The final race of the 2022 season made for tricky and treacherous conditions in the Pyrenees mountains after significant rain. With natural rock and steep off-camber trails, the Polygon Factory Racing team were looking to go full gas!
Saturday saw plenty of crashes as riders pushed hard on the almost traction-free tracks of Loudenvielle. The Kern Pro Stage was running dangerously after some overnight rain. There were plenty of gnarly roots and rocks mixed in.
Brady Stone had a crash at the top of the Pro Stage and had to ride the rest of the stage with twisted handlebars – placing him toward the back of the field. Team Captain Dan Wolfe, had a cracking stage and was thrilled with his pace, finishing in P66. Matt Stuttard was the last of the PFR team to set off. His teammates shared valuable intel in terms of the conditions of the track – making for a slower stage, ending 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 tyre on the first corner – resulting in riding a 6-7min 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 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 season will draw to a close in style in enduro’s most iconic of destinations, Finale Ligure in 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 is where riders will cast aside individual glory as they compete in teams of three for their home nation in pursuit of those hallowed UCI jerseys.
Shout out to the boys’ growth in Enduro World Series 2022:
● EWS #1 Tweed Valley – P23
● EWS #2 Petzen Jamnica – P20
● EWS #3 Val di Fassa – P20
● EWS #4 Whistler – P18
● EWS #5 Burke – P17
● EWS #6 Sugarloaf – P17
● EWS #7 Crans-Montana – P17
