Rae's Race Report: Enduro World Series #4, Wicklow

Sending It for the Fans: A Fun and Challenging Enduro World Series Round in Wicklow

with RAE MORRISON

The athletes touring around the world to race the Enduro World Series were in for another round of mud in Wicklow, Ireland. After a relatively dry first day of practice, the skies opened up and gave racers the opportunity to see how the tracks would perform in the wet. Giant Factory Off-Road team rider Rae Morrison told us in the beginning of the season that she is not a fan of the mud – she is much more comfortable in sunny, dry conditions. But, after Round 4 in Wicklow, perhaps she’s changing her mind. Rae had fun tackling the 46 km course with 6 timed stages. She crossed the finish line just outside the top ten, grabbing an 11th place finish and moving into the top-ten overall in the series. We caught up with Rae last week to get a behind-the-scenes look at EWS Wicklow.

All photos by Sven Martin Photography.

 

LIV: After Madeira, you were really looking forward to coming to Ireland and racing in Wicklow. How did the race stack up against your expectations?

RAE: Wicklow has hosted two incredible and memorable rounds for the last two years, with this race being their third time. Due to the success of the previous races my expectations were high and no matter what the weather was doing, I knew I was in for a good race. Ireland has perfected the balance between fun and challenging. The race promotors have created an amazing atmosphere by making the tracks easy access by spectators, giving us a lunch stop to refuel, and choosing tracks that are super fun whilst still being challenging with tight transition times and having some very technical sections on the course.   

 

LIV: How is your Giant Factory Off Road teammate, Mckay Vezina doing after his shoulder injury in Madeira?

RAE: Mac is a very positive guy with high energy and we all missed having him there. It looks like his recovery is going well so fingers crossed he's back with us in time for France.

 

LIV: With two days of practice leading up to the race, what were your main goals for each day?

RAE: My goal is to get the feel for the tracks and terrain during practice. To find the fastest lines while still trying to stay adaptable and comfortable. You need to be adaptable because the trails will deteriorate with ruts, more exposed roots and rocks, and new holes constantly forming due to poor weather and the bulk of riders practicing. What’s more, practice and race days are always back-to-back and can be very long and tiring. I also try to save energy and keep practice to a minimal by utilizing my GoPro so I have more energy and confidence for the race. 

LIV: Riding and racing in wet/muddy conditions is a challenge. With so much experience riding in the wet so far this year, what are some tips you have picked up on that have helped you ride in these conditions?

RAE: Tires make the biggest difference when riding in the mud. A tire with spikes or large knobs and wide spacing helps with grip and mud clearance to prevent your tires from slipping and clogging. This creates a more comfortable and confident feeling on the bike and therefore leads to better positioning because you are less worried and tense. Another big help for me has been keeping warm by wearing a base layer and/or rain jacket. If I am cold it takes away the enjoyment, I waste energy shivering, and I tense up which reduces my reaction time and speed on the bike. So being physically warm and comfortable is key.

 

LIV: One of the aspects of racing in Wicklow that you were excited about was the fans. Do you have any funny spectator stories?

RAE: I love the Irish spectators! They make this my favourite race of the year. The stages are covered with fans from start to finish, often dressed up, shouting, cheering, ringing cowbells, sirens and the odd chainsaw. I have no problem focusing, but everyone is so loud and ‘present’ it’s impossible to completely tune them out, so instead I use it as encouragement and an advantage. It feels pretty amazing when hundreds of people are cheering for you and shouting your name so it gives me strength to push that little bit more. I had a good spectator moment on stage 6 where there was a little road gap jump, I am around the corner and there were people everywhere but no noise... they were cheering me with mime! Haha! It was only after I landed the jump that the crowd erupted and the noise and cheers return. That was a really funny experience; it’s so cool to see everyone having such a great time.

Fans at EWS Wicklow

LIV: What were the highlights and lowlights of the race?

RAE: A big highlight for me was how the rain did not affect my mood and I felt pretty positive the whole weekend. The old me would have been gutted about the weather and having another wet race, but this weekend I had a different mindset. The weather is out of my control and I was going to enjoy myself sliding around in the mud.  I do need to work on trail speed and keeping the bike upright but that's a process that is ever evolving and something that we can all work on!

Rae Morrison at EWS Wicklow

LIV: You are now in 8th in the EWS standings overall. Congrats! What are your goals/what does your training schedule look like as you head into a bit of a break from racing before the next round in Millau, France?

RAE: My goals are to move forward and to progress as the season goes on. I would like to get back 100% fit and healthy by the end of the season and put down results that I know I’m capable of. Now, I have one week in Whistler before heading to Colorado for GoPro games. Then it’s back to Whistler for 2 weeks to mentally relax and train hard before flying out to France for EWS Round 5 in Millau at the end of June. Cannot wait for more adventures and races!

Race day at EWS Wicklow

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