Gearing up for an exciting end to the 2014 FIM enduro calendar, the eighty-ninth edition of the FIM International SixDays Enduro (ISDE) will make its home in San Juan, Argentina. Returning to Latin America for the fourth time in thehistory of the event, the race will take centre stage from during the first full week of November.
Long regarded as one of the most important events on the enduro calendar, this year’s edition of the race willwelcome over five hundred and fifty riders from thirty different nations to compete. No strangers to international enduro competition, event organisers Mas Eventos are keen to put their two years experience of staging the FIM Enduro World Championship in 2012 and 2013 to good use and host an event that is certain to become the pinnacle of the 2014 enduro season.
With a vast array of varied and demanding terrain on offer, the eighty-ninth edition of the ISDE will test the best enduro riders from around the World. Leaving the comforts of the paddock, which is situated in the heart of bustling San Juan, competitors will face five long and demanding days of riding – covering up to two hundred and sixty kilometres each day across the surrounding countryside. The race will then be brought to a thrilling close on day six at the nearby ASER motocross circuit with a live televised broadcast.
As one of the strongest nations competing in the ISDE, France travel to Argentina as the defending champions of both the FIM World Trophy and FIM Junior World Trophy classes while Australia lead the way in the FIM Women’s World Trophy classification. Boasting two of this year’s FIM Enduro World Champions, France look impeccable and will be keen to claim their third consecutive victory in the event. With FIM Enduro 1 World Champion Christophe Nambotin – KTM and FIM Enduro 2 World Champion Pela Renet – Husqvarna competing, the French will be tough to beat.
Determined to give it their best shot, the United States arrive to Argentina fresh from their most successful ISDE to date, in Sardinia, Italy last year. Despite the passing of their team captain Kurt Caselli, the six-strong team are focused on toppling the French. Australia is another nation who continue to close the gap to the French each year. Hampered by mistakes in 2013, they still managed to finish fourth and will be keen to turn that position into a podium result this year. Add in Spain, Argentina, Belgium, Germany and Chile and competition for a top five result will be very close.
In the Junior ranks, defending champions France face one of their toughest challenges to date. Aiming for their fourth consecutive class victory, the French will be pushed hard by highly motivated teams from the United States and Australia. With both nations favouring the dry terrain that Argentina will offer, the fight for victory will befierce. Sweden, Argentina, Chile, Germany and South Africa will not be far behind.
Out to retain their title won in Sardinia, Australia are clear favourites to win the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition. Hoping to mix things up, Canada and the United States will be looking for a strong performance too.
The 2014 ISDE takes place in San Juan, Argentina on 3rd to 8th November inclusive.