Since 2014, the Enduro World Series has established itself as a race series for the fastest enduro bikers in the world. This reputation has made the series' races so popular that it is no longer possible to simply register. Until now, amateur riders who wanted to compete with the pros had to prove themselves in so-called EWS qualifier races in the run-up to the events. Now Chris Ball, founder of the EWS, is not only creating an additional opportunity to qualify for the EWS with five additional race series on every continent in the world, but is also giving riders with a small budget a platform to present themselves to sponsors. The fastest rider in the European Continental Enduro Series will be crowned European Champion at the end of the year. The new racing series is in no way connected to the former European Enduro Serieswhich was organised by Trailsolutions in 2015.
How to qualify for an EWS race
To qualify for the EWS, you have to score points in the EMBA Ranking (Enduro Mountain Bike Association). Anyone who is listed in the top 200 riders in the EMBA rankings automatically has the right to start in every Enduro World Series race. This is possible via various Qualifier Eventssuch as the Enduro race in Treuchtlingen or the new European Continental Enduro Series. Unfortunately, all five races in the new European racing series involve a long journey for German riders. Please note: An EMBA licence is required to be included in the ranking list! The EMBA licence (available here) costs 35 euros and will be available from the end of February. How many points you can earn at one of the new European Continental Enduro Series races will not be announced until February. Anyone who wins a qualifier event also qualifies for the EWS, regardless of their position in the EMBA ranking.
The dates of the new European Continental Enduro Series
This is what German Enduro Champion Leo Putzenlechner has to say about the new race series:
"The gap between national racing series and the EWS is huge. Not only is the level of performance in the EWS extremely high, but also the costs if you want to take part in several races. I think it's great to create an intermediate level at European level. However, the already published calendar of the new European series is not exactly favourable for German riders. All the races are extremely far away. The effort involved in competing in this series is almost as high as competing in the EWS. That's why it's not attractive for me to fight for the European title. I will continue to try my hand in the EWS in 2018. That remains the premier class."
