For the fourth time, I have been the head of photographers at Xross Challenge – the biggest and toughest Hard Enduro race in my home country that took place at Tara mountain from 26th till 28th of May. With my photo team (Aleksandar Dmitrovic, Bogdan Kosanovic, Ivan Miladinovic and Mihai Stetcu) I have been part of this race since its beginning and it is amazing to see this event going bigger and better every year.
This year, Xross Challenge has welcomed around 180 riders from 10 European countries. During three hellish days of Enduro riding, they have passed around 160 kilometers and coped with super hard obstacles that awaited them at beautiful but harsh Tara Mountain.
From photographers point of view, this event was packed with amazing Hard Enduro action at spectacular mountain scenery. Lots of unpredictable moments on the uphills and downhills, in the woods and on the rocky paths. As usual, the weather was a mix of heavy rain and sunshine. In order to take a good photo, we often had to be in mud and water and those conditions were challenging not only for the riders but for the photographers as well.
At the end, Philipp Bertl from Austria took the victory at Xross Challenge and defended his champion title from last year. Croatian Matija Zec and Slovenian Miha Spindler rounded up the podium.
The fifth edition of Xross Challenge race will be held from 15th till 17th of June 2018 and I am looking forward to come back to Tara once again.