The Enduro One Series (E1) kicked off the 2025 season with a great start in Bad Wildbad. Around 650 participants and numerous spectators experienced a weekend full of action, emotion and exciting races on 17 and 18 May. The demand for starting places was so high that the majority were already taken weeks before the event. Nevertheless, last-minute registrants had the opportunity to sign up on site if there were still places available in the respective starting group.
Technically demanding route
The course in Bad Wildbad in Baden-Württemberg presented itself with six varied stages over an altitude difference of around 850 metres. Stages 2 and 5 in particular demanded the utmost concentration from the riders in order to master the partly blocked surface cleanly. In addition to the technical demands, it was also important to speed along the route. Stage 3 offered somewhat more flowing passages, while the final urban stage 6 in the Kurpark required riders to give their all once again. Special care was required here in the tight bends and on the steps. This versatility of the route ensured that the true all-round talents were able to prevail.
New faces and surprising changes
The rider carousel continued to spin in the off-season, reshuffling the list of favourites. One of the biggest surprises of the weekend was the move of 2024 E1 Pro series winner Marvin Riss to the e-bike class. In addition, a number of prominent double starters ventured out onto the challenging circuit on both e-bikes and classic bikes. These developments created additional excitement and uncertainty about the outcome of the races. You can find the results of the races below.
Focus on promoting young talent
As always, the Eightshot Wild Childs classes kicked off the event, which were once again attended by a large number of parents and carers. The enthusiasm of the kids was the perfect start to the Enduro One weekend. New this year was the ABUS Youngster class, which expanded the programme for young riders and offered additional racing options for ambitious talents in the transition area. This further strengthens the foundation for the next generation in enduro racing. The response to this new format was consistently positive, and all participants received a small gift from the title organiser ABUS.
Exciting races in all classes
After a successful prologue on Saturday, where the first "scent marks" were set, the main races started on Sunday. Lukas Kater and Kevin Lindner fought a hard-fought duel in the E1 Pro class. The preliminary decision was only made on Stage 5 in favour of Kater, who ultimately secured victory. In the women's class, Nora Biller came out on top after a thrilling race against Christina Tödheide. It was particularly close in the e-bike class: just 1.5 seconds separated the three podium places. Tom Pölderl came out on top just ahead of Julian Claudi.
Expanded supporting programme and positive response
It wasn't just the racing action that generated enthusiasm - the supporting programme surrounding the Expo also attracted a great deal of interest. The significantly expanded exhibition area offered visitors numerous opportunities to find out about the latest products, technical innovations and services from the world of bikes. Many took the opportunity to talk to exhibitors and experience new products up close. The Mayor of Bad Wildbad, Marco Gauger, and Stefanie Bott, Managing Director of Touristik Bad Wildbad, were impressed by the wide range of participants and emphasised how well the event fits in with the town.
Outlook for the upcoming races
The organiser of Enduro One, Christoph Döbler, was also completely satisfied with the season opener: "The racing season is finally starting again - and with such a great start! The team around Alex and Heiko from Adventure Bikes have once again given their all. It's nice to be welcomed so openly in a spa town like Bad Wildbad. We also had a full house again with the best weather. It can go on like this."
The stages at a glance
Bad Wildbad (17/18 May 2025): - 6 stages - 850 vertical metres - Technically demanding route - Urban stage in the spa gardens
Trieb (30/31 May 2025): - Next tour stop in the series
Winners of the Enduro One Series in Bad Wildbach
- E1 Pro: Lukas Kater, Heim Racing / RCG Weißenburg 1894 e.V.
- E1 Woman: Nora Biller, Arc8 Factory Team
- E1 Sport: Max Hisge, Unbound Racing / SRS e.V.
- E1 e-bike: Tom Pölderl, FAST FORWARD ORBEA
- E1 Super Senior: Martin Feyl, UFC Ellingen#
- E1 Woman Seniora: Philippa Young, MadMaxx Fatbike Club
- E1 Senior: Michael Tscherer
- E1 E-Bike Senior: Wilfred Van de Haterd, Thok E-Bikes / Wartburg-Trails e.V.
- E1 Pre Senior: Manuel Recktenwald, Bergradler Oberthal / Slnd~Aszl Cycling
- E1 E-Bike Woman: Simone Vogel, RTB Bikes
- E1 Junior: Matthis Fröhlich, Schuhmacher Enduro Team
- E1 Beginner: Mike Janiszewski, The Wheel Builder
- ABUS Youngster: Marlon Schuh
- E1 Guest: Gregor Braun, Statera-Bikes
Marc Strucken
Editor
