The Scott Enduro Cup went down in Moab, Utah on none other than Cinco De Mayo. The weather was clear, riders were pinned, and vibes were high!
I was signed up to compete, but due to a recent injury, had to pull out of the race and shoot some photos instead. I was joined by fellow Albuquerque photographer and MTBNM contributor Connor Carpenter.
Here is what we came away with.
If you can’t race, this is the next best thing! Photo: Eric CookNot a bad place to camp. Photo: Connor CarpenterMatt Brigance soaking up the sun before his start time. Photo: Connor CarpenterThey’re off! Photo: Connor CarpenterAlexander Vidal coming down Stage 1. Photo: Connor CarpenterAlexander Vidal working the YT. Photo: Connor CarpenterRIDER! Photo: Connor CarpenterThe alternate angle, Jesse Calvin chasing down Bryce Oxley. Photo: Eric CookNicholas Pecorella keeping it open. Photo: Eric CookMitch Ropelato was on the pace this weekend finishing in 5th. Photo: Eric CookDrew Palmer-Leger on a fast rock section, which weren’t in short supply. Photo: Eric CookLeon Hansen trying to stay off the brakes. Photo: Eric CookClassic desert scenery everywhere you looked. Photo: Connor CarpenterCorey Wittwer gave me fireball shots once. Homies for life. Photo: Eric CookNM local Teddy Jaramillo keeping it janky. Congrats on 11th in Pro! Photo: Eric CookTeddy got 4th in Pro on the opening stage, keep it pinned bro! Photo: Connor CarpenterMost stoked dude out there, James Perri. Photo: Eric CookJames’ handlebar mustache was race MVP. Photo: Connor CarpenterEaston Llewelyn repping for GO RIDE. Photo: Connor CarpenterDaniel repping for the home state. Photo: Connor CarpenterMTBNM’s own Daniel Rhodes getting it on Stage 1. Photo: Connor Carpenter.SEND ‘ER DANIEL!!! Photo: Eric CookMike West ages like a fine wine, 4th on the day. Photo: Eric CookAnother NM rider, Tucker Vanormer keeping it pinned! Photo: Eric CookKyle Doyle keeping the Nomad low and fast. Photo: Eric CookThe races end brought spectacular views to the Klondike Bluffs region. Photo: Eric CookSam Shryack representing for Rim Tours. Photo: Eric CookMacky Franklin coming into Stage 3. Photo: Connor Carpenter.Macky sending for NM! Congrats on a solid 7th place finish. Photo: Connor CarpenterNo casing for this Ryan Towne Photo: Connor CarpenterCorey Wittwer in an open section. Photo: Connor CarpenterLocal Noah Sears showed up! Photo: Connor CarpenterNate Hills putting the SB100 to the test, riding it to 2nd place. Photo: Connor CarpenterCody Kelley defended his title with a win in Moab. Photo: Connor Carpenter.Jackson Howard rallying the Pivot Switchblade. Photo: Eric CookNo number plate I can read, no name… sorry bro. You rode fast though. Photo: Eric CookMacky Franklin staying low. Photo: Eric CookStan Jorgensen showed up this weekend and got 6th! Photo: Eric CookLandon Powell ripping for Scott. Photo: Eric CookMoab scenery is always something special. Photo: Connor Carpenter.Naish Ulmer riding the Moab slabs. Photo: Eric CookChristopher Martinez riding for Sandstone Cycles! Yew! Photo: Eric CookKyle Doyle keeping the gas pedal down! Photo: Eric CookNicholas Delozier, no brakes! Photo: Eric CookDrew Palmer-Leger skipping over sandstone. Photo: Eric CookTry to match James’ hype. Photo: Eric CookRob Brown on his way to the Expert Men’s WIN! Photo: Eric CookJordan Austin navigates Stage 3. Photo: Eric CookPatrick Murphy with a big grin. Photo: Eric CookCody Kelley’s front tire never touches the ground. Photo: Connor CarpenterMatt Kasprzyk staying off the brakes. Photo: Eric CookBranham Snyder wide open! Photo: Connor CarpenterTucker Vanormer leaning the Specialized Enduro over. Photo: Eric CookThe desert always surprises with glimpses of life. Photo: Eric CookEaston Llewelyn flying through the trees. Photo: Eric CookCAAWWWW! Photo: Eric CookDugan Merrill adds some style to his race run. Photo: Eric CookCharles Martin letting it flow over the Moab chunk. Photo: Eric CookStephen Pokorski with the speed tuck. Photo: Eric CookTJ Christiansen coming in hot. Photo: Eric CookMatt Brigance ending the day right. Photo: Eric Cook
This was such a fun race to shoot, looking forward to the next stop in Angel Fire, MTBNM will have a media crew there! We will be out in Glorieta Camps for the Big Mountain Enduro series in a few weeks too, come have a beer with us!
Hey – awesome shots. Can’t help but notice your glaring oversight of any female racers. It’s cool to see expert men represented as well, but at least show us the pro women’s race photos. “Media pass” status should come with a promise to cover, represent, and promote more than just the male racers.
I hear your feedback for sure. I didn’t shoot this race in any official capacity for Scott, the race guys just gave me a media plate so I could be safe on course. While I was shooting in a few spots, I didn’t happen to be there when any women came down the track. I would have really liked to get shots of more of the racer field i general, and will make a more concnerted effort to represent the women in particular next time I shoot an event. Women bikers rule!
mountainbikenewmexico.com 
Kick A job Eric! NM was repped well with Boice and Janker and you documented it for all to see! Hell ya. Congrats by the way to the NM boys!
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Thanks Kev! Stoked on the hype! Looking forward to riding with you soon!
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Hey – awesome shots. Can’t help but notice your glaring oversight of any female racers. It’s cool to see expert men represented as well, but at least show us the pro women’s race photos. “Media pass” status should come with a promise to cover, represent, and promote more than just the male racers.
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Hey Zebrah,
I hear your feedback for sure. I didn’t shoot this race in any official capacity for Scott, the race guys just gave me a media plate so I could be safe on course. While I was shooting in a few spots, I didn’t happen to be there when any women came down the track. I would have really liked to get shots of more of the racer field i general, and will make a more concnerted effort to represent the women in particular next time I shoot an event. Women bikers rule!
Cheers
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