TWEED VALLEY EWS ROUND ONE
THE KONA FACTORY TEAM EXPERIENCES SCOTLANDScotland and the EWS have had a rocky relationship. Well, a muddy relationship would be more like it. As all signs pointed to a dry race in the Tweed Valley for the opening round of the 2022 EWS season, the sky opened the during official event shakedown. But luckily that would be the only moisture that riders would see, with dry and dusty conditions on practice and race days.
Kona Factory riders Miranda Miller and Caleb Holonko arrived in Scotland a week prior to film for Miranda’s DVRGNT Minds project and spent time coaching, riding with locals, and taking in a few tourist attractions like a medieval fair (complete with jousting!).
With Miranda concentrating on DVRGNT Minds for 2022 and not racing a full EWS season, and Caleb taking part in the EWS 100, the pressure was off compared to previous seasons, allowing the two riders to really enjoy the trails and the race vibe. Recovering from a recent injury and having only minimal time on her MTB in the past month, Miranda rode to a solid 17th place in the increasingly stacked and competitive pro women’s field. Caleb Holonko’s first-ever EWS race wasn’t without excitement with the North Shore Freerider taking a stage win on Stage 4.
Miranda, Caleb, and filmer Graeme Meiklejohn have relocated to Wales and are now looking set to log some airtime at Revolution Bike Park!
Miranda Miller in front of a wild Scottish crowd!
I had a tough month leading up to the first round of EWS—injuring my shoulder and catching COVID. I had only ridden my bike once before flying to Scotland and I really didn’t know if I’d be able to race or not. So, to line up and race the whole weekend was a big win for me. Fewer rounds means that they’re more precious to me and this weekend got me very excited—I was able to enjoy every moment. I’m a huge fan of the sport and I loved watching the weekend unfold. For me, the highlight was seeing Innes Graham take 3rd spot in front of a home crowd!
Caleb Holonko embracing the Freeracer mantle.
My first EWS! Haha, what a blast that was. The trails were amazing, the people were great and many friends were made along the way. I really was spoiled in my first experience at an EWS event, with perfect weather and trails. Although I wasn’t here to go for the gold, I’m proud to have completed the EWS100 with minimal mistakes. Coming out of the weekend healthy and with a stage win under my belt feels good, can’t wait for the next one!
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