2023 Race Season
2023 RACE
NEWS
Round 1: Maydena Bike Park
Round 1: Maydena Bike Park, Tasmania
After a sizeable off season, the 2023 EDR season is back with a bang. A new look for 2023 with the advent of 'EDR' in place of the previous EWS and a few tweaks in the format with all racing taking place on a Sunday and additional stage points now on offer. Both of which a change for the riders and Maydena proved this can have a big effect on the results.
The Nukeproof Sram Factory racing team remains largely unchanged (read more about that here), Elliott Heap, Dan Booker, Kelan Grand and Corey Watson make up the team this year and there's a lot to be excited about...
Maydena Local Legend and Park Trail Builder Dan Booker held his nerve and rode the race of his life to finish on the podium in 2nd place, just 5 seconds across 6 stages behind Aussie local Luke Meyer-Smith. The atmostphere was totally electric as the wild crowd rooted for their local Dan.
Elliott Heap got the weekend off to a flyer with a 4th in the 2nd stage only to suffer a mechanical and an injury later in the day, we wish Elliott a speedy recovery and know he'll come back swinging.
Youngest recruit to the Nukeproof Sram Factory racing team, Corey Watson put down impressive times throughout the day despite a small crash leaving him in 21st overall. Kelan Grant, started his season off in great form off the back of a tricky 2022. Putting consistent times in throughout the day to finish 35th overall.
You can check out the highlights here and also the bike check for the team bikes here. The Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team are staying in the Southern Hemisphere this weekend with the next EDR in Derby, Tasmania.
"It was an amazing start for team Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing in the first ever UCI Enduro World Cup on what was some of the sports best and wildest ever trails.
A huge thank you to Sram Australia and Maydena bike park for looking after us like Royalty, Dans mum for putting us up and all our team sponsors, we definitely looked the best out on the tracks. The bikes and kits this year are next level."
Nigel Page, Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team manager
Round 2: Derby, Tasmania
Round 2: Blue Derby, Tasmania
The small but mighty Derby was the next stop on the UCI Enduro World Cup circuit, topping off the first block of racing in the Southern Hemisphere for the Nukeproof SRAM Factory Racing team.
What Maydena provided in burly DH flat out stages, Derby matched with extremely technical physical tracks. Big features, big liasons and no short supply of pedalling, Derby was a true Enduro test for the riders, requiring not only technical skills but pure horsepower for the longer flatter sections of trail.
7 hours of practise in unrelenting rain on Thursday did its best to dampen spirits but the team came out swinging on Saturday, encouraged no doubt by the sensational Tasmanian crowds. Think DJ’s set up at key sections of the track, the usual chainsaws/hub percussion with huge numbers of fan littering the tracks, for such a remote part of Tasmania, its incredible to see the passion and love they show MTB.
Dan Booker rode to an electric crowd once again, cementing himself as a true fan favourite. Shouting ‘BOOKER, BOOKER’ before Dan even came into view surely pushed Dan to dig deep on these hugely physical tracks. Dan showcased his ability to put the power down when needed and topped off the day an incredible 8th spot. This puts Dan 2nd overall in the Enduro World Cup series, an unbelievable effort. Kelan Grant put down another heater of a race, loving the tracks here and showing the true power he has, Kelan finished in the top 30 and securing his position in the top 30 overall providing the perfect platform to take on the European rounds.
Hawick’s fastest window cleaner finished with a top 50 spot here at Derby. The young Scottish talent definitely excels on the more gravity fed tracks and his skills shine there but showed power and strength on these pedally stages and a building block for the rest of the season. Overall Corey sits in 35th going into the next round in Italy.
Unfortunately Elliott Heap had to sit out this week after injuring his shoulder on the final stage last week in Maydena which was a huge blow for Elliott and the team. Elliott has put in a huge amount of work this winter and the tracks here in Derby would have suited him, we are looking forward to him coming back stronger in June.
Check out the highlights here. The Team will be heading to Finale Ligure 3/4th June for Round 3 of the EDR.
"So that’s a wrap for the first 2 rounds of the UCI Enduro World Cup and very successful for team Nukeproof Sram Factory racing. A huge thankyou to Tasmania for putting on 2 amazing races we will never forget. Thanks to the while team for pulling together and to all our amazing sponsors for their support."
Nigel Page, Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team manager
Round 3: Pietra ligure, Italy
Round 3: Pietra Ligure
After two months break from racing, the Nukeproof Sram Factory racing team were back between the tape for the next block of UCI Enduro World Cup racing, this time in the beautiful Ligurian coastal town of Pietra Ligure, Italy.
The race course offered a brutal day of riding, with 6 stages and over 2000m of climbing paired with 3000m of descending on the unrelenting rocky terrain of Pietra, a true Enduro test.
