Photo of Greg Callaghan, courtesy of Enduro World Series, who was not involved in the incident.

The British Enduro Series has been forced to update its rules regarding E-BIKES after a competitor was found using one during practice.

The rider, who has not been identified (and is NOT Greg Callaghan… he wasn’t even there!), was disqualified from round two of the series from DyFi on 7/8 May. We’re not sure what exactly they were doing but we assume they were using an e-bike and a mate to help them get up the transitions that made up the 50km course. This would allow them to be more fresh on race day while still practicing the timed stages on their race bike.

The rider was thankfully caught and disqualified from the event but unfortunately the rules have had to be updated to cover their misdemeanour with rule 4.4 and 4.5. The full rules section on bikes now reads:

4.0 Only one frame can be used by a competitor during a race. Change of equipment (5 minute penalty).

4.1 A rider can use unmarked equipment during training.

4.2 e-Bikes must not be used during practice or race runs. Please note there is not an e-bike category. (Disqualified).

4.3 Riders entered into the event that are not racing are not permitted to ride e-bikes. (Disqualified).

4.4 Riders are not permitted to receive any outside assistance except that authorised by the event i.e Feed stations. (Disqualified). Riders may receive assistance from within the pit area at any time during the event.

4.5 e-bikes are only permitted by event staff and accredited media of the BES.

It’s unfortunate that these rules had to be added but it just goes to show that people will take advantage of any loopholes they can, regardless of their level of competition. The BES said: “We feel that allowing non competitors to join a rider whilst competing at the event could open up the opportunity to take an unfair advantage.

“As stated in our rules, receiving outside assistance results in the competitor being disqualified. This could be and not limited to; e-biker towing competitor up the hill, swapping bikes whilst on the transitions, carrying of food, hydration, clothing and tools etc.. on behalf of the competitor.”

The BES claims the new rules will also satisfy land owners and insurers who may have been worried about the inclusion of e-bikes on the course.