Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/110132
1 Jeff Melik 2013 ECEA Enduro Predictions Photos by Cindy Melik 2013 ECEA Enduro Picks Story by: Zack Huberty he 2012 season did not disappoint and proved to be one of the most exciting years. The weather held up for 90% of the events and trail selection was great. The GMER enduro came back to the series with what was the most technical enduro of the year. On the racing side of things, Jeff Melik (Gas Gas) and Jeff Pasqua (Bromley KTM) battled most of the season until a neck injury sidelined Pasqua. Two of the most impressive riders this year were Steve Mason and Zach Shepps. In the past, both riders have been strong in the sand but struggled a little in the rocks. Both riders stepped it up in the rocks this year and rode well. Consistent riding across all terrains without injury is one way to make it into the AA ranks. The ECEA is fortunate in that it truly tests the skills of an enduro rider. A rider must master sand, tight trees, time-keeping, rocks, roots, offcamber goat trail, etc��� to win races and championships. As clich�� as it is, a championship is won on a rider���s worst day. This year, I see very few surprises unless some one steps it up and challenges for the overall. Most weekends, I see Melik, Pasqua, Compton, Schoeneberg, or a non-ECEA���regular rider taking the overall. I would like to see it get to the point where it could be any of the top 5 or 8 competing for overall wins each weekend. Now that would make it exciting! Here is my prediction for the 2013 season: T #1 Jeff Melik- Melik has shown considerable skill over the past few years. He has dominated the rock races and is picking up momentum in the sand. With even more time on the Gas Gas and the increased development of the bike, I think he will be tough to beat this year. Although Pasqua is his direct competition, I am unsure about the recovery from his recent neck injury (Will we see Pasqua regain his winning speed?). #2 Jeff Pasqua- Pasqua unexpectedly faced a neck injury to- 30 Trail Rider Jeff Pasqua wards the end of 2012 and has been resting since then. He recently got to ride again and will be on a Bromley KTM 250 XC this year. With such a serious injury, I find it hard for him to be pushing the limits as hard as he did before, but I still think he will be competitive. Riders often talk about overcoming the mental barriers after getting seriously injured. (Hopefully he won���t be pulling a Ricky Bobby by putting around in 1st gear and running around saying he is on ���fire.���) #3 Chase Compton- If Chase attends every race this year, he has no reason not to be top 3 overall. I still think he could be a championship threat but based on the past few years, I see him getting top 3 overall this year. Of anyone, he has the possibility to ride strong in the rocks or sand, but consistently putting in www.TrailRider.com