This week saw a very sobering Enduro announcement.
Internationally, MTB riders have galvanised behind Enduro World Series (EWS) racer and Specialized athlete Jared Graves, who this week announced he had just found out he has a brain tumour.
This was completely unexpected for all (including Graves) as only days previously, he was racing an EWS round in Whistler.
After Graves returned home to Australia from Whistler (he’s from Toowoomba, QLD), he suffered a few seizures. After one in particular, he woke up in an ambulance and hospital tests confirmed the cause was a brain tumour.
There has been an international outpouring of support for Graves.
Jared reported he will have surgery in the next ten days and then undergo chemotherapy.
On Instagram, Graves said, “Not sure what else to say for now, it’s all hit so fast….needless to say, I won’t be at the last 2 EWS rounds this year as this new battle begins”. He also thanked his partner Jessica for her support, as well as family, friends and his many fans and supporters.
Graves is highly-regarded, successful and arguably the most popular EWS rider.
He is a wonderful advocate for the sport and has achieved an impressive range of Enduro, MTB and BMX race results – including 2014 EWS World Champion, 4X World Champion, 3X xWorld Cup Champion, 30 x World cup and 15 x EWS podiums. 2008 Olympian (BMX) and the 2013 World Champs DH Bronze.
When I met Graves in La Thuille, I was impressed by how down-to-earth and genuine he is – and it is obvious why he is so respected and loved.
Our home, like many others this week, is thinking of Graves and his family and sending loads of extra support during this difficult time.
As always, we are wishing Jared all the best and are behind him 100% – both on and off the bike.
As Graves wisely advises: Make everyday count people!
