Form Guide: Pinkbike’s Predictions for the Combloux Enduro World Cup 2024 – Pinkbike

A return to the Haute Savoie region of France sees the World Series stop off in Combloux to take on natural French tech for the fourth stop of the series. The first of two French races in 2024 offers a new puzzle for riders to solve offering a chance for new faces on top of the podium if they can outmanoeuvre the world’s best on race day. We have already seen one first-time elite winner this season at a new venue and this weekend could just bring another.

Before the riders go against the clock, here are our thoughts on who could be in the running for a top result this week.

Who’s Fast in 2024?

After starting the season in Finale Ligure in the middle of May, we are already passing the mid-point of the Enduro World Cup season as the racing in Combloux marks the kick-off of the second half of the series. The 2024 season has seen some incredible days of racing as each round has brought close battles and a few surprises. Carrying on their winning form from 2023 it is clear the first half of the season has seen dominant performances by Isabeau Courdurier and Richie Rude.

When looking at the women’s racing after three rounds in 2024 there are two clear standout performers. Isabeau Courdurier and Hattie Harnden have been locked in a fierce battle for the overall as the pair have traded wins through the opening three races of the series. Harnden secured victory in Finale before Courdurier came back fighting with back-to-back wins in Bielsko-Biala and Leogang. Both riders are yet to drop outside the top two and just 73 points split them in the overall standings. Another consistent performer is Ella Conolly who is the only other rider to feature in every top five this season.

The men’s racing has been slightly less predictable as only Richie Rude and Yeti teammate Slawomir Lukasik have placed inside the top five at every race. Rude in particular has been in formidable form in 2024 taking two wins and a third place after three rounds of racing. The strong start to the 2024 series has placed Rude almost 200 points ahead of the second-round winner Charlie Murray. If not for issues during the third in Leogang Murray would be closer to Rude in the overall as he was yet to drop outside the top two until placing eighth in Austria.