EWS Loudenvielle 2022 MTB Biking Recap

The final race of the EWS Loudenvielle mountain biking 2022 season brought brutal mountain biking conditions to the Pyrenees, with wet-soaked trails, natural rock, and steep off-camber trails. The Polygon Factory Racing team was determined to unleash their full mountain bike power.

Saturday’s Kern Pro Stage was unforgiving after some overnight rain. Cause the trail was full of slick roots and sharp rocks, many were caught out, many as traction vanished beneath their wheels.

Mountain Bike Riders’ Chaos at EWS Loudenvielle Mountain Biking Race

Brady Stone had a crash at the top of the Pro Stage and had to ride the rest of the stage with twisted mountain bike handlebars, pushing him down the rankings. Meanwhile, Team Captain Dan Wolfe delivered a solid MTB performance, riding with confidence to secure P66. Matt Stuttard, launching last for the PFR team, benefited from teammate insight on the slippery conditions and wrapped up his stage in P34.

“I had a mix of ups and downs. The speed is there (it only left for a while) – I just need to work on a few things over the winter so that I can keep up with the boys!” – Dan Wolfe

Sunday’s conditions were slicker again. On the first stage of the day, Matt Stuttard ripped his mountain bike tyre on the first corner – resulting in riding a 6-7 min stage on a rear flat. It was in fact one of Matt’s best stages, where he was sitting at P13 before the mechanical.

“I was a bit raging by the flat tire – but that is racing! Ended up in P24, which wasn’t bad considering the mechanicals.” – Matt Stuttard

The mountain bike team approached the rest of day 2 with caution and ending on a high. Matt finished in P25, only 1:40s behind overall race leader Alex Rudeau. Team-mates Brady finished in P63 and Dan in P68.

“I came into day 2 hoping to stay on my bike and have some fun, after my crash in the Pro Stage – I did that, so happy to finish the season on a high.” – Brady Stone

It was a thrilling season finish for Polygon Factory Racing – with the team ending in P16 (out of 42 teams).

“We’d like to thank all our sponsors throughout the year for believing in a new Factory Team. The support has been incredible and we hope to continue the journey into next year” – Serena Lisney, Polygon International Brand Manager.

“What a season. Polygon Factory Racing was just a dream this time last year. Fast forward to last Sunday and we’ve managed to finish this season swinging. I’m extremely proud of what we achieved this year. It’s been a big learning curve for me personally but I have loved the process. Everyone has been super supportive and patient. I cannot thank all of our partners enough. Most importantly for their trust in us starting this team from scratch and for the products that kept us rolling all season long. Next year is going to be bigger and better and I’m more motivated than ever. Cheers everyone. – Dan Wolfe

The EWS Loudenvielle mountain biking season is set for a dramatic finale in the legendary Finale Ligure, Italy, where the all important Trophy of Nations will take place. Matt Stuttard has qualified to represent Great Britain, and Dan Wolfe is currently in the reserve spot to represent Ireland. This unique MTB race trades personal accolades for national pride, as top mountain bike athletes join forces in teams of three to chase the coveted UCI jerseys.