Dates have just been announced for one of the most interesting looking event series of 2012, the X-Fusion Enduro 1, which will go to three locations across the South of England.

The format is ideal for trail riders, with ‘timed sections’ and linking stages testing your all-round skills, with fitness and technique being equally tested in this race series that is right for those new to racing or seasoned mountain bikers looking for something a little different.

And for 2012 the organisers have secure X-Fusion as a title sponsor. “I am really stoked to have such a major player in the world of MTB as X-Fusion on board as the series sponsors. I believe X-Fusion provides the perfect products to race Gravity style Enduros and by having their support we can really help drive this format forward in the UK,” says Enduro 1 race promoter Carlos Perez.

X-Fusion importer Upgrade Bikes added: “X-Fusion and ourselves are really pleased to be involved in supporting  this new series and the UK Enduro racing scene. This is a great way forward for the average mountain biker to become involved in racing for the first time and the X-Fusion/Enduro 1 is both a friendly and fun series for them to cut their teeth on and hopefully be a stepping stone onto greater things in their Enduro racing careers!”

What’s it all about though?

The format consists of timed special stages, which will be downhill orientated but, as this is the UK there’ll still probably be a decent amount of pedaling required. Proceeding each timed section is the linking section, in which you’re given a generous amount of time to pedal (uphill) to the beginning of the next timed section. Clearly, bike choice is an area for debate; not to heavy to get up the climbs, enough suspension and slack geometry for roosting the downhills, something all-mountainy is probably the way forward.

The winning rider is the one with the lowest accumulated score at the end of the day. One second equals one point, so the faster you are, the fewer points you’ll pick up. Read more about the format here http://enduro1.co.uk/raceformat.php

I’m interested. Where and when are the races?

There’ll be three dates this year, at three very different locations. Here’s the venues and dates:

Race 1- Forest Of Dean 22nd April 2012

Race 2- Salisbury Plain 17th June 2012

Race 3 – Longmoor 7th October 2012