Jesse Melamed leaning the bike over on a race stage

EWS Petzen-Jamnica: Melamed Gets Gold

After a two-week hiatus, the Enduro World Series was back in action for the second round of the 2022 season. This time around, riders would be tackling stages in both Austria and Slovenia. One side of the mountain had steeper stages, while the other was flatter and required more pedaling, which made for a very even playing field.

Jack Moir back on pace, charging at Petzen-Jamnica

First up, the EWS-E race. Maxxis-equipped Yannick Pontal (BlackBox Test Pilot Program) and Tiago Ladeira (Miranda Factory Team) went first and second in the Men’s race with Maxxis’ sponsored rider Edgar Carballo Gonzalez (Orbea Fox Enduro Team) rounding out the top steps in third. Pinkbike Academy winner Flo Espiñeira (Orbea Fox Enduro Team) snagged second in the Women’s race.

EWS-E team podium

The kick-off to the EWS race, the Pro Stage, was a tough one. For the top men, the stage was around 13 minutes long, while the top women’s times were over 15 minutes. Jesse Melamed (Rocky Mountain Race Face) looked to be in peak condition, taking the win on this long stage in Elite Men. Jack Moir (Canyon Collective) and Richie Rude (Yeti Fox Factory Team) followed behind him in second and third positions. In Elite Women, Ella Connolly (Cannondale Bikes) slotted into third while Bex Baraona (Yeti Fox Factory Team) took fifth.

Jesse Melamed holding on during long EWS stages

Bex rallying down Petzen trails

The next day, racers had to take on four more stages in hot weather. Keeping his pace from the previous day, Jesse Melamed held on and took the Petzen-Jamnica win in Elite Men. Richie ended up second and Moir placed third. In Elite Women, Ella Connolly and Bex Baraona kept it consistent and took third and fifth once again.

Richie pushing hard on rough Petzen tracks

Jesse posing with his winning steed

Petzen-Jamnica was another thrilling round of Enduro World Series racing. The overall points are already starting to get tighter, and we cannot wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds. Stay tuned as the next round takes place next weekend, June 25-26.