The organiser of the UK Enduro Series has announced on the event’s Facebook page that the series has been cancelled. This follows the earlier cancellation of the 3rd round where organiser Neil cited ‘serious personal issues’ as the reason. Taking on organising an event – never mind a whole series of them – is no minor undertaking, and having to make the decision to cancel is one no one does lightly either. The new statement reads:
“With deep regret we have to announce that the UK Enduro Series is stopping. There will not be any more rounds. If you need to contact us please do so through the website – www.mtb-enduro.co.uk Refunds will be looked into over the coming weeks. We have to go through a process with finalising the series.”
Perhaps predictably, the comments section is full of people worried about whether or not they’re going to get their money back. While this is understandable, we hope riders will also give thought to how Neil must be feeling about taking such a tough decision.
Organisers of the ‘rival’ British Enduro Series seem to have recognised the difficulties Neil has faced, and have issued a statement of their own:
“It is with great regret we hear the news today that UK Enduro is to close its doors.
Competition is always good as it offers a choice for the riders to choose between the competing organisers. Those organisers then strive forward to deliver the best service and experience at their events possible, all for the benefit of the riders and the sport of enduro.
The only downside to this is the two national level series competing for riders. This means entries have been diluted, putting a financial strain as you can imagine on both organisers.
The British Enduro Series – The BES will continue throughout 2016 with thanks to the generous sponsors that support the series. As well as being in a unique position to pull resource from its sister company the British Downhill Series – The BDS.
We have spoken at length today with Neil Delafield of UK Enduro and offered him our full support and assistance at this difficult time.”
It’s nice to see such a supportive attitude between race organisers. The statement from the British Enduro Series goes on to offer UKES riders a free entry to the BES Round 4:
“We would also therefore like to offer our support and assistance to riders who have entered any upcoming UK Enduro Events even though we have no affiliation to that company. Therefore as a gesture of goodwill, the BES would like to offer those riders a free entry to round 4 of the Cannondale BES at Eastridge on the 13th and 14th of August.”
“To take advantage of this opportunity please forward a copy of your Eventbrite receipt to any upcoming rounds as proof of purchase to si@pinkbike.com by 18:00 on Monday the 18th of July 2016.”
We’ll keep you posted as we hear any further information on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of UKES.
