EWS Updates Rulebook & Lays Out EWS-E Format

Feb 25, 2020
by James Smurthwaite  
EWS E-MTB Test Event

The EWS rulebook has been updated for 2020 and it crucially outlines the format for the EWS-E series that kicks off this year.

We took a dive into it to find out the key changes for the year ahead.

EWS-E Format

e-MTB racing will be allowed for the first time in the EWS this year. The new format starts in a three-round series with France, Switzerland and Italy all playing host. The FIM simply plonked its racers on a supercross course and let them duke it out for the win head-to-head but the EWS has been a bit more thoughtful with its approach. Here's the key takeaways from the EWS' e-MTB racing format,

- The races will be held over 6-7 special stages with 1 "very short, very technical" climbing stage included in that number.

- The course is made of three loops at least two of which have to be different. Each loop should take between an hour to an hour and a half to complete and should include 2-3 timed stages.

- Between each loop, riders will be given 40 minutes to recover, fix their bikes and charge batteries.

- Liaison times will be much tighter than in standard EWS races so should become part of the race. It sounds like the EWS is preparing to award a lot of penalties for missed stage starts so riders will have to manage their battery use and energy levels carefully.

- Riders can carry a spare battery but they must put it on the bike, not carry it on their body.

- Riders will have a Black Box kit attached to their motor.

- There will be no mechanical restrictions applied to batteries, 'walk' functions will also be allowed but only in factory settings. Motors will be restricted to 25km/h as per EU regulations.


The rest of the series seems like it will be similar to a regular EWS however it should attract a smaller field of riders in its first year. For 2020 only elite racers from registered teams and select wildcards will be allowed in the main series - masters and under 21 riders will have to compete in the EWS 100 or EWS 50 events. Further qualifying criteria are set to be introduced for next year.

EWS E-MTB Test Event

Other rule changes:

RaceLabs recycled plates

RaceLabs reusable & recycled race plates will be introduced at all Enduro World Series events. We don't have any further information at this point but have been told to look out for more news in March.

EWS Kids

Kids as young as 2 will now be able to race in the EWS for 2020. The new EWS kids series will be participation races with no poiudms offered and will take place alongside an EWS event. The young riders will race on specially designed enduo stages that will alst 1-2minutes each. THe races will take place in the followng categories.

EWS KIDS BALANCE:
Ages 2-5 | Balance bike course in the event paddock

EWS KIDS 1:
Ages 5-8 | 1 stage

EWS KIDS 2:
Ages 7-12 | 2 stages

EWS KIDS 3:
Ages 9-14 | 3 stages

A Youth category (13-16) has also been introduced to EWS 80 races

The last year of Masters 40+ Category

This will be the last year that masters will be a 40+ category. From 2021, the age threshold will be moved down to 35+

The full 2020 rule book can be found here.

Posted In:
eMTB Racing and Events Enduro Racing Enduro World Series


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135 Comments
  • 159 1
 As 40+ year old mountain biker, how do you expect me to compete with those young whippersnappers who don't even have grandkids?

