Enduro racing started out in the early 2000s and has garnered itself a rapidly growing fanbase.
It’s downhill racing with an element of endurance to it. You might assume, given the name, that it’s a long-distance race that requires a hefty dose of…well, endurance. That might have been the case in the past, but those types of long-winded races are now more commonly referred to as ‘marathon’ races.
Downhill enduro racing takes place over one or two days, and although the distances are shorter than marathons, can be intensely taxing on your body, bike, and mind. So, the name fits the game.
Enduro racing requires a lot of stamina and has different downhill laps that vary in elevation and technicality. Riders need to get to the top of each track and race down as fast as they can.
The race is usually set in different stages, with only the downhill portion of each stage being timed. Each downhill time is added up to give the rider’s overall time and placement at the end of the event.
Riding to the top of each section usually also has a loose time limit, but this isn’t added to the rider’s official score.
Getting to the top of each section is called a transfer, which can be done by cycling up to the top or being transported by different means. Depending on the terrain and elevation, riders can be taken up to the next starting point via vans, trucks, cable cars, buses, etc.
Typical enduro terrain includes sections that are difficult to get to on a bike, hence the reason for transfers on cable cars and trucks! Think rocky, elevated slopes with sharp turns, jumps, fast descents and rugged, hair-raising, adrenaline-fueling contours.
It’s meant to be a fast, thrilling, technically challenging race.
It generally requires different gear and protective body armour, a full-suspension bike, some degree of bravery, and technical skill.
Full-suspension bikes are best for enduro because you’ll be going over tough sections with rocks, branches, jumps etc, and you’ll want something with a softer landing and more stability.
Hardtail bikes can work, but you might struggle more on the descents and they’re often not allowed in enduro events. Lighter bikes are also similarly not the best option when you need gravity and speed to get to the bottom as fast as you can. Choose a heavier bike for this reason.
Normal bike helmets are sometimes accepted, depending again on the degree of the slopes and the intensity of the terrain, otherwise, full-face helmets are the way to go. Other protective equipment such as knee pads, elbow pads, and goggles offer the necessary protection against the elements.
You’ll need a pack with all your essentials as well as equipment to fix any bike mishaps. Some races don’t allow outside help should you have a technical problem, nor do they give you an opportunity to practice the tracks beforehand.
The rules and regulations of the race should clearly set out the requirements for all of this, so keep an eye on those.
If you’ve entered a stage race or marathon race with downhill or single-track sections, you’ve most likely done a bit of enduro-style racing without even realising it. Pedalling slow and steady uphill and speeding down a single track, that’s enduro!
To enter an enduro race, you don’t need to be a professional rider. There will always be that group of serious riders who are in it to win it, but there is plenty of room for everyone. You should be somewhat of a thrill-seeker; enduro is not for the faint of heart!
No matter your affinity for adventure, the enduro racing community is extremely friendly to newcomers. You’d be welcomed with open arms regardless of your experience.
Enduro is an exciting form of racing and just one of the many styles of MTB out there. Give it a try and you might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it!
The Sabie Xperience, a three-day stage race, is not an enduro-style race. However, it sometimes includes an unofficial, untimed, very-much-just-for-fun enduro portion at the end of each day for anyone who wants to give it a bash!
The next Sabie Xperience event takes place from 29 April – 1 May 2023, don’t miss it!
The Sabie Xperience is an Affordable Stage Race for the whole family. We are proud to boast with the most beautiful and well organised family stage race in the world.
