Enduro World Series #5 Les Orres - France

What an amazing MONTH for the Intense Mavic Collective!

Here we have Isabeau impressions...

Isabeau Courdurier:

We left Canazei with a great feeling of satisfaction but I couldn’t wait to head back to France for the upcoming round of the EWS. Racing in France, in front of your home crowd is always something very special that gives you wings. This time was even more special to me since my grandparents decided to come to Les Orres to see me race in Enduro for the very first time. I was 12 years old, and racing in X-Country the last time they assisted to one of my race! I was so stoked to have them by my side on this weekend, but it also added a bit of pressure. I wanted to make them proud.

Les Orres is a similar profile than Canazei, with long stages, alpine trails and a lot of descending over the weekend. I really feel in my element on this kind of stages and felt like I went back in the days of the very first Enduro races with many natural and fresh cut trails.



This round has been challenging, especially since I had to deal with the pressure Raphaela Richter was putting on me. She was sitting closely behind me at the end of the first day. But I decided to stay focused on the overall ranking and avoid any stupid mistakes or crashes. This strategy paid off since I was able to maintain the same time difference on Sunday.
I expected it, but the French crowd had been amazing and cheered incredibly hard! It was such a great support to be surrounded by my friends and family on this round. I will never forget my grandparent’s tears when I crossed the finished line. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Winning this round in Les Orres was one of the greatest moment of my whole career. It’s for this kind of moments and feelings that I started racing bikes. It was an emotional weekend bringing me so much pride and joy. Giving my best and winning this round was my way to thank my parents, grandparents and friends for their unconditional support over the years.

On a race level, it also means that I scored some valuable points for the overall. I will now try my best to hold on to the lead until the end of the season.
The couple weeks before heading out to Whistler will be spent training – and enjoying the summer at home.

Thanks again for the great support and for making this season a unforgettable one.

Photo credit: Kike Abelleira