Just kidding, bring it on you lazy millenials.
  • 173 20
 Send it, boomer
  • 92 9
 @thomasake: hate to tell you this but us 40 somethings aren't Boomers. We're Gen X, our parents are the Boomers.
  • 7 0
 and here was me waiting for the over 60s cat to be introduced and the buggers go and lower it. Oh well bring it on.
  • 13 1
 Sam Hill turns 35 this summer. Can’t see the logic in lowering the masters age. I wonder how many 35-39 takers they will get.
  • 22 1
 Lowering the age is crazy to me, ... At 43 I have to say I am surprised regularly that I still have the speed I do. I am not old, and I sure as fuck wasn't old at 35. I would like to hear the reasoning of this decision. Sam Hill, Curtis Keene, Brian Lopes, etc etc... Racing the CDC and MES series last year I would personally be all for raising the age to 45. Keep in mind some will even race the season at 34 due to birthday. Aging MTB rider rant over.
  • 9 0
 Maybe we'll see a 50+ category, else they are aging me out. At 47, 35 year olds are looking pretty young and fast.
  • 1 0
 @jgainey: you're only 43?!
  • 2 0
 @jgainey: it’s funny to me because the one enduro race I did last year, I would have placed better in the 18-39 class than I did in the over 40 class, even though the over 40 class was much smaller.
  • 2 11
flag Rocktheeps (Feb 26, 2020 at 6:47) (Below Threshold)
 @lifeofloon: ok boomer
  • 10 0
 @Rocktheeps: ok son
  • 5 0
 I was expecting masters to be +5 so 45... Is this a joke to call a guy of 35 master? ... Last day I was racing with a guy just turned master 50 and he almost placed top ten in a race in Catalonia plaged of pro frenchies... Not mention Vouilloz and others podiuming at past their 40... Also Minnaar?
Damn you threw up my come back plan with some anti aging products sponsorship perhaps... People want to see old glories that doesn't age... and guys that trully find the ways to perform over their 40... and now we just are in this learning curve with many advancement and new wisdom and you pull it backwits?
Mtb Enduro it's a great sport for maintaining you fresh and young... Give it some more time to masters 40 category and you ll see you ll have to pull it forwards soon... it's the natural evolution of the species...
  • 1 0
 Really I was planning to make a come back with a sponsors to make a whole EWS season... This might now throw it away... and many like me I guess...
Is good to have some years to disconnect a bit from racing (perhaps 35 to 40) and then comming back trying to optimize your last chance years of high performance...
  • 1 0
 @lifeofloon: I tried to explain that to my teenage son.. he couldn't care less - seems they think boomer is the better sounding name for us 'oldies'
  • 4 0
 I think the writing has been on the wall for awhile on this change. The 40+ class, although highly competitive, has been a pretty small turnout at the EWS races, compared to the Elite class...even compared to 40+ class at some lower level enduro races. The 2019 Whistler EWS 40+ Mens class had only 24 riders. I think their goal is probably to gain rider turnout at these events by allowing some of the older and slower Elite guys a chance at glory again. With this being said, I'm still bummed about the change. Oh, and another reason for the low turnout in 40+ class is how ridiculously expensive it is to race one of these events with the requirement to have an international license. Boo
  • 3 0
 @btreglia: I was thinking the same as you for the reasons... But I think it's a mistake, people getting older later each time and there is a lot of huge range of 40+ audience in enduro would love to see what are their doing those they have more ahe engagement with...
  • 4 0
 @saladdodger: right. The only thing worse than a Boomer is a Millennial who refuses to admit their a Millennial. Wink
  • 2 0
 @whambat: Genrally the fastest class after Pro is Masters (40+), anyone under 40 beating our times in Expert are sandbagging for trophies rather than racing pro.
  • 2 0
 @gilby82: watch it kid. 43 with a soul. Wink
  • 2 0
 In reality, anything besides elite is just for the ones who can't compete with them. For whatever reason. There was a common agreement in DH racing that any retired pro racer did not compete in masters events (word Champs most notably). Because, what's the point?
Racing always means competing amidst the fastest guys - and girls for that matter.
Anyone who doesn't get that, isn't able to acknowledge that he isn't a fast guy - anymore. Everything else is participation sport. You pay to feel good. Good because you had fun doing so, or good because you where better than the third guy on the lower right.
I say that fully aware that I myself like to compete not on the highest level, because I realized a while ago, that I can't.
  • 2 0
 @whambat: Me too! There are some pinners in the Master's class! Or as I prefer to call it - the Jedi Master's class! Some of these dudes absolutely haul ass! I either need to get my lazy bones out more, or be retired so I can ride at will. This full-time work shit gets in the way! That's my excuse anyway!
  • 1 0
 @lifeofloon: dad? I though you were dead
  • 1 0
 @thomasake: he is not a boomer. you need to be 50-70
  • 2 0
 @Rocktheeps: no but that's what your mom tried to tell me, except the genetics were obviously different when you came out with a letter in your hand and a postage stamp on your forehead.
  • 3 0
 @btreglia: Agreed!

