Enduro
Everything you need to know about Extreme XL Lagares
The season opener of the World Enduro Super Series is upon us and Paul Bolton is here to tell us everything we should know about the three-day event, Extreme XL Lagares, in and around Porto, Portugal.
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The inaugural World Enduro Super Series (WESS) kicks off this month with hard enduro event Extreme XL Lagares. The three-day race starts on May 11 in the streets of Porto, in the north of Portugal, before moving into the hills in Lagares. Above-average rainfall and rising water levels are expected to add to the challenge this year.
Enduro rider Paul Bolton talks us through one of the toughest events in this year’s super series.
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What is Extreme XL Lagares?
Endurocross, urban and hard enduro come together over three days of racing. A night-time endurocross race in Porto fuels the fire for riders, fans and spectators which will see them through the weekend.
The prologue takes place on Saturday in the streets of the city’s old town and harbour, while Sunday sees the athletes heading into the hills to tackle perilous riverbeds and rocky terrain in one of the most demanding races in the WESS.
“The riders will get the Portuguese spectators' taste buds going,” Bolton says. “The way they race in the prologue will determine their starting position for day two, which is a faster ride with more technical sections.”
What are the toughest parts?
Day three is the big one with riders going up into the hills for a technically demanding race involving slippery stream beds and challenging terrain. Riders need to balance their skill with making sure they don’t wreck their bikes.
“It’s four hours of riding at least, and you’re not getting very far fast," says Bolton. "Some riders will be getting off and pushing the bike through the harder parts. It’s about letting the bike do the work but also about the rider taking care of the bike. We are pretty much on our own. A rider can help a rider but spectators aren’t allowed to leap in."
We are pretty much on our own; a rider can help a rider but spectators aren’t allowed to leap in
Bolton continues: "One of the toughest things is that there has been a lot of rain out there recently. Some of the streams will be very deep. That is a problem and looking after the bike – not smashing it into rocks and not getting it water-logged – is important. This is one of seven rounds so you do not want that to happen.”
Find out five things you might not know about the Extreme XL Lagares:
What is the trickiest part?
The river jump is one of the trickiest parts. Riders can either go over or around a dump truck. If they go around it they risk flooding their bikes in the high water but if they choose to go over then they have to commit to it.
“It’s going to be down to who can look after their bike the best and navigate through that tricky river section,” Bolton says. “If you've got long legs then that will help.”
If you've got long legs then that will help
What kit do the riders need to get through the race?
Enough to see them through the race but not so much that they will overheat. Helmets, a comfy pair of gloves, boots, engine protection, strong chain guards, the right mousses and a cooling fan is a must for the bike.
Get a rider's view of the Prologue:
3 min
Ben Hemingway's POV
Ben Hemingway and Andreas Lettenbichler race head-to-head along the riverbanks of the Douro in Portugal.
Who's tipped for the top?
He may sound like he’s joking but with the potential for high river levels, Bolton says that Cody Webb has the edge.
“He has long legs and that will work in his favour. If the water is deep it will give him an advantage,” he claims. “Graham Jarvis has got the best technical ability and you can't count him out, but the younger guys are coming now and they are really good. I think he is going to struggle against them this time.”
Bolton says the biggest difference is that everybody is going to be there for the first time. It’s not about individual races. He says: “There are 10 to 12 of the strongest riders of all time and mechanicals are going to be a big thing. It will be interesting to see who has been doing their homework."
“There will be more spectators this year and it’s going to be wild," he adds. "The competition could change at any moment.”
Cody Webb leading Graham Jarvis at Red Bull Minas Riders 2017 in Brazil
© Fabio Piva/Red Bull Content Pool
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