Paul van der Ploeg knows a thing or two about racing bikes. He is a World Champion in the XC Eliminator format, he’s ridden professionally on the road in the National Road Series and Asia Tour scene, and won multiple Australian Cyclocross National Championships.
Having grown up in Mount Beauty, Vandy is no slouch on the enduro bike either, and spent a couple of seasons chasing the travelling circus that is the Enduro World Series.
Recently, Paul has been racing some local Rocky Trail Entertainment SuperFlow enduros. We caught him at the Red Hill race weekend, and he passed on his top five tips for racing your first enduro. Regardless of your racing experience, most of these tips will benefit weekend warriors who enjoy donning a number plate for their local racing series.
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Vandy shares his top tips for racing your first enduro
What is Enduro?
Enduro races can be run in several slightly different formats, however the basics remain the same. There will be between three and seven stages that a rider must complete to get an overall time. This overall time is used to determine your final place on the general classification. The key to enduro is that the uphill climbs to the start of each stage are not timed, these are called liaisons. The race tracks will be predominantly downhill, though in some locations, there can be small pinch climbs within a stage.
The higher level and pro events usually give riders a start time for each stage, meaning they must complete each track in a particular order and make sure they get to the next stage by their designated start time. Other events allow riders to choose which order they run the tracks provided they do them all by the end of the set race period. For the most part these events only allow riders one chance on each track, so if you crash or take a bad line, too bad. Your time will still be recorded.
Recently, event organisers such as Rocky Trail Entertainment have been running enduro-style events with fewer race stages, but you’re allowed up to five runs on each track, with only your fastest time counting. These events are great for riders getting into the sport as it allows you more time to get up to speed and work out how to tackle each stage of the race. Best of all, it also gives you more time to hang out with your mates.
Without further ado, here are Vany’s top tips for folks lining up for their first enduro.
Paul’s Five Tips for Racing Your First Enduro
1. Preparation is key
Make sure you bring enough food and water for the day. Many events will have some form of catering from a BBQ run by a local club to food vans and/ or coffee carts.
This will vary from race to race. Vandy stressed that it’s key to ensure you have enough to eat and drink no matter what other options are available on the day. You’ll need to refuel between stages, so make sure you have enough food and water to keep the motor running. Race bars, gels, and drink mix are great options, but granola bars, bananas, and party mix are safe options that will keep you going, too.
Sticking with familiar food is also important. Race day is not the time to try out new things or overeat. You don’t want to be trying to put down your fastest time on an upset stomach or have to duck into the trees mid-stage because there is a poo-nami headed for shore.
Another key nutritional consideration is making sure you have a healthy and filling dinner the night before and a decent breakfast that morning. Just make sure you leave enough time between eating your breakfast and starting the race to ensure your food can digest.
2. Bike check
Racing can take a toll on your bike, as you will be pushing harder and going faster than on a normal ride. The last thing you want is to discover your linkage bolts have rattled loose mid-run or put your derailleur into the spokes on the first liaison because it’s incorrectly set up. Vandy has seen this firsthand too many times to count now.
It is a good idea to get your bike serviced before a race or, at a minimum, do a thorough check-over before the start. Make sure you have a spare tube and some basic tools, and figure out how to carry them on your bike or in your pockets.
Most events will have some neutral support from a local bike shop or mechanic, and these are great for issues that may pop up out of the blue. However, these services can be quickly overrun. So, anything you can catch the day before and fix on your own will help get you back on the trails quicker.
Bike setup is critical, too. Make sure that you check your tyre pressure and suspension setup. A bike with suspension that is too soft or too hard is not only difficult to ride but can also be unsafe. If this is a bit over your head, check out our detailed guides on setting up your fork and shock or ask a friend or your local shop for some help.
3. Build your speed
Take your time and build into the day. Racing can bring on nerves and excitement, both of which can impact how you ride and alter your decision-making.
Take it easier early in the day and allow yourself to warm up. It’s good to get a run or two in to help loosen up the body and hopefully help you relax as well. It’s no good going out guns blazing on your first run only to crash and prematurely end the race — speaking from experience.
If the event doesn’t allow multiple runs of each track, factor in a short pedal around the event area or even on an easy track that isn’t being raced. This can help get your blood flowing, allow you to warm up, and calm your nerves.
Remember that the liaisons are not timed, so there is no need to pedal hard or beat everyone else to the top of the hill. Vandy says to use these sections for active recovery and to get some food and water in.
4. All the gear
Bring the right gear and make sure you have enough protection. Things can heat up quickly when you are racing, and you could find yourself going faster than you are used to or even hitting features blind.
A full-face helmet and knee pads should be the minimum; long pants and a long-sleeved jersey are worth investing in, too. Anything to help keep your skin protected in a crash.
Elbow pads aren’t exactly fashionable these days, but this joint, in particular, can take a long time to heal if broken or injured, so weigh your options accordingly.
Just like your bike, it is also vital to check over your protective equipment to make sure it is in safe working condition and that it will still provide you with its optimum level of protection.
Vandy suggests making sure you’re comfortable in your gear prior to racing; chances are you will be spending a few hours with all the kit on, so make sure you are used to wearing it and nothing is rubbing you the wrong way after an hour or two in the saddle.
5. Have Fun
Vandy stressed this is the most important aspect of racing! Enduro is one of the most social forms of racing, you can ride with mates all day and chat about your runs on the liaisons or in line at the next stage.
It allows groups of riders who may have varying skills and speed to still hang out together.
There is plenty of downtime between stages or back at the event hub. So, make sure you enjoy the day, laugh, and invite as many mates as you can. You will find you create some of your best riding memories at an enduro race with your mates.
