The European Onewheel League announced this week that there will be five sanctioned events taking place across five different European countries in the 2023 Onewheel racing season. Through a partnership with the Onewheel Racing League (ORL), the top male and female riders will qualify for the world’s most prestigious Onewheel Race: Race for the Rail 2023.
The European League said it will also crown its own victors, with each event awarding prizes and accolades in addition to those offered by ORL. Those who earn the coveted invitation from ORL will receive cash prizes to support their travels to the big race in Reno, Nevada (US) on August 5-6.
Gattinara Wine & Trails will be the first event of the season, hosted by Float Italia the weekend of May 26—28. Custom MTB trails crisscross the Gattinara countryside, and the locals are happy to share—in fact, attendees may get to meet the trailblazers in person. The event promises good wine, good vibes, and of course, the season’s first shot at being crowned “Europe’s best Onewheel rider.”
Next, riders will converge in Switzerland for a high-speed trail race hosted by the Swiss Onewheel Club on June 10—11. It’s time to find out who has what it takes to beat Hannes Schatzmann, the VESC.mann himself! The event also promises to include an indoor trick park.
June 23—25, riders are invited to Float the Highlands at Glencoe Mountain Resort in Scotland. This event combines downhill racing, single track challenges, street style competition, workshops, social rides, and festival-style Onewheel games. Float the Highlands is organized in part by IOWA board member Andy Lakin.
These three events take place prior to Race for the Rail 2023 and will serve as ORL sanctioned qualifiers for the current season. The year’s final two events will count toward Race for the Rail 2024. These include Wanyi Onewheel Weekend (affectionately known as “WOW”) in Belgium August 25—27 and Onewheel Algarve in South Portugal October 2—9.
The Onewheel Algarve Tour is a longstanding tradition spearheaded by IOWA Vice President Fábio Costa. This long-distance adventure spans the entire coast of south Portugal, and the weather promises to be ideal at this time of year! Two days of racing will be tacked on to the beginning of the event, with winners making early marks on the 2024 season rankings.
“We’re so excited about the Onewheel Racing League extending into the European circuit this year,” said Justyn Thompson, Floatlife Fest organizer, speaking on behalf of the Onewheel Racing League committee. “We’re making Onewheel history!”