What I would like to see in EDR in 2025

[Oddjob]

In the spirit of coming up with a positive thread I thought I would start with a wish list of EDR in 2025.

Let's get the elephant in the room out of the way first. I feel like the Discovery take over and UCI rule changes has been great for DH but awful for EDR. EDR now feels like a sideshow to DH and to be honest the 2 are very different disciplines.

1. So number 1 on my list is to run the EDR and DH rounds separately. Yes this would make the logistics harder but Chris Ball used to do it without issue. They could also easily use more of the riders GoPro video.

2. It's great that EDR is coming to Australia in 2024 but if the teams are over here already why not add a NZ or some Asian rounds in Japan/Thailand/Taiwan etc etc.

3. I haven't even really payed attention to EDR 2023; but drones that automatically follow the top riders strike me as a cheap way to get good footage on some of the more exposed courses like Finale and the top of Whistler.

4. Allow teams to have a larger roster of riders that are spread around the world. This would allow teams to still collect points even if they don't make it to all the rounds but have local pro-am riders represent them. This could allow teams to cut travel costs, maintain exposure and give some local riders a chance to get international exposure.

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[fjohn860]

More blind racing. Less track walks.

Wyn Masters had a chat with Pinkbike and had a few good ideas.

 

[Oddjob]

More blind racing. Less track walks.

Wyn Masters had a chat with Pinkbike and had a few good ideas.

Yeah I had a bit of a listen to that. Will go back and have a closer listen.

Pinkbike seems to be pretty down on the EDR this year.

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[fjohn860]

Yeah I had a bit of a listen to that. Will go back and have a closer listen.

Pinkbike seems to be pretty down on the EDR this year.

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Link to the Podcast. The EDR chat start around 18:50

The Pinkbike Podcast: Episode 201 - Wyn Masters on Privateers, Enduro, & Staying Authentic - Pinkbike

Henry sits down with Wyn Masters to talk about everything from high pivots, GT, social media, and the state of the sport that he's so passionate about.

m.pinkbike.com

 

[Hambo]

Some more North and South American rounds to get more money and exposure for the sport.

 

[caad9]

I used to be passionate about enduro racing but feel it's slowly drifted away from what made it great.

My key thoughts, not necessarily in order.

- Remove entirely or greatly reduce chair lifts
- Only one riding day on tracks prior to racing and no additional track walks (Praccy day could be shuttle/lift assisted)
- Give venues a 3 year or similar period where they can't be repeated
- Create more race stages that disadvantage 'super enduro' bikes.
- Minimum racing time of 40mins+ (See above)

I currently view Enduro as a series of moving DH races.
Get it back closer to trail bike territory and add more pedaling in, not stupid uphill walls, just general 'all mountain' riding.

If it can't be sold as a TV spectacle, it has to be sold as a story and longer stages/races with crucial equipment choices will create the drama.
I don't care if it's the same guys winning every race as currently, just want them to race for longer.

Also, if he's not already, get Moi Moi on the payroll, he is single handedly carrying the entire sport

 

[caad9]

So heading into Round 2 in Poland and the jungle drums are really starting to beat.
Anka Martin (Sven's wife and former pro) has gone public with her views and is using her profile to gather support for something/anything else.

With EWS racing basically confirmed to be E-bike only next year, there will be a whole bunch of riders keen to ply their trade elsewhere.

It feels like the time for a breakaway series is now and in my opinion, it could be almost self filmed by teams/riders.
So many are carting full time media crew around already, why can't they combine to tell their own stories in a more DIY fashion.

I'm pretty intrigued as to where it all goes from here

 

[Dozer]

Make an entire series run in the summer months of the southern hemisphere. The content & quality of trails that can be used between New Zealand and Australia is amazing. I also think this should apply to a downhill series as well.

 

[Oddjob]

Get Red Bull to run it separately from Discovery/UCI. Moving EWS under the UCI banner basically killed it.

I heard a great idea on the Pinkbike podcast. Run a qualification day on day 1 with the full transitions etc. Then on day 2 you start with your relevant position and time advantage on a shorter circuit without transitions, first rider across the line wins. This would still make the event super physical but would solve a lot of the video coverage issues and involve lots of climbing and wild runs still.

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[caad9]

Make an entire series run in the summer months of the southern hemisphere. The content & quality of trails that can be used between New Zealand and Australia is amazing. I also think this should apply to a downhill series as well.

Particularly with half the DH field camped out in NZ for the summer

 

[Tubbsy]

Very much enjoyed Moi Moi's race runs in Aletsch - precision at high speed especially on stage 4 is so good.

 

[Isaakk]

The speed those guys carry through those fast rocky sections having ridden/walked them maybe only once, especially Jack, blows my mind. Absolutely wild.

 

[caad9]

Very much enjoyed Moi Moi's race runs in Aletsch - precision at high speed especially on stage 4 is so good.

I don’t know Jack at all but he’s had a rough 2 years with injury and illness, was brilliant to see the effort rewarded

Also, Enduro racing is so much better with long stages. That venue was unreal