PRO 1 – Golfo Dianese – Superenduro Powered by SRAM

The Superenduro powered by SRAM 2012 season kicks off 14th -15th April at Golfo di Diano Marina. The quiet, Mediterranean towns of San Bartolomeo, Diano Marina, Cervo, Diano San Pietro and Diano Castello are welcoming their first Superenduro Pro race. Hundreds of riders from across the world will take to the trails to try and wrestle the red champions’ number board from Andrea Bruno.

The big question will be whether he can hold onto that title for a third straight season. In the pre-season races at Sanremo and Coggiola, both Alex Lupato and Davide Sottocornola have been able to get the better of him, with Andrea Gamenara and Manuel Ducci close behind. It is now that the real racing begins though and we will find out whether the pre-season form means anything, or if he has been waiting for the main event. Rumour has it that Andrea has even given up his usual flat pedals for clips this season. But it’s not just the Italians he will need to worry about – Frances Karim Amour, the UK’s Alex Stock and Germanys Rob-J are all confirmed to be at competing at Golfo di Diano Marina. More international racers are expected to be there, so it is going to be a tough competition this season.

The event will open with the prologue on Saturday evening in the center of Diano Marina, followed by a concert headlined by Deverano Tinto. Local organisers FRRD have chosen four special stages that the race will run over on Sunday: Maiali, CNC San Rocco, Antennas and the all-new Molini. Pits and the race start will all be in San Bartolomeo under the Torre Saracena. Throughout the weekend there will be living timing and commentary there and a free bus service taking spectators out to the special stages.

Riders who have raced one of the Superenduro Sprint races here will be familiar with most of the trails. Stage one Sunday will be Maiali, which is returning by popular demand. We’re sure this will make a lot of people happy! It is one of the most popular trails in the and with its twenty-one jumps it is a challenge for riders of all levels. After starting with a 20m slight uphill sprint, it is all singletrack, ending with bike park-style jumps. Then riders will take on the all-new trail, Molini. Typical of the trails in this region, riders will need to find their rhythmn through the sequence of tight, steep corners. After the first two stages racers then head back to the pits and a chance to relax for a few minutes and get ready to head back out again for the afternoon. When they head back out they will climb first to San Rocco, a classic and another favourite among riders.

A mixture of steep chutes and jumps, flowing back down to the town below. Finally they will take on Antennae (Cervo). Possibly the most famous track in the area, with its Salto nel Blu (Jump into the Blue) it has been a favourite with magazines and photographers over the years for its stunning views of the sea. This year the middle section has been changed and lengthened by about a minute. It is probably the least technically challenging of the stages, but whether it will feel like that after 40km in the saddle is a different question!

Fun. That is still the main priority for most of the field. With the Superenduro format there is the unique opportunity to ride alongside the top racers on equal terms. This will always be the heart of our races.
Everything is ready for the 14th and 15th – see you at Golfo di Diano Marina!
For more info check here the Race Sheet.