Putting distance into their rivals, the United States have increased their FIM World Trophy lead on day two of the FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE) in San Juan, Argentina. There were further gains for the United States camp when they also moved to the top of the FIM Women’s World Trophy classification. Sweden extended their advantage in the FIM Junior World Trophy category with victory on day two.
Race Report by FIM ISDE – Images courtesy of Future7Media
- United States lead both World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy competitions
- Italy’s Andrea Verona claims individual win on day two
- Riders battle through hot and dusty conditions
After a demanding opening day to this year’s 6DAYS® in Argentina, competitors woke up this morning to what would be another tough day in the saddle. However, with the region continuing to experience extreme heat, organisers wisely shortened sections of the course to help ease fatigue.
United States prove nation to beat on day two
In the FIM World Trophy category, race leaders United States were on a charge from the word go. Fastest on the opening test set the tone for what would become another solid day at the office.
Building their lead throughout the day, and with all four riders remaining inside the top ten, saw them secure a three minute and twenty-five second margin of victory. With two days complete, they lead Great Britain by over five minutes.
“The team got off to a great start again today and managed to keep that rhythm going the whole day to take the win,” told Cole Martinez (Honda). “The special tests were pretty chewed up by the end of the day, so I’m looking forward to new trails tomorrow.”
“I think the key so far is to manage the heat as best we can and not look too far ahead into the race. We still haven’t reached half distance yet.”
Day two saw a close battle for second place develop between Great Britain and Italy. The Italians – spurred on by team leader Andrea Verona (GASGAS) who clinched the overall individual victory – placed just eight seconds behind Great Britain in third. Spain and France were fourth and fifth respectively.
In the overall standings, Great Britain lie second. France are third, with Spain and Italy completing the top five overall ahead of day three.
Sweden remain unstoppable in Junior World Trophy
The FIM Junior World Trophy standings saw Sweden strengthen their grip on the race lead with another commanding performance. Once again, all three riders of Albin Norrbin (Fantic), Axel Semb (Husqvarna), and Max Ahlin (KTM) locked out the top-three Junior placings to build an advantage of almost eight minutes over the United States in second.
“Today was much better for me,” explained Semb. “I had a cold and fever up until now, so it was nice to feel more comfortable and be able to ride better.
“With the team going one-two-three in Junior, it’s been an incredible start to the race. Tomorrow is a new course, so we will see if that changes things.”
An exciting battle for the remainder of the podium continues to be played out between the United States and France. The two nations are separated by less than ten seconds. Great Britain sits fourth overall, but will need to keep a watchful eye on host nation Argentina who moved up to fifth on day two. There was also disappointment for Italy, with the two-time defending champions dropping out of contention when rider Manolo Morettini (Honda) exited the race early on.
United States take up Women’s World Trophy lead
Day two saw the United States find their feet in the FIM Women’s World Trophy class. The trio of Brandy Richards (KTM), Korie Steede (KTM), and Rachel Gutish (GASGAS) were unstoppable today. They beat rivals Australia by a sizeable five minutes and in turn, move comfortably into the overall lead.
“It’s been a great day for the team, and we moved into the overall lead,” told Gutish. “The tests got rougher, but a better line developed so we could attack harder. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, there are some interesting special tests ahead of us.”
Australia will hope to fight back on day three and keep the pressure on their rivals. Team FIM LA move up to third overall, but are now over one hour behind the leading nations.
Verona strikes back to win on day two
In the overall individual classification, there was change at the top of the leader board with Andrea Verona (GASGAS) getting the better of his close rival and friend Josep Garcia (KTM) to take the day two win. That victory now sees the Italian claim a small-but-important lead in the race over Garcia heading into day three. United States’ Dante Oliveira (KTM) completes the top three.
“I’ve had a good day,” said Verona. “I managed to find a good flow through the tests today and take the win and the overall result too. Already it’s been a great fight for the victory with Josep and I hope we can enjoy it again tomorrow.”
With his second consecutive Enduro1 class win, Garcia further extends his advantage to three minutes and forty-seven seconds over France’s Theo Espinasse (Beta) in second, with Great Britain’s Jed Etchells (Fantic) slipping back to third.
Verona was the clear winner of Enduro2 on day two. He leads Oliveira in second. United States’ Taylor Robert (KTM) holds third. But with less than thirty seconds separating Robert and Great Britain’s Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) in sixth, means it is all to play for.
Enduro3 is proving very exciting. Swedish Junior Albin Norrbin (Fantic) claimed the win on day two, to move into the class lead. France’s Loic Larrieu is eleven seconds behind in second, with Spain’s Betriu and Chile’s Ben Herrera (GASGAS) third and fourth.
XC Gear hold firm at top of Club Team Award
In the Club Team Award classification there was no change at the top of the standings with XC Gear continuing to lead at the end of day two. A strong performance has seen them extend their advantage to more than two minutes over braaptastic.com in second place. The battle for third intensified, with Argentina gaining ground on third-placed GTBN.
After two tough opening days of racing, day three at the 6DAYS® will see riders change course to the Red Loop. The route will take them across the north side of San Juan’s Dique Ullum and Punta Negra lakes.
The days racing activities were overshadowed by the tragic death of Albert Pos – rider #807 – from the Netherlands. Albert was a member of the Selling/Blömer/Pos Club Team, competing in the Club Team Award category – full statement here.
