World Enduro Series kicks off for 2014 season
Vancouver-based Josh Carlson will ride for the Giant Factory Off-Road Racing team in the World Enduro Series for the 2014 season.
Vancouver-based Josh Carlson will ride for the Giant Factory Off-Road Racing team in the World Enduro Series for the 2014 season.
Originally from Australia, Carlson and his fiancée moved to Canada’s west coast after spending some time racing in the western U.S. Carlson said Vancouver was “the best decision we could have made.”
“There’s riding here of every kind of difficulty, on every kind of terrain. There are so many trails, it’s outrageous,” said Carlson in an interview with Canadian Cycling Magazine. “It has helped make me a better rider.”
The Enduro World Series begins on April 19 in Nevados de Chilian, Chile. When Carlson gets to South America, he’ll be joined by teammates Adam Craig, Carl Decker, Kelli Emmett, and newcomer Yoann Barelli, from France.
Craig finished the 2013 season as the top ranked North American and is looking forward to getting back to enduro for the 2014 season.
“My winter training is all about getting more comfortable riding at really high speeds,” said Craig. “Enduro racing at that level is about pushing through mental and physical exhaustion, and still going really, really fast. I’m pumped to take it to the next level.”
“Enduro suits all of my strengths,” said Carlson, who first raced in motocross and then a variety of mountain biking disciplines. “It’s everything I love about about mountain biking, and it’s the kind of riding I am doing anyway.
“There’s short punchy climbs, and then you have to shred back downhill.”
Part of the appeal of enduro is the laid-back feel the sport offers.
“It’s still a laid-back, social community,” said Carlson. “There’s still such a social element to it. From a punter’s point of view, you’re out racing your mates. It’s not influenced by political or outside factors. It’s based around riders.”
The World Enduro Series is made up of seven events. Following the season opener in Chile, the series moves to Europe for three rounds. Teams then take on two races in North America, including a race in Whistler as part of the Crankworx festival, Aug. 9-10. The final round is held in Ligure, Italy, Oct. 4-5.
