A win for the United States on day four of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in San Juan, Argentina closesthe gap on leaders FranceAfter a considerable number of riders failed to make it back to the parc ferme in time on day three of this year’sISDE, those still left in the race began day four cautiously. Knowing that in order to finish first they must all firstfinish, France adopted a steady and calculated strategy to remain fixed at the top of the FIM World Trophyclassification. Pushing hard to keep their title hopes alive, the United States knocked over three minutes offFrance’s lead by placing as the fastest nation on day four. Despite suffering some misfortune on day four, Spainhang on to third overall from Germany while Argentina stay inside the top five in fifth.
Holding station at the head of the FIM Junior World Trophy class, the United States lead for the second day in a row.Although now benefiting from a seventy-two second race lead, the USA will not be able to relax on the penultimateday of racing as France come on strong. Fastest on day four, defending champions France have moved back up tosecond overall and with another tough day of racing planned for day five they are not out of the fight for victoryjust yet. Down to three riders, Sweden suffered their first casualty of the race with the loss of Oliver Nelson – KTMand slip to third overall. Australia hold on to fourth position while Germany complete the top five.Delivering another winning result on day four, Australia firmly asserted themselves at the head of the FIM Women’sWorld Trophy category. Head and shoulders above Canada and the United States in second and third, the trio ofJessica Gardiner – Sherco, Tayla Jones – KTM and Jemma Wilson – Yamaha look set to successfully defend their title.
There was no change to the running order of the Enduro 1 class with France’s Christophe Nambotin – KTM recordinghis fourth win of the week. Marc Bourgeois – Yamaha and Jeremy Tarroux – Sherco in second and third ensured yetanother one-two-three for France in Enduro 1.Extending his advantage in the Enduro 2 category, France’s Pierre Alexandre Renet – Husqvarna was again the riderto beat. Securing his best result of the week, United States’ Kailub Russell – KTM beat Australia’s Josh Strang by fourseconds to place second.Yet again the best rider in the Enduro 3 ranks, Australia’s Toby Price – KTM took the class win on day four, but was also rewarded for his efforts by recording victory in the overall individual classification. After his disappointment onday three, the United States’ Taylor Robert – KTM got back into the swing of things and finished second whileSpain’s Ivan Cervantes – KTM completed the top three.With four demanding days of competition now behind them, competitors in the eighty-ninth edition of the ISDE havejust one full day of racing left before the final motocross on day six awaits.
Enduro.ie via (www.fim-live.com)