Video: 3,000 racers battle at the Gotland Grand National Enduro

It’s a wind-swept island off the coast of Sweden. The local population is outnumbered many times over by the tourists who come to see Gotland’s beaches, visit the small towns, and soak up the sun. (Gotland generally receives the most sunlight anywhere in Sweden.) Oh, and the island hosts the largest enduro race in the world: the Gotland Grand National. There’s nothing quite like it.

3,000 riders showed up to compete in the 35th annual running the GGN, one of the most prestigious XC events on the planet, For three hours, riders complete as many laps of the 13.5-mile course as possible. The World Enduro Super Series (WESS) describes the circuit as “a unique blend of slippery limestone, terrain with water, mud and fast trails stretches… everything from heavy mud to early showers of snow and ice can be expected.” So much for the sunlight: a steady rain turned the course into a mudslide from the start. It sure is fun to watch, though. 

Swede Albin Elowson took the win at GGN this year, followed by fellow countrymen Robert Kvarnström and Ken Bengston. Billy Bolt placed thirteenth, maintaining his points lead and taking the overall series title: Ultimate Enduro Champion 2018. Elowson managed six laps in three hours, an incredible pace.

"I’m so happy to take the win here in Gotland," Elowson said. "I knew I had the speed before the race, but you never know what can happen around here. I got a decent start and tried to make some passes in the early chaos."

I’d say chaos is an understatement.