The first day of official practice for Enduro World Series 2018 has finished in Lo Barnechea, Chile, leaving riders to reassess strategy, riding tactics and equipment before Friday’s run over Day 2’s stages. Practice time is limited at EWS events, with new 2018 rules limiting riders to one practice run on each stage before hitting their lines at race speed. Figuring out just how fast you can go looks especially hard in the loose, Chilean dirt, which looks more like pillows of dust than anything resembling solid ground. It’s a new year, and a fresh start. With the high Andes providing a stunning backdrop, there will be fierce racing all weekend for those looking to get overall points campaigns started right, and those looking to move their way up into the top end of the rankings.
Enduro World Series round 1, Lo Barnechea – Day 1 Practice gallery
Sam Hill of Chain Reaction Cycles Mavic starts 2018 with the #1 plate Image: Enduro World Series
Mitch Ropelato and Hill take advantage of the uplift during Day 1 practice Image: Enduro World Series
Adrien Dailly leaves a trail of dust in his wake. He'll be looking to push Hill this weekend Image: Enduro World Series
The powdery dirt of this part of Chile holds tire track prints, but not traction Image: Enduro World Series
Rhys Verner of Squamish, B.C. graduates from U21 to compete against the elites this year Image: Enduro World Series
Jared Graves is always one to watch when the pace is high and the track is dusty Image: Enduro World Series
After a relatively off year in 2017, Richie Rude will be looking to get back to the front of the race Image: Enduro World Series
Ine Thoma high up in the Andes on Stage 3 Image: Enduro World Series
Anita Gehrig chases through her sisters dust Image: Enduro World Series
The racing will be exciting, and the settings not too shabby, either Image: Enduro World Series
Sam Hill pulling up on Stage 2 Image: Enduro World Series
Joe Barnes in his Canyon Factory Enduro colours Image: Enduro World Series
Barnes new teammate Florian Nicolai looks comfortable on the Canyon bikes Image: Enduro World Series
Rae Morrison of Giant Factory Off-Road Team Image: Enduro World Series
Greg Callaghan of the Cube Factory Team practicing on course Image: Enduro World Series
Canada's McKay Vezina wide open over the slick rocks at some point on the 11km Image: Enduro World Seriessecond stage
Martin Maes will be hoping the move to GT Factory Racing will be the change he needs to move to the top Image: Enduro World Series
Cecile Ravanel in new colours, but same team and same blistering speed as last season Image: Enduro World Series
Cannondale's Marco Osbourne tries out a line while other racers take notes Image: Enduro World Series
Racers will get some help from uplifts on Saturday, but there will still be plenty of climbing to do Image: Enduro World Series
James Hall tests the limits of traction in the Chilean dirt Image: Enduro World Series
Clear skies in Chile promise better weather than last years soaking season opener in Rotorua Image: Enduro World Series
The course map and profile for Lo Barnechea shows how massive both days of racing will be. Long descents and huge elevation loss numbers will be physically and mentally demanding, especially when you add in 1500m of on bike climbing each day.