An unfortunate injury at Round 1 (Maydena), meant Elliott Heap had to sit out of Round 2 (Derby), some solid recovery time meant the full team of Elliott Heap, Kelan Grant, Corey Watson and Dan Booker were all back racing together in Pietra. All four riders have made the choice to ride Mega's this season with them all running the all new Horizon Pro Wheels.
Thursday's practise provided some changing conditions with a thunderstorm and some rain to break up the intense heat, leaving the tracks slick but equally blown out. Friday's rest day was a welcome relief for all the athletes.
Dan went into the race in 2nd overall after some incredible results in his homeland of Tasmania. In stark contrast to Tasmania, Pietra's track are tight and pedally with Stage 1 alone providing nearly 10 minutes of race time. Dan struggled to find pace on this stage which set him back 30seconds going into the next stages. Digging deep, Dan produced some incredible stage times, with 2 top tens finishing the day in 23rd and picking up valuable points for the overall.
Elliott went into Round 3 with natural apprehension following his shoulder inury but proved his experience and resiliance to finish just outside the top 30 with 5/6 stages in the top 30. A great first race back for the Wiganer.
Fresh off the back of his Trans Madeira win, Kelan Grant was struggling with a niggling knee injury throuhout the race hampering his chances but managed to push through race day finishing just outside the top 40 in a very stacked field.
Youngest recruit to the Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team, Corey Watson was back on his Enduro bike following a 2nd in the Pump Track World Championships on his Nukeproof Solum last weekend. An early crash scuppered Corey's chances of getting amongst it in Pietra but yet another display of resiliance put on by Corey to finish the day.
A good builiding weekend of results in tricky conditions for the team in Pietra, they continue through Europe to Leogang next (15-18th June) where the EDR will run alongside the DH World Cup or the first time. Check out the Pietra highlights here.
"The Enduro riders now have one week to regroup and recover before Leogang, Austria. A big thank you to all the team for giving it their all as usual, Mechanics Matt Scott and Chris Hindes for keeping the bikes running good in the tough conditions and all our amazing sponsors for their support making it possible.
Nigel Page, Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team manager
Round 4: Leogang, Austria
Round 4: Leogang, Austria
2023 saw the UCI DH and EDR (formerly EWS) and XC join forces and Leogang, set in the breathtaking Austrian alps was the first location to have all three events taking place over one weekend.
This new format meant the EDR took place earlier in the week than at the other venues this season, with practise kicking off on Wednesday and racing the following day meaning there was no rest day in between as had been the new normal for the 2023 season.
Leogang is well known for its Bike park (Host to the weekends DH race), however the whole region offered riders true variety. The first stages started in the Salzburg and progressed over to the former DH track in Leogang as the day progressed. The 71km course took in Bike Park trails, rough chunky downhill tracks and fast alpine singletrack across six stages.
Sitting in the top 10 overall going into Leogang, Tasmanian Dan Booker had it all to play for. His consistency shone through with only one stage result outside the top 10 (13th), putting him in an incredible 5th place on the day and cementing his top 5 overall position in the world rankings so far.
Back from injury and with the stoke kettle firmly boiling, Elliott Heap was back on the pace he is capable of. Despite a crash in the first stage, Elliott progressed through the results as the day went on finishing in an impressive 11th.
Young gun Corey Watson will remember this race as his best ever Enduro World Cup (so far...) finishing in the top 20 and a best ever stage finish of 5th.
Irish rider Kelan Grant, put down consistent times throughout the day to put himself in 30th, proving that consistency is key and really finding his strength and fitness this season.
"The whole team killed it this week. To have all four riders in the top 30 is an incredible achievement, super proud of all the lads. Well done to Matt and Chris for keeping the bikes running sweet.
We're now back to Italy to Val Di Fassa in the Trentino valley for Round 5 f the EDR.
Nigel Page, Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team manager
Round 5: Val Di Fassa, Italy
Round 5: Val Di Fassa, Italy
The final race of an intense block of EDR races was upon the Nukeproof SRAM factory raceng team, this time in the incredible setting of Val Di Fassa in the Trentino region of Northern Italy. The dramatic mountains of Val Di Fassa have to be one of the most jaw-dropping locations on the EDR circuit. Not only do the views pack a punch, this round is well known to be one of the physically demanding courses on the schedule and 2023 was no different.
Practise on Friday, in accordance with the new schedule, was cut short due to impending storms and practise of the last two stages was moved to Saturday, altering the normal Saturday rest day routine. However, the Nukeproof SRAM Factory racing team were fired up for a big day racing despite the slick conditions.
Unfortunately, the night prior to race day, sickness swept through the camp with Elliott Heap and Dan Booker coming off particularly badly into race day. They battled through with very little energy on some relentless tracks that included brutal mid stage climbs to post impressive results. Elliott finished the day in 18th, an incredible result. Team mate Dan Booker finished his day in 20th retaining his position of 6th overall in the World rankings going into the mid season break.