It’s the “I have a family now” class.
  • 1 0
 In Resume: None sense category +35... if I have to train to comeback to race the guys the likes Sam Hill I better train (dream) again to podium with the Elite... while I start eating hard again on ice creams and PB trolling... (stay home)
  • 70 25
 This is seriously depressing. I'm starting to detest the bike industry and every day I'm closer to putting on the tin hat, removing all suspension and gears from my bike and probably brakes and stop reading any media about bikes that was written post-1995. Then I will unhappily ride my piece of shit fully rigid singlespeed knowing deep down I'm doing the right thing.
  • 91 3
 Username doesn't check out.
  • 6 0
 Literally been hiding out riding indoor skateparks on a bmx that cost less than my suspension forks that all I’ve had to do is pump up the tyres once.
  • 2 0
 Pump the brakes man. There’s beer in the fridge, help yourself.
  • 5 1
 Please do! Trails are so overcrowded, we need more keep it real folks sticking to gravel. I love the expression ”do the right thing”, it just sounds like a call to start the cleansing Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @platnum: drive slow, homie..
  • 65 19
 Electric World Series. What a lot of nonsense. Ebikes are not for racing, especially at this level
  • 6 7
 Very true. At least limit them to 1 battery
  • 16 0
 Anything that man can race, man will race.
  • 26 1
 People are riding at older and older ages... lets lower the old guy class age requirement. This makes no sense to me. As a 45 year old I recognize the human body recovers slower once you pass 40. When I was 35 I was still pretty rad.
  • 5 0
 You 45 year old whippersnappers don't know how good you have it. When I was 45...

[that may have been only last yearWink ]
  • 3 0
 Many kids riding e bikes in Laguna. Electric skateboards in Newport...o well
  • 1 0
 I think it's to try to get more riders entering the category, especially the womens.
  • 8 0
 The older I get, the faster I was.
  • 1 0
 You know that there's many new & ancient techniques to recover and optimize faster... Pitty now against youngsters of 35 we won't be able to expose those and might drop out this none sense category... Hill keep pinning it winning it every season till your 40s...
  • 2 0
 @codypup: comment gold
  • 2 0
 @PauRexs: Graham Jarvis-44. Pinning and Winning.
  • 39 13
 Please don't cover EWS-E pinkbike, I can only afford so much popcorn.
  • 18 3
 it's the plan. You spend on popcorn, get fat, then you can't pedal up anymore so you need an e-bike. Bike industry is happy, popcorn industry is happy, pb gets a fatcheck, levy buys more donuts. Donuts industry is happy and starts producing tyres inserts made of modified donuts dough. I could tell you the rest of the story but a satellite is watching me and my mom says i have to take my vitamins
  • 17 1
 The extra batter idea is stupid. The battery aspect of ebike racing is one area that could make these races interesting. If they can figure out a course where there is no way people can use full power all the time on any bike, and force some kind of battery management strategy.

Ban the extra battery, make the manufacturers find the balance between battery life and ability to ride under human power. It means these races would then contain a more significant element of fitness, an element of strategy (when how to conserve battery life), and general DH / tech riding skill.

