Testing times
By TMX Archives on 17th Jul 09
THOSE masterminds Paul Edmondson and Steve Ireland have been at it once again and cooked up what is likely to be a master plan! The pair are aiming to bring X-Country racing and Enduro much closer together and fall in line with how the sport is heading abroad.
The duo, the brains behind the GBXC series, have announced the pilot running of the ‘The Special Test Challenge'.
Enduros in this country are often settled over just four or five tests and the going either too hard or too easy for the riders.
This will change as the pair plan to introduce events with at least 12-14 tests that really will gel together the Enduro world with the world of XC racing and possibly Motocross riders that fancy a go at ‘old school' Enduros but don't want the hassle of road legal bikes, lights, FIM tyres etc.
Picture the scene. A quality XC lap of six to seven miles. On that lap there will be a fully marked Enduro test – natural, wooded, etc – of about five minutes duration. Also on that lap will be a fully marked grass-type motocross test.
Linking these two tests will be a flowing, no pressure liaison section that allows for a fun trail ride with your mates.
All riders will be given 30 minutes to complete a lap, easily achievable and enough time to plod on the going and have fun with plenty of time in the work area for goggles or fuel, gloves, bike repairs etc in the pits.
The riders will have to do – depending on class – up to ten
laps, which equates to maybe 18 tests in the day for the top riders (the first lap will be untimed).
Watch this space for more details as full event information will be released soon.