MTB News Mix: EWS Doping Ban, New e*thirteen Pedals, and 2020 BC Bike Race Registration Opens Today

MTB News Mix is a weekly update of all things mountain biking where we cover new products, pro race results, trail news, and more.

Enduro World Series rocked with more doping bans

This week, Martin Maes along with his sponsor, GT Factory Racing, announced that the UCI has stripped him of two EWS wins in rounds one and two of the 2019 season and placed him on a suspended riders list for 90 days after a positive test for probenecid.

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Hey everyone! I have some bad news to share today. You can read the whole story here: https://www.gtbicycles.com/usa_en/news/Martin-Maes-Announcement. But believe me the most important is there: "What does not kill you makes you stronger". Thanks for your support! Link in my bio for the full statement. Martin

A post shared by Martin Maes (@martin_maes5) on Jun 26, 2019 at 3:46am PDT

Maes suffered a serious laceration on his leg during the EWS race in New Zealand and was prescribed probenecid by an official race doctor to aid other antibacterial medications that hadn’t yet been effective. Doctors attempted to check the status of probenecid as a banned substance, but couldn’t due to the race’s remote location and lack of internet.

A urinalysis later found the probenecid which can be used as a masking agent for substances that are performance enhancing (probenecid itself is not considered performance enhancing). Read the full story here and stay tuned for more coverage.

e*thirteen release new aluminum and composite flat pedal

Using the same pin placement as the beloved aluminum LG1 pedals by e*thirteen, the brand released an updated composite version which lowers the weight and price significantly. The Base pedals weigh 392g per pair, and have an inboard bushing and outboard bearing. They are not serviceable. MSRP: $49. (available now at Competitive Cyclist)

e*thirteen also has a new pedal called the Plus, which is an aluminum update to the original LG1, and a heavier-duty model of the Base. They weigh 410g a pair, and have rebuildable internals. MSRP: $130.

Dirtlej release bike maintenance app and bike protection

A new app from Dirtlej called Maintainit lets riders easily track maintenance records on their bike by recording data. Download the app, make a profile, store bike settings, and maintenance records and serial numbers, take pictures, and save set up information.

Dirtlej doesn’t want riders to damage their bikes any more during transportation than do are on the trails, so now they have a bike wrap. It comes in one adjustable size, is padded, will supposedly mount quickly, and has a mesh bag on the wrap for storage. It’s priced at 99 euros and is available now.

2020 BC Bike Race details, limited and full registration dates

The seven day stage race in and around British Columbia and North Vancouver will open for early registration on June 28 for 100 riders at a discounted price of $2,299 CAD. On July 5, it will open for 250 more riders at a discounted price of $2,499 CAD, and then full registration will open on July 15 for the full price of $2,599 CAD.

The 2020 event will run from July 2-10, 2019. Each day of the BC Bike Race takes place in a different ride-driven community around Vancouver Island. Racers are transported to communities via ferry multiple times during the week and camp in a different community every night, while taking on massive amounts of BC singletrack for a week straight. Visit the BC Bike Race website to learn more.