They have to stop pretending this is traditional bike racing, and think of it as motor sport to make it interesting.
  • 10 1
 Nah I want to see spare batteries dragging behind the bikes on a string or sled! Maybe even a kid bike trailer stuffed with spare batteries, chains, tubes, etc!
  • 1 0
 It would be more exciting if they had KERS, ala F1.
  • 1 0
 Agreed. The battery management aspect of this kind of racing would have made it good. It would have made it more challenging for the riders as well, having to do transfer stages on lower battery modes. Now they can just pin it, and charge their battery or carry an extra. It will be fast but won't really change too much from the current format.
  • 1 0
 Realistically are we going to see extra batteries strapped on? Over the duration of the event even on an ebike this weight will have an impact. Perhaps this is just for the organisers to avoid having to check for extra batteries strapped on here or there to slightly extend range?
  • 1 0
 @sourmix: many companies are adapting range extender batteries that mount on the bike...
  • 20 4
 This world has gone completely mad. All people are raging about the evironment, global warming, eating meat etc yet we come up with new sports that rely on on electricity. It doesnt go to my mind how we are all green, yet we're keep consuming more and more energy. Teslas, ebikes, scooters etc. Bit I guess thats the industry. Wanting to make even more dollars. Just my two cents anyway.
  • 3 1
 This.
  • 5 0
 The thing about electric vehicles is that they don't care where the electrons came from. Those electrons could be coming from renewable sources.
  • 1 0
 @cole-inman: Yep, we could have created a cleaner sustainable world that was just as advanced with solar, wind, and ocean energy. Instead the oil companies destroyed the planet in exchange for their own personal profit.
  • 3 0
 @cole-inman: I don’t care that much where electrons come from, I do care about exhaust getting into my lungs. We get more and more electric busses in Gbg and man, that electric bus leaving the stop compared to a diesel, oh boy... every now and then a quite old car is passing by, Like 1980 Volvo or an even older Muscle car. The fkng smoke man... in 30 years with most cars being electric we will be getting same reaction when a currently modern car will be accelerating nearby.
  • 25 8
 I like ebikes. They make it easy to identify the weenies. I feel more badass every time I see one.
  • 2 4
 so true haha
  • 9 5
 Nah, I just wanna descend twice the amount I normally would. Just a different riding preference bro.
  • 6 2
 Wanting to spend more time downhilling and less time climbing is smart, not sissy.
  • 2 0
 I have yet to meet a person who works as hard on an ebike as on a regular bike. I'm sure they exist, and they're getting double the laps in, but they don't seem to be common.
  • 14 2
 The format seems nice but I'm not too stoked about the unlimited battery capacity. I know it helps to "push the technology" but in the case of batteries it worries me a bit as it promotes the push towards a lot of capacity with as little weight as possible. I'm a bit worried this will lead to the development of unsafe batteries for racing. I trust the e-bike companies realize that incidents with their batteries are very bad exposure for their brand too so that they won't go too silly there. But if it isn't already in place I'd say it would be good to have some regulation stating that batteries are supposed to be proper CE certified standard consumer grade stuff. You can push race spec stuff elsewhere, but this kind of stuff exploding or catching fire at such a race is unacceptable.
  • 7 1
 Oh come on that will make for a fun commentary: Sam Pilgrim is on fire!
  • 2 0
 I think you made a case /for/ "race spec" batteries.

Mountain bike racing needs more fire and explosions.
  • 1 1
 No seriously, race spec is useless. Was watching the Worlds CX the other day (the ladies, not the men, no challenge there). Daphne van de Brand snapped her seatpost yet still impressively caught up with the leaders and eventually won bronze. But damn, such nonsense could end painful. Yet still, it is a rider decision where the trade-off between reliability and "performance" (as the media and marketing like to call it) lies. But when it leads to pollution, fire or otherwise damage to the innocent bystander that's the point where to stop.
  • 29 13
 Mountain biking has died a death!
  • 5 2
 Oh come on! E-biking is a virus and has to be contained in China? Big Grin

