After a very successful opening round this week SloEnduro makes a stop in Ilirska Bistrica, Slovenia. At this point we can only guess about the number of riders but we already have some strong entries.
At the same time we can rest assured that the Borovci crew from Ilirska Bistrica are preparing an excellent lap on the trails above Črne njive. This will be the second edition of the event under the name SloEnduro Borovci after that they held a SloEnduro 4Fun event twice.
The field
After a record participation of 270 riders three weeks ago in Ajdovščina we may not be looking into another record in spite of a good weather forecast. The opening race does have a lure of its own. With just over two days to go before registration closes Thursday night there are about one hundred riders from 9 countries registered.
The Swiss are coming this time with a Giant team but only with junior riders, no elite. But there are stronger Austrians registered this time like Peter Mihalkovits (Bold Cycles) and Valentin Frey (Team Dorrong) as well as Germans with Voth brothers (Propain Factory Enduro) and the Italian »brother numero 3« Stefano Braidot (UC Caprivesi).
We are still waiting for the names of top Slovenians to show up, but they will be there. Vid Peršak is also at home but he will probably sit this this one out to heal his Achilles tendon properly.
The course
As stated in the event propositions there will be five special stages on the long course, the complete lap has about 1.100 m of elevation and is about 30 km long. There are three of these stages included in the short course (700 vertical m) and two in the U13 course (420 vertical m).
For the e-bike category a power stage will be added on the transfer from 1st to 2nd special stage.
As usually we will publish the exact course on Friday.
The venue
Last year’s venue in Ilirska Bistrica was a blast so we are returning to the same place, right by the pumptrack, on the grass field. There is also a place for campers and camping and there is more room on the nearby parking.
Registration
Open until Thursday night. The non-licensed riders already noted that they can now apply for single day license online with registration.
The program
Race office open for number pick-up on Saturday from 9 till noon, then the course opens for training from 11 am till 6 pm. On Sunday the roll out starts at 9.30 am. (updated)
The weather
Partly cloudy with temperatures just below 20 in town, a couple of degrees cooler on the mountain. No reasons not to show up there even if you are made out of candy.
What to do in Ilirska Bistrica
You may not know that the MKNŽ club in Ilirska Bistrica is one of the strongest alternative music venues in Slovenia. They are holding a doom metal night on Friday with bands Acid Mammoth from Greece and 1782 from Italy. More at www.drustvo-mknz.si.
You can find all the other activities in Ilirska Bistrica and in the area at www.visitilirskabistrica.si. Also available in English, German and Italian.
SloEnduro Borovci 2023 details in event propositions
Live timing at timing.sportident.com
Facebook event
@sloenduro @sloveniacyclingfederation @gkdborovci @visitilirskabistrica
#sloenduro #faktujetu #gkdborovci #visitilirskabistrica
Photos by Tadej Morano @tadejmorano
