WHAT IS THE CHALLENGER?

Bluegrass Finalenduro EWS Challenger powered by SRAM is a mtb enduro race that is organized under the umbrella of the Enduro World Series and takes place with an innovative format, entirely unprecedented in Italy.

WHO IS THE CHALLENGER FOR?

Bluegrass Finalenduro EWS Challenger powered by SRAM is an event organized for all those mtb riders who want to measure themselves against an EWS race course – experiencing first hand the emotions of an international event – without the restrictions and format/regulation elements that make the Enduro World Series events quite exclusive and difficult to enter.
Amongst the most remarkable aspects of the Challenger: the lack of a stressful schedule, totally relaxed transfer stages and the chance of choosing a ‘group set-off’ at timed stages. As a matter of fact, at the start gate of every Special Stage you can set off by yourself or together with your mates, one after another, and have a great time all together along the whole track.
Just like in every round of the Enduro World Series, SportIdent timing company will provide each participant with a chip that will keep track of start and finish times at every Special Stage. The accumulated time from all Special Stages will decide the winner.
Another feature that distinguishes this event from a classic EWS round is the opportunity to get assistance during the race, if needed. There is no disqualification or penalty for those who have a mechanical and receive external help: the goal is to get to the end of the race, step onto the EWS stage with your riding buddies and be able to say ‘So rad, I did it!’

WHEN DOES THE CHALLENGER TAKE PLACE?

The race will take place just over one day – on Saturday 29 September – with start and finish line in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Finalmarina, from the very same stage of the queen of all Enduro World Series rounds, the Bluegrass FinalEnduro powered by SRAM race. The schedule of the day of practise will be made official soon.

THE CHALLENGER RACE COURSE

The race track, with its own dedicated signage, will not fall short of what is typically used for a classic round of the Enduro World Series.
With a total of 4 Special Stages:
two stages will be the same as in the main Bluegrass Finalenduro powered by SRAM 2018 event; one is going to be totally new and unique to this first edition of the Challenger, while the last stage will be a very appreciated comeback and will use one of the most enjoyed trails of Finale.
The overall climbing will be around 1300 m, but do not worry: the organizers have already planned a few serious and substantial feed zones to make that easier.

Liaison1 – 11,9 km 360 D+
Stage1 – Pinobago – 1,8 km 240 D-

Liaison2 – 11,6 km 330 D+
Stage2 – Ruggeta – 1,8 km 222 D-

Liaison3 – 6 km 270 D+
Stage3 – Briga di Destra – 1 km 145 D-

Liaison4 – 5,9 km 290 D+
Stage4 – DH Men – 3 km 282 D-

Liaison5 – 6 km

Total Challenger Day 1: 53,7 km con 1360 D+ 1360 D-

Download gps track

RACE LICENCES AND REGISTRATION

Bluegrass Finalenduro EWS Challenger powered by SRAM is a race organized under the guidance of the Italian ‘Sport for All’ Association – UISP – and it is open to the members of all other cycling bodies recognized by the Italian Cycling Federation.
All riders from abroad will need to have a UISP race licence too, which will be available for purchase, on site, at a cost of 5 euros.
A day licence will only be available for purchase upon presentation of a medical certificate for competitive sport activity.
The sport medical centre which is closest to Finale Ligure and is able to carry out the medical screening by appointment is:
Centro Medico Il Giglio
Via Torino 117
Finale Ligure
Phone +39 019 204 4404
Bluegrass Finalenduro EWS Challenger powered by SRAM can be entered here: http://www.enduroworldseries.com/event/bluegrass-finale-enduro-powered-by-sram/