Whistler bike park should start digging fun uphill trails for E-bikes with drops facing uphill so that acoustic bikes can't ride there. Come on Whistler! Make R-line - A-line reverse! Be the first in the world
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns: I think C-line would be more appropriate.
  • 9 0
 At least, they include one "very short, very technical" climbing stage, in EWS-E Format. But it should evaluated like in trials, with 1to 5 foots out, and given time penalties. And it should be included at every round!
At least this stage would be great to watch!
  • 3 0
 i was thinking the same thing. if it's too short and too technical, it'll be quicker to carry the bike up.
  • 12 0
 The slow one now will later be fast...the times they are a’changin.
  • 26 0
 *a'charging
  • 1 0
 ".... the path of the righteous man...."
  • 12 4
 I'm stoked for this. Stoked for uphill stages. For anyone complaining- the exciting part here is that an electric assisted bike will allow racers do complete climbs and long stages that weren't possible before. It's a true spectators sport in my opinion.
  • 5 1
 timed technical uphill climbs is something I actually want to watch.
  • 7 1
 Who cares if people ride e-bikes?! They are literally the things keeping most local bike shops alive in the UK. If you don't like them, don't ride one. I personally would rather earn my downs right now, but that might change, and a race series will only drive the technology forwards.
  • 9 0
 Time to get my 2 y/o trained up for Burke!
  • 10 1
 Hey, EWS, how about a category for the Grim Donut?
  • 7 2
 I mean I for one think this is going to be awesome.
Its not like they are pitting E bike against pedal bikes.
This is just going to be a new disipline and as long as they adjust the rules to make it a challenge (which it seems they have) it should be super interesting to watch.

Everyone hated on formula E when that came out, and its still going strong.
  • 2 5
 Nope I have to disagree here. Formula E is killing motorsport
  • 8 2
 But......but......People aren't allowed to enjoy things I don't like!
  • 4 0
 @wblh: i mean, they sound like pimped out hair driers but “killing motorsport” is a bit strong
  • 18 9
 Enduro World Scooters
  • 4 3
 Lashing out the action, returning the reaction Weak are ripped and torn away Hypnotizing power, crushing all that cower Battery is here to stay!
  • 6 1
 Super excited about EWS kids: Time to get my little shredder on form. He's only 6 months old, but he already complains that his bike plush toy's 66 degree head angle and 50mm of soft foam suspension is outdated.
  • 9 6
 Will the e mtb categories be based on age or will it be like the para Olympics were its based on your disability.

KP1 Knee problems
O80 over 80
JLJ just lazy junior
JLM just lazy masters
JLV just lazy vets
FF 1-5 Fat f***ers
You could also combine different categories and create a handicap system like golf.
  • 4 1
 They were close on the e-bike rules. But unlimited battery usage and battery charging seems like a very poor idea because it doesn't apply to how actual hobbyist riders racing mopeds would use them on the trails.

Limiting max battery/ motor weight to say a max of 10#s with only 1 recharge makes more sense. The idea is to drive power density to improve consumer product while requiring the riders to utilize a lot of human power to win the thing. Then as technology and power density improves you drop the combined allowed weight of the power pack to further drive development.
  • 9 3
 With any Ebike racing I wonder, do the athletes train on regular bikes?

Also who watches this shit?
  • 8 1
 The UCI poisoning continues
  • 5 1
 Yup
  • 10 5
 I don't know how I feel about this. I'll stick to riding what I enjoy and look the other way on competitive e-biking.
  • 2 0
 Agreed BSheldon!!
  • 4 0
 Go ride ya bike, doesnt matter what bike! Two wheels are better than no wheels
  • 5 0
 Uphill stage? Interesting.
  • 1 0
 Hilariously terrible E-bike on moto track event happens - PB commenters shit on it and comment on how it could be better

UCI announces E-XC, PB commenters shit on it and some describe how it could be better

EWS outlines a race format that appears to follow the expert advise of the PB commenters, PB commenters shit on it, full stop.

Conclusions: infinite, but all depressing.
  • 2 1
 Nah PB will turn and embrace ebikes just like they did with 29ers. This place HATED 29ers when they first came out, now the hottest thing is a short travel 29er bike. They'll do the same when they find something else to whinge about.
  • 3 1
 Yeah, stop racing things with a motor...
Oh wait...F1, Drag racing, Supercross...

I can´t think about that now, need to search my lift ticket or call a shuttle...
  • 3 3
 You are missing the point. It's not a philosophical matter of how you get to the top. It is a matter of keeping vehicle types where they belong. Ride up a chairlift and bicycle down a DH specific trail? Fine. Shuttle up a truck legal road in a truck and bomb down nonmotorized singletrack on a nonmotorized bicycle? Fine. Ride e-bikes anywhere any other motorized vehicles are allowed? Fine, go enjoy all those dirtbike/OHV trails! Motorized ebike on a nonmotorized trail? Nope!
  • 5 5
 Glad to see a more exciting form of eMTB racing that incorporates technical climbing.
Anyone see one of these "black boxes" that they attach to the motor? I assume it's only compatible with Boschmano? Or will they allow other manufacturers?
  • 7 3
 ***Shows e-biker making the trail wider***
  • 2 0
 Every e-bike I've seen has been at kids races. Used by dads. to shuttle their kids up for their runs. Be cool to see them racing Smile
  • 1 1
 The kids is cool. But will not help my 3 years old getting off is freaking balance bike and start to pedal .... at least the 2 oldest will be able to ride some real stage. I hope they do something like the kids Cliff class in the Maxxis ESC wish is amazing!
  • 4 1
 Can someone explain to me why you would race an e-bike over a regular bike?
  • 3 1
 Same reason you would ride an e bike: Easier and faster climbing. Also saves more energy for the downhill and you get more downhill runs. It's all terrible, these things should be banned!
  • 1 0
 Well hopefully they will clue in and add a 45+ cat. Guy's in there latter 40's don't want to compete against 35 year olds. It will just alienate a lot of riders and who want to keep racing.
  • 1 1
 this stuff is all literally so dumb that for every post or article, i spend the first 2 mins just trying to finding out if i'm reading some kind of joke. i mean, be you, it's all good, but this is some stupid isht.

it is, however, galaxy-brain compared to e-moto xc racing, which doesn't add anything to the total equation for winning, it just lowers the %s of power and endurance.
  • 8 4
 KTM freeride e-xc
  • 1 1
 such a sick bike !
  • 2 0
 Age shmage, I landed my first superman on my back yard jumps at age 54. Just sayin'...
  • 2 0
 I'm stoked, and hopefully they'll get some good film on the tech uphill sections.
  • 1 0
 Hey Pinkbike! you made a punctuation error in the EWS KIDS section. You said poiudms instead of podiums... just putting it out there.
  • 3 1
 Happy thoughts, think happy thoughts....................oh dear.
  • 4 1
 I don't like this.
  • 2 4
 This is just bollocks, I don't care about the E-BIKE crap(its cheating anyway) but as ive been competing in the EWS since 2015 I have noticed each year its getting more difficult, now im 49 next year ill be 50 and I will be lining up with 35 year olds
That just sucks, come on Chris Ball have a word.................
  • 1 0
 There's also an over 50s category - check out the rule book on our site!
  • 1 0
 @EnduroWorldSeries: but thats only in the EWS-100 or EWS-80, not the EWS or am i reading it wrong ??
  • 4 3
 Just waiting for the Troy Lee +size clothing range to come out ????????????
  • 2 1
 I still don't get the point of this all.

Do people really want to watch/race this shit?
  • 4 5
 What in the actual f*@k? I've been trying to keep an open mind and remain positive, but this is too much. E-bike content filter goes on today. Frown
  • 20 21
 Ebikes are officially a thing now. Deal with it and move on
  • 2 3
 I don't understand why this comment is hidden
  • 1 1
 @TreyDownhill: it’s a generally unpopular opinion
  • 2 0
 @randybadger: It's funny though because people that hate e-bikes get hidden and then the people that like them get hidden as well. Most of the people I know that actually ride more than they spend time on pinkbike tend to like them. Just more internet hate
  • 3 0
 @TreyDownhill: I think we are at a point in the U.K. where they are pretty well accepted. Regularly see plenty on the trails and broadly speaking everyone is friendly and interested. I’ve never encountered any animosity on the trails only ever on social media.
Basically they are great fun and however you perceive it a form of exercise. I predict this next decade will be one of e bike love (until the next new thing comes along)
  • 6 8
 Dumbest shit I’ve ever heard!!!
  • 8 10
 E mtbs are cheating
  • 3 3
 That should make it perfect for enduro racing, given the history of cheating.
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