Following a career best finish in Leogang, Corey Watson was bringing the stoke to Val Di Fassa only to suffer a mechanical on one of the longest stages of the day which put him well out of contention. He goes into the break fired up to get that form back.
Another show of grit and determination came in the form of Irishman Kelan Grant, suffering a niggling knee injury throughout the season, the physicality of this race took its hold and made the injury much more significant. Kelan battled on to complete the day and gain those all important overall points.
All four riders end this first block of racing in the top 40 overall in the World standings with Dan Booker sitting in 6th overall, a seriously impressive position to be in. The team now have a break until the UCI EDR World Cups pick back up in Loudenvielle, France 1-3rd September.
Round 6: Loudenvielle, France
Round 6: Loudenvielle, France
Following the summer break, the Nukeproof SRAM factory racing team were back in action for the penultimate race of the season in Loudenvielle, France. The tracks here are known to be challenging, with steep technical sections, fast flat out sections and some seriously physical long stages.
The weather played havoc with the timetable bringing the race forward to Saturday instead of the planned Friday practise and Sunday race day. However, this meant conditions were perfect on the tracks. The team were sporting their brand new custom painted bikes and custom kit, check them out here.
Dan Booker isn't one to shy away from hard work and during the break has been focussing on his fitness and strength which certainly proved to pay off with 3 stages in the top ten and overall 10th spot, Dan sits in 7th in the overall standings with one round to go. An incredible effort from the Tassie talent.
Irishman Kelan Grant knew these tracks would suit his strong aggressive style but explained that he just couldn't find the flow on race day. Happy to lay down a clean day of racing, Kelan looks forward to the final round in Chatel.
Elliott Heap's season has been marred with injury and he was stoked to return to racing, this was short lived with a crash on his already damaged shoulder on the first stage putting him through a tough day on the bike. He pushed on to complete and gain some all important team points.
Hawick's best Window Cleaner Corey Watson could empathise with Elliott, after suffering a knee injury on the first stage, the main aim shifted to finish the race. Corey was gutted as he had a career best result last year in Loudenvielle.
Despite injuries, the team are feeling stoked and ready for the final EDR World Cup in Chatel, France where the tracks are likely to suit the team very well.
"All in all a great race and results for the team. A big thank you to Matt and Jacy for keeping the bikes running sweet as well as our team sponsors bringing the best support and equipment available."
Nigel Page, Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team manager
Round 7: Chatel Final EDR
Round 7: Chatel, Portes Du Soleil
Famed for its big bike park lines and huge jumps, Chatel was the location for the final round of the 2023 EDR World Cup series. Contrary to its reputation, the tracks were a perfect recipe to test the fastest enduro riders in the world, super steep tech, steep loam, gnarly root and rock sections and flat out bike park tracks.
Our Tassie Superstar, Dan Booker proved yet again he is one of the fastest riders on the EDR circuit. Dan was flying all weekend with a top 10 place in every stage, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 7th, 7th, 1st and 10th to finish 5th overall on the day less than a second behind 4th place over 24 minutes of racing. An incredible result from the young Aussie talent, we are proud and honoured to have you as part of our team.
Enduro ace, Elliott Heap has hard the hardest season to date of his career. After a strong start in the first Tasmanian round, Elliott suffered a shoulder injury in a crash in Derby which was to plague his season. Elliott finished very strong with an overall 17th on the day in Chatel despite suffering sickness all week. Elliott's speed and skill is unmatchable and he is motivated to come back to come back stronger in 2024.
In his first full season of Elite EDR, young Scotsman Corey Watson had a great race and did the team proud finishing 25th overall with some consistant stage results. Corey has shown he has the skills and speed to be up there with the best Enduro races in the world and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve in 2024.
Finally, Kelan Grant, certified legend and one of the most loved and hardest working guys in mountain biking. Chatel was to be Kelan's race after having 3 sizeable crashes throughout the day but still managing an overall 40th. Kelan is such a valuable asset to the team both on and off the track.
Find the full EDR highlights here.
"The whole team performed amazingly all season and its great to see Dan Booker repping our team and placing himself as one of the very fastest Enduro racers in the world. A huge thank you to everyone on the team as usual, all the riders for giving it everything throughout the season and team mechanics Matt Scott, Jacy Schumilak and Chris Hinds for their work this year. Thank you to our incredible sponsors who provide our team with the best products to perform their best.
Finally, thank you to all our fans and families for the support this year, can't wait for the 2024 to start."
Nigel Page, Nukeproof Sram Factory Racing team manager
Check out the Nukeproof SRAM Factory Racing team in action
Watch the highlights from each round here