Australia has its first Enduro World Series team; Team DERT. Go do it for Gravesy! Read below for more details.
Australian mountain bikers will take on an unprecedented challenge in the Enduro World Series this year. The Downunder Enduro Race Team (Team DERT) will contest 6 rounds of the series that sees riders take on the most challenging trails an area has to offer. With races located in New Zealand, Canada, USA, France, Spain and Italy. Team DERT is supported by Event Management Solutions Australia (EMS Australia) with the goal of supporting talented riders who are looking to take on the EWS, without the security of being on the reserved riders list, or factory backing.
EMS Australia is the leading promotor of Enduro racing in the country and is keen to provide pathways for riders to take on the world’s best, including Toowoomba rider and 2014 EWS World Champion, Jared Graves. The successful bid for Official Team Status is quite a win for Team DERT, with a record number of teams applying for the limited number of spots. Team manager, Ian Harwood feels that the mix of strong riders, and a focus on future development was a key factor in the successful application.
Team riders who have all excelled in the recent SRAM Enduro Series, presented by Santa Cruz will accrue points in the teams division, whilst ex World Cup racer and one of Australia’s first professional Mountain Bikers, Michael Ronning will be chasing podiums in the Masters class.
Team DERT will also participate in selected rounds of the recently announced Mountain Bike Australia National Enduro Series. Team DERT is supported by Event Management Solutions Australia and For The Riders. Individual riders received support from Giant Bicycles Australia and Santa Cruz Bicycles.