Gilchrist and Booker agonisingly close to securing World Championships podium

 A groundbreaking inaugural UCI Mountain Bike Enduro & E-enduro World Championships saw two Australians agonisingly close to securing a medal.

Nine riders were part of the ARA Australian Cycling Team that would be greeted by the snow and ice above Canazei, skiing capital of the Dolomites.

Conditions had largely cleared up before the start of stage one meaning improved grip on the trail but leaving behind slippery frozen roots and rocks to set up an abrasive day of racing in Val di Fassa, Trentino. 

One of the stages for the Enduro World Championships in the Dolomites.

Enduro (EDR) riders needed to tame 42.4 gruelling kilometres and a staggering 2,800m of descent, and both races were decided on the tough and technical Ciasates finale. 

Dan Booker was having a brilliant day on the bike with two of five podium finishes. 

However, by the fifth and final stage the Tasmanian would end up six seconds off third place. 

Dan Booker was the best of the Australians in fourth.

Two other Australians would finish inside the top 20, Luke Meier-Smith (10) and Sascha Kim (17). 

UCI E-enduro World Cup winner Ryan Gilchrist had a hit-and-miss afternoon, finishing four stages on the podium and four outside the top 10 as his mission to claim the rainbow bands faltered. 

The New South Welshman would have to settle for fourth with Michael Hannah 18 and Josh Carlson one spot behind. 

Full results of the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike Enduro & E-enduro World Championships are available HERE