Women in Enduro Racing | Q&A with Ellie Cooke | Blog

From trails to titles: How women are breaking barriers in enduro racing

With International Women’s Day being earlier this month, we thought it was about time we looked at some of the women riders we’re lucky enough to support at Endurotyres, plus, those that are winning with Michelin tyres as a firm favourite on their bikes. 

GB took the win at the 2022 ISDE

As a predominantly male-dominated sport, it’s great to see more women riders absolutely smashing the podiums and inspiring the riders of the future. 

In 2022, we were so pleased to hear that our very own supported riders took the first-place win at the ISDE in France. Jane Daniels, Rosie Rowett, and Neive Holmes improved on their 2021 runner-up place and rode GB to success.  

Showing their strength

Enduro riding requires a combination of skills, including balance, agility, speed, and stamina as well as the determination to succeed. The ISDE girls have proven that women can not only hold this skill set but exceed expectations in the world of enduro.

Breaking barriers

While women’s participation in enduro riding is on the rise, there are still challenges to overcome. Women still face gender bias and discrimination in the sport, and there is a lack of representation and recognition for women in the industry. However, the increasing visibility and success of female enduro riders are helping to break down these barriers and pave the way for more women to take up the sport.

A Q&A with a British champ…

We caught up with supported rider, Ellie Cooke, British Ladies Enduro Champion 19’ 21’ and 22 to get her thoughts on how women are breaking barriers in enduro racing in 2023. 

How did you get into Enduro riding?

“I got into enduro through my dad who has always raced! I started riding a quad at the age of 3 and then it’s progressed from there, starting with trials and then moving to enduro! I’ve never looked back since!”

What challenges have you faced being a woman in a more male-dominated sport? 

“There have been a few challenges being a female in a male-dominated sport such as male riders becoming aggressive and knocking me off when I pass them! But that just gives me more reason and determination to beat them! “

What are your plans for the future? 

“My plans for this year are to compete in the British Enduro Championship and just keep enjoying what I am doing.”

What’s your favourite tyre to use and why? 

“My favourite tyres are the Michelin Enduro Mediums. They are very durable and long-lasting and give me so much grip and confidence when riding!”

What’s one piece of advice you would give to girls starting out this sport? 

“For any female just starting out in this sport, my advice would be to just enjoy every moment, put yourself out there and show everyone what you’re capable of!”

What’s on their bikes? 

It is safe to say that their success is hugely down to the skill, time, effort and determination that each of our women champs is putting in, but what they’re using on their bikes can take a small amount of the credit too (we think they’d agree)! 

Michelin has been a huge part of their journey and popular choices include: 

We also reckon their trusty Rabaconda has helped during those long enduro stints. Trust us when we say these girls can change tyres pretty damn quickly! 

Shop Rabaconda here >> 

Endurotyres.com… the UK’s number 1 for Michelin off road

Whether you’re just starting out and have been inspired by the stories of our women riders, or have been riding a while and want to make that switch to Michelin, endurotyres is here to help you get to the top! 

By shopping online at Endurotyres.com, you’ll receive: 

  • The latest Michelin tyres and accessories 
  • Fast (and sometimes free) delivery 
  • Easy returns if it’s not quite right 
  • Expert knowledge and advice 
  • Competitive prices 
  • The best products from other brands such as Rabaconda, POD, Motion Pro & more… 

Browse our bestsellers here >> 

All our FAQs about many of our products are listed on the product pages or on our FAQ page here, but if you still have questions that need answering, get in touch by calling us on 01723 344782 or emailing us at office@endurotyres.com