These are interesting times for electric bikes. Without a doubt they’re the hot topic in the bike world right now and we’re seeing more and more folks getting out there using e-bikes. And with good reason too – you can ride further, faster and longer than before when you’ve got extra power at your disposal.
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Following hot on the heels of UCI’s recent news that it will host the first World e-MTB World Championships in summer 2019, a brand new e-bike series has been announced. Starting in Monaco in April 2019 the World E-Bike Series aims to have the world's best riders compete in both enduro and cross-country disciplines.
While the UCI announcement has left many unsure how it will run – President David Lappartient has yet to announce the distance or even the basic format – the World E-Bike Series has a full four-race calendar, high-profile supporters and is offering the chance for fans to ride with the pros. With the likes of Julien Absalon and 2015 world XC and cyclocross champ Pauline Ferrand-Prevot showing their support at the flashy Monaco launch event in early October, one thing is for sure – e-MTB racing is here to stay.
The format
The World E-Bike Series will kick off with its first event in Monaco over the weekend of the 13th-14th April 2019. In keeping with the goal of spreading the word about e-bikes, there’s also a ‘WES Ride’ open to all, with a choice of three routes from 18km to 35km, allowing participants to ride with the professionals. More details are yet to be announced, and we’ll be keeping our ears and eyes open for news on race length and technical regulations. Restrictions on power, battery life and top speed are sure to be in place, but what they are and how they will be enforced are yet to be revealed. Whether the event is UCI sanctioned is also open to question.
Monaco might not seem the first location you’d connect with e-biking. But speaking at the launch, Umberto Langellotti, President of the Monegasque Cycling Federation, is quoted on off-road.cc as saying "We are proud to be the organising federation for the very first edition of WES. The Principality of Monaco has always been the scene of the biggest sporting events and WES maintains the tradition of entertainment and glamour, also adding the values of the energy transition and the sustainable development of mobility".
So what do you think? A good idea or a dreadful one? Let us know in the comments section below.
E-bikes at the Bicycle Chain
There are lots of different types of electric bike available nowadays and their popularity reflects the changing ways that people are using bikes – as an alternative to the car, to keep active when injured or when fitness fades later in life, or just for the sheer fun of riding further, faster and for longer than ever before.
A bit of battery assistance can make commuting by bike a lot less daunting for many, and you’ll arrive refreshed and rejuvenated, ready for a day’s work. All a lot better than sitting in the traffic jam or squashed on the bus, we’re sure you’ll agree. Raleigh’s Array and Motus e-bikes, with pannier racks and mudguards, are the ideal year-round commuter and at the right price too.
E-mountain bikes have developed in recent years and they’re better looking and more versatile than ever before. The 2019 Specialized Turbo Levo has improved on the already amazing 2018 bike – you’ve got to give one of these a go. Trails, downhill, XC – there’s no stopping these bikes.
E-road bikes allow you to extend your weekend rides further than you thought possible. Giant's E-Road bikes deliver amazing performance with the assistance to extend your on-road adventures like never before.
Give us a call or pop into one of our e-bike specialist stores to chat about these amazing bikes to see for yourself what all the excitement is about.
