Finish in sight for 6DAYS® in Argentina with penultimate day completed

The fifth and penultimate day of the FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE) saw competitors’ edge closer to the finish line in San Juan, Argentina. At the head of the standings, the United States remain in control of the FIM World Trophy class with a fourteen-minute lead. Sweden lead the FIM Junior World Trophy category by almost twenty-two minutes, while the United States enjoy a firm grasp on the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition.

• 6DAYS® completes tough day five in San Juan
• United States edge closer to FIM World Trophy victory
• Day six concludes with traditional Final Cross Test

Day five of the ninety-seventh ISDE marked the final long day of racing for the weary competitors that remain in the race. The Yellow Loop greeted them with a new course and a fresh set of special tests to contest. At over two hundred and thirty kilometres long, it still proved a lengthy day in the saddle for all.

United States set sights in FIM World Trophy win with day five victory

In the FIM World Trophy competition the penultimate day provided plenty of drama in the battle for the final podium positions. The United States were comfortable out front, but behind them things started out close between France, Great Britain, Spain, and Italy for second and third overall.

But on the second test, drama struck both Spain and Italy. With each team losing a rider, it dropped them out of the running order and ended what was shaping up to be a close battle. The United States raced on to claim their fifth consecutive day win by almost three minutes. France took second, with Great Britain third. Chile and Venezuela rounded out the top five on day five.

“It’s been a hard week, one of the toughest ISDE races I have done for sure,” told France’s Loic Larrieu (KTM). “But to arrive to the final day in second overall is very good for France.”

“The United States were stronger than us this week, but we fought and never gave up. We’ll try to focus on tomorrow’s final day and reach the finish without problems.”

Heading into day six, the United States hold a fourteen-minute lead over France, with Great Britain two minutes further back in third. With Chile over thirty-five minutes behind Great Britain, the final podium placings now look decided barring any unforeseen day six drama.

Sweden looking unstoppable in FIM Junior World Trophy

In the FIM Junior World Trophy class, Sweden looks set to secure their first victory in almost seven years. Yet again they proved the nation to beat, powering away to their fifth day win this week. They were followed home today by France in second, with the United States in third.

“It’s been a good day for the team and for myself I had a strong ride,” said United States’ Mateo Oliveira (KTM).

“This was my best result of the week and it’s given me good confidence that I can race hard at this level. We’re all looking forward to tomorrow after what’s been a hard week.”

With Sweden, France, and the United States in control of the overall podiums, Argentina is fourth. Holding a twenty-minute lead over the Czech Republic, the stage is set for the host nation to claim their best result in recent memory on home soil.

United States in command of FIM Women’s World Trophy competition

There was no change at the head of the FIM Women’s World Trophy class, with the United States storming away to their fourth consecutive day victory. After losing to Australia on day one, the United States have hardly put a foot wrong since. Holding a four hour and seven-minute race lead, they will sleep easy tonight.

Behind them though and there was more drama, with further changes to the leaderboard. Today, Team FIM Latin America saw their chance of a debut runner-up result slip away when Valeria Rodriguez (Honda) dropped out after the first special test.

That change saw Australia climb back up to second overall in the classification. With four hours in hand over France, Team FIM Latin America should hold onto third overall.

“This is only my first ISDE and at sixteen years old I’m pretty new to it all,” told Australia’s Danielle MacDonald (Yamaha). “But I dug deep today found my groove and was able to put in a solid result.”

“Overall, it’s been a great learning week for me. I was too young to race the Australian Four Day Enduro earlier this year, so I’m pleased to get this far.  Hopefully I can build on this experience for the future.”

Garcia moves closer to third consecutive individual victory with day five win

Day five saw the familiar battle between Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) and Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS) for the overall individual classification, beginning with the day’s opening special test. The Italian Verona shot out to an early lead, winning the first two tests. But Garcia soon found his rhythm and went on to top the remaining four tests to take the day five victory by sixteen seconds.

The United States’ Taylor Robert (KTM) was best of the rest in third, albeit some one minute and twenty-seven seconds behind the leading duo. Garcia – aiming for his third consecutive 6DAYS® overall victory – now holds a forty-eight second lead over Verona heading into tomorrow’s Final Cross Test.

“It’s great to get the overall win again today, but I’m also sad because as a team we lost our rider Jaume Betriu with an injury,” commented Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM).

“We were fighting for the podium, but that’s not possible now. Overall, I’ve enjoyed a great ISDE so far. I always love this race. I will try my best to take home the trophy tomorrow!”

In Enduro1 it was a comfortable win for Garcia. Italy’s Samuele Bernardini (Honda) was second with Spain’s Sergio Navarro (Husqvarna) having his best result of the week in third.

Similarly, Verona was the clear winner of the Enduro2 class. Robert took second, with his teammate Dante Oliveira (KTM) third.

Sweden’s