PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE TRUMPORE
The Forbidden Synthesis put it all together this weekend to land on the top step and claim the lead in the team standings. The team's effort will see them donning the prestigious yellow plates in Derby this weekend.
EMMY LAN
Emmy wasted no time picking up right where she left off last year. She battled back after an unintended dismount and a few mistakes to claim P1 overall in the U21 category.
"Insane time racing the first UCI enduro World Cup. So pumped to be here in Australia with the team and couldn’t ask for a better first weekend. Had a pretty hectic race with a few fumbles putting me in second all day, but managed to pull it back and grab the win by the end. Big smiles watching the crew kill the game out here. Definitely amped for the season!"
-Emmy Lan
CONNOR FEARON
Conor was consistently pinned all day landing himself in the top five on all stages except for one. A late-day push put him in third in stages five and six. That effort earned him a step on the men's elite podium.
"It was awesome to kick the World Series season off in Australia with the Enduro of Maydena. I’ve ridden here a few times over the years and love the terrain and style of riding here. It was a really tough and fast-paced day of racing, the times stayed tight all day. I was sitting in third overall before the last stage but there was only about 5 seconds back to eighth place so it was going to come down to the final 10-minute stage for a spot on the podium. I had a really good final stage and was able to secure a spot on the podium for third place which I’m so happy with. To make the day even better our Forbidden Synthesis team was the team of the day which shows how well the team is working and riding coming into the season.
-Connor Fearon
RHYS VERNER
Rhys shook off early-season nerves and rode a consistent and composed race to break up the Australian domination. He put his prototype(#notadreadnought) bike into fourth place, grabbing his best result to date and the attention of race fans, journalists, bench racers, and comment section commandos along the way.
"First race of the year and it was an awesome day for the whole team! I was pretty nervous going into the race with a lot of unknowns about where I was at, but I surprised myself a bit and had my best result ever. The day was pretty smooth and consistent and I’m pumped on my riding! Even more stoked on being the first non-Australian and beating all the EWS regular podium boys. Pressure is on for the rest of the year but I feel confident and ready to get into it. Team of the day was an amazing experience as well, and I will remember this day for a long time. Thanks to everyone that makes this possible!"
-Rhys Verner
ALEX STORR
Alex pushed hard all day and never lacked commitment. A few crashes put him back in the standings, but he persevered to pilot his Dreadnought inside the top 15 among fast company and ahead of some very heavy hitters.
Alex, enjoying time in the hot seat and the associated fruits of his labour.
Team manager, Mathieu Dupelle and mechanic, Anthony Poulson put in long hours to keep the team's bikes in fighting form.
Huge thank you to the team partners that make this all possible.
