Although only short sections usually count towards the classification, the athletes first have to get there in a relaxed manner. There is usually a 1000 metre mountain in the way, or a nasty headwind. "Enduro riders have to be fit all round," says professional René Wildhaber: "That's why my training is a colourful mix. I do a lot in the gym, Olympic weightlifting, intervals and sprints. For my endurance, I get on my touring skis in winter, go running or ride my bike for several hours," reveals the Swiss enduro legend. To be a complete athlete like Wildhaber, you need thousands of hours of training in your bones and a clear head. "Because only short sections count towards the enduro classification, you have to be able to call on your performance immediately. You have to mentally switch gears, otherwise you're just coasting along. I found that difficult at first, and I always need some time to get used to a competition," says Wildhaber and points out that mental training should be part of an enduro programme.
This area is also taken into account in our training plans, which you can download below. As in the previous categories, the training is divided into three time budgets so that every rider can find their own individual plan. These plans will make you faster, more enduring and more agile.
INTERVIEW WITH ALEXA HÜNI (Enduro novice)
You rode your first enduro season in 2014 and finished ninth overall in the European rankings. Did you expect that?
Not really, as I actually only saw the enduro season as preparation for the cross races. But that changed pretty quickly when I rode the first race: I'd never had so much fun at a race before. Plus all the nice people. The training is also much more varied than classic bike training.
Which you know well, as you have been successful in marathons.
As a marathon rider, you spend a lot of time on your bike and do a lot of basic training. In enduro, however, other qualities are crucial. Of course you have to be fit if you have to go up the mountains. But agility and explosiveness count in the sections. Your riding technique has to be right so that you can get down the mountain quickly and, above all, safely.
What did your training for this look like?
Of course, I did some basic training on the bike to create a foundation. But then I added lots of intervals and sprints. Strength training took up a large block. I also simulated race passages.
How so? The exchange rate is usually not known.
That's right, but the process is familiar. My main problem was being able to give 100 per cent at the beginning when it was my turn. I marked out a route for myself at home: After warming up, I went to my imaginary start line, waited three minutes for my mobile phone timer to beep - and sped off.
