said: “Finale is honoured to host again, for the 8th year in a row, a round of the Enduro World Series which finds its natural home in our town. It is going to be a different event this year, focused on the sport and the storytelling of a special territory. A region that is ready to welcome outdoor sport lovers again on its trails, climbing routes, sea and its beautiful villages.”
Luigi De Vincenzi, the Mayor of Pietra Ligure echoed those sentiments: “Hosting a round of the Enduro World Series and EWS-E is a great honor, a result that rewards the work done in recent years to make Pietra Ligure a bike destination of international level with a strong appeal. In this difficult moment we have seized an extraordinary opportunity that has been given to us. We are ready to show the world the beauty and uniqueness of our trails. The EWS events represent both a prestigious showcase of the trail network and the chance to launch a positive message for such a strategic segment of tourism.”
Andrea Principato, President of Finale Outdoor Region Sport and Events added his endorsement: “I’m excited to say that in 2020, such a difficult year, we are not just confirming the Finale event, but we are doubling it. A huge effort that shows the love for our region and the commitment of a unique team of whom I am very proud.”
Gianluca Viglizzo, President of Finale Outdoor Region Consortium said: “We cannot wait to host the EWS on our enlarged territory. Finale, is well known as the spiritual home of enduro is uniting with Pietra Ligure, to represent a unique territory, from the mountain to the sea, full of history, natural trails and good food. See you in September!”
The Enduro World Series’ Managing Director, Chris Ball, had this to say: “This year has been incredibly tough for our local communities, venues, athletes and teams. What has been remarkable however is the work and commitment behind-the-scenes from all of our partners, striving towards hosting safe, responsible activity that provides moderated activity in safe outdoor spaces. This collective work has ultimately culminated in being able to turn those challenges into some much needed positives for the incredible communities of Finale and Pietra with whom we have worked with for many years. There is no series championship this year and we’ll no doubt miss some nationalities attending and the spectators being trackside. However, we are looking forward to exploring the news trails around Pietra, supporting our local partners in Finale and bringing some safe pro-racing to our fans online and around the world from some brand-new stages”.
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