The EWS rulebook has been updated for 2020 and it crucially outlines the format for the EWS-E series that kicks off this year.

We took a dive into it to find out the key changes for the year ahead.

EWS-E Format

e-MTB racing will be allowed for the first time in the EWS this year. The new format starts in a three-round series with France, Switzerland and Italy all playing host. The FIM simply plonked its racers on a supercross course and let them duke it out for the win head-to-head but the EWS has been a bit more thoughtful with its approach. Here’s the key takeaways from the EWS’ e-MTB racing format,

– The races will be held over 6-7 special stages with 1 “very short, very technical” climbing stage included in that number.

– The course is made of three loops at least two of which have to be different. Each loop should take between an hour to an hour and a half to complete and should include 2-3 timed stages.

– Between each loop, riders will be given 40 minutes to recover, fix their bikes and charge batteries.

– Liaison times will be much tighter than in standard EWS races so should become part of the race. It sounds like the EWS is preparing to award a lot of penalties for missed stage starts so riders will have to manage their battery use and energy levels carefully.

– Riders can carry a spare battery but they must put it on the bike, not carry it on their body.

– Riders will have a Black Box kit attached to their motor.

– There will be no mechanical restrictions applied to batteries, ‘walk’ functions will also be allowed but only in factory settings. Motors will be restricted to 25km/h as per EU regulations.

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