Enduro world championship round begins in Heinola with nearly 160 riders

The third round of the Enduro World Championship, combined with Finnish championship races, began Friday evening in the Vierumäki area of Heinola, drawing nearly 160 riders and hundreds of support crew from around the world, Finnish broadcaster Yle reports.

The competition, which runs through Sunday, takes place on demanding forest terrain covering about 150 kilometres over the weekend. Riders may spend up to six and a half hours on their bikes per day, with heart rates averaging 170 during special stages, according to assistant race director and SM race director Jari Hakulinen.

Hakulinen said the Finnish terrain, with its mix of rocks, roots, gravel and clay, is unlike Central European ground, but noted that professional riders adapt to any conditions. He expressed cautious optimism about Finnish chances, saying progress is being made even though Finnish riders have not medaled in recent years.

The last world championship event at Vierumäki was three years ago. Organising this year’s race took two years and required 14 permits. Hakulinen said Finland has a reputation as a reliable host and called the facilities at the Vierumäki sports institute exceptional by international standards, including indoor showers and toilets.

The organisers said the route follows existing trails and forestry machine tracks almost entirely, and they expect no visible signs of the event by next spring.