All Photos: Sven Martin

The penultimate round of the 2022 EWS Series rolled into the Swiss Alpine Ski Village of Crans Montana this weekend, and although we no longer have an official EWS Enduro Team attacking every round, we did have a huge contingent of Factory and Super Grassroots riders dropping in. Miranda Miller was in attendance, en route to the German Grinduro gravel stage race, it would have been rude not to right? U21 Super Grassroots riders Noah Hoffmann and Alexis Roukens were there and Czech Enduro powerhouse, and the best-dressed man in Enduro, Jakub Riha was there fresh off his wrapping up his Czech series podium finish. 

In typical EWS fashion, the weather threw a curveball at the racers and began snowing at the top of the Pro Stage on Friday. But other than those soggy Friday conditions the weather gods mostly smiled at the racers and provided them with hero dirt.

“I was disappointed with my riding on the Pro Stage today. Conditions by race time were really good, I just didn’t ride with enough confidence. The biggest challenge I’ve had all season, with my partial race calendar, is bringing intensity and confidence to my race runs. I’m smooth but making the mental switch to attack has eluded me for much of the season. As usual, just a bit too chill out there. Starting out the back but looking forward to trying to grab some good stage results tomorrow.” – Miranda Miller

“I moved up to 13th from 17th today. My EWS season was brief, but I enjoyed every round and I hope to see everyone next year for a few more. Looking forward to getting some proper rehab in and getting strong again but in the meantime, it’s off to Ghent. – Miranda Miller

After a 42nd in the pro stage on Saturday, I wanted to step it up a little bit on Sunday but unfortunately, I broke my rear brake lever in a stupid crash on the first stage. At least I could fix it and have some fun on the last stages. – Carlos Langelaan
“During the summer I was very busy presenting our Czech dealers with the next season Kona’s so I could not participate in races that were close to home. But now in autumn, the moment arrived that I could look at the big events again. Switzerland was beautiful, with fast trails in the bike park, but also natural riding and a lot of pedaling, it was a great mix of the whole race. I felt fine, but I have to say that the Pro riders are riding sooo quickly, and it’s nice to compare speed with them. The result was from my point of view average (55th place overall) but it must be said that it is Monday and I am already sitting in the office and remembering the great weekend behind the handlebars.” – Jakub Riha
“Back between the tape here in Crans Montana! Had a blast in training, however, had the worst night before Pro stage – tent life isn’t always easy when it snows overnight.

On race day, getting my confidence back and improved my time on each stage!! Then, took a hugey in stage 4… On the bright side, I finished the day gaining 20 seconds on stage 5. Stoked to be back racing and hungry for Loudenvielle” – Alexis Roukens