Since the introduction of the e-bike, the stereotype of the e-biker went through different evolution steps. At the beginning, the e-biker was observed by traditional cyclists with contempt as a weak athlete with not enough muscle power, needing the electric motor aid to be able to pedal independently. Later, our fellow e-biker started to gain some attention and curiosity by mainstream cyclists but always with the intention of keeping the electrical assistance at bay to avoid any cycling pride’s corruption. But finally yesterday in Alassio for the first round of the 2018 E- Enduro Series, the e-biker was capable to demonstrate to be a true athlete with driving skills to cope with even the harshest weather conditions. Pouring rain, mud and cold climate couldn’t stop all the e-bike riders enrolled in the race to cross the finish line.

The city of Alassio and the surrounding trails were the stage of this act. Over the race weekend and for the joy of the riders, visitors and sponsors, the city offered the most beautiful square on the seaside as a prestigious location for the Expo Area and the Arrival/Departure zone of the first round of the 2018 E- Enduro race series.

Among the sponsor of the series, the title sponsor Specialized was present with an exposition of bikes and bike products, Brose made available to all the participants its multiple battery recharging station, Vittoria Tire was present with its top quality tires and Fox Suspension products, Mr. Wolf presented its revolutionary no-flat system SmartMousse, Atala showed its complete e-bike range from mountain biking to commuting, Braking and Billets showed their brake products and Andreani Group-Olhins offered a complete race service to the riders.

The race was very competive especially for the rearguard positions because Alessandro Gennesi (ASD Free Ride Tigullio) and Laura Rossin (Soul Cycles Racing Team) took immediately the lead, winning all the special stages. In the positions left in the overall men classification, Simone Martinelli (Team Cico Bike DSB) took the 2nd place and Andrea Bruno (Tribe Team) the third place after a long battle with Andrea Garbino (New Bike 2008 Racing Team).

In the overall women classification, we find Nadine Sapin (Endurotribe.com) in 2nd position and Mary Wragg Moncorgé in third. The evergreen Giovanna Bonazzi (Pro M Team) was 4th, Elisabetta Borgia, wife of Marco Aurelio Fontana and returning to race after a long stop was 5th followed by Laura Luisa Mandrioli, Isabel Marotti and Francesca Lucchini. Thank you girls, you are awesome!

Here the complete Photo gallery