Excitement is building as competitors and their support crews start to arrive in San Juan, Argentina for the 2023 FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE). With the best enduro riders from around the world set to compete, Great Britain start as reigning champions in the FIM Women’s World Trophy class.
Words by FIM ISDE – Images from the Team GB Test Day courtesy of ACU Team GB ISDE – Tilde Tighe
North of San Juan, the Villicum Circuit is steadily growing into a hive of activity as riders from all nations begin their preparations ahead of the ninety-seventh edition of the 6DAYS®. Many are out walking the special tests, building race machines, and generally getting themselves ready for an exciting week of racing, which begins on 6 November.
As the defending champions of the FIM Women’s World Trophy class, Great Britain will hope to retain their title with riders Nieve Holmes (Sherco) and 6DAYS® newcomers Elizabeth Tett (Beta) and Emily Hall (Beta). Last year’s race in France marked a debut victory for Great Britain, and naturally their goal for 2023 is to try and win again.
However, seven other FIM Women’s World Trophy teams, including strong squads from France, Australia, and the USA, have arrived in Argentina with podium intentions of their own, setting the stage for what should be one incredible week of racing.
Vice-champions in 2022, France just missed out on capturing victory on home soil. Battling hard with Great Britain, but coming up agonisingly short of the top step of the podium will no doubt spur them on in the search for success in 2023. In San Juan, Justine Martel (Beta), Elodie Chaplot (Sherco) return to the 6DAYS® with France, while Mauricette Brisebard (Husqvarna) joins them for the first time.
Australia completed the podium in third place in 2023. They remain as the top women’s nation thanks to their six consecutive victories between 2013 and 2018. Arguably two of the most experienced riders in this year’s 6DAYS®, both Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) and Tayla Jones (Husqvarna) were part of that winning formula for Australia, claiming all six victories. Joined this year by Danielle McDonald (Yamaha), Australia starts with a historic seventh win on their minds.
Seen as one of the strongest squads in the women’s competition, the United States are among the favourites for victory in 2023. With a line-up of Brandy Richards (KTM), Korie Steede (KTM), and Rachel Gutish (GASGAS), which remains unchanged from 2022, they return to the 6DAYS® seeking redemption.
Early leaders of the race in France, Team USA’s chance of a fourth win was lost when Richards exited the race on day four. Richards, who at the time was also leading the individual women’s classification by four minutes, will no doubt be determined to see this year’s race through and complete the day six motocross victorious with the United States.
Placing fifth overall in 2023, Canada is quickly becoming a nation to be reckoned with in the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition. Fielding a strong team of Natasha Lachapelle (GASGAS), Felicia Robichaud (GASGAS) and Emma Sharpless (Husqvarna), the trio have the potential to secure a debut 6DAYS® podium for Canada if everything goes their way next week.
Germany, home nation Argentina and an FIM Latin America CONU Team – comprising of Chilean and Brazilian riders – complete the list of nations contesting this year’s FIM Women’s World Trophy category. Argentina will obviously be eager for success on South American soil, and with a strong army of support behind them hope to make it a 6DAY® to remember.
