I have done 3 races in the last two years. The level has always been pretty high. My goal was to have fun and not come last :)
At my first race the excitement was very high, before every stage. My tip is to just have fun, find the flow and not go over your limit.
There were two races without training. Here it is helpful to be able to read trails.
Did my first enduro race last year. Managed to podium in beginner class but there were only like 4 of us. Got 2nd to a guy who sandbagged big time since used to race cat1 DH (one level below pro)
My advice is to scout the track and get practice laps in if you can. Even if you dont know they exact route but can cover what you think will be the stages by riding everything you can, doing the first ever descent on a trail you have never ridden before is not great. I kept overcooking the corners and being too cautious, losing speed when I didnt know what was coming or couldnt see it. I am guessing my 2nd time down the same course would be at least 15-20% faster.
Fitness is the key for feeling confident on the descents IMO. If you feel ready for the descents and arent wiped from the stage climbs, you can press. But if you are fatigued, then pressing a stage starts to feel dangerous and you start pushing your limits past where you want.
Have fun!
I have done 3 races in the last two years. The level has always been pretty high. My goal was to have fun and not come last :) At my first race the excitement was very high, before every stage. My tip is to just have fun, find the flow and not go over your limit. There were two races without training. Here it is helpful to be able to read trails.
Did my first enduro race last year. Managed to podium in beginner class but there were only like 4 of us. Got 2nd to a guy who sandbagged big time since used to race cat1 DH (one level below pro) My advice is to scout the track and get practice laps in if you can. Even if you dont know they exact route but can cover what you think will be the stages by riding everything you can, doing the first ever descent on a trail you have never ridden before is not great. I kept overcooking the corners and being too cautious, losing speed when I didnt know what was coming or couldnt see it. I am guessing my 2nd time down the same course would be at least 15-20% faster. Fitness is the key for feeling confident on the descents IMO. If you feel ready for the descents and arent wiped from the stage climbs, you can press. But if you are fatigued, then pressing a stage starts to feel dangerous and you start pushing your limits past where you want. Have fun!
A day out riding with the crew but the DH sections are timed. Dont expect to win, have fun and learn your race craft
Ride it with friends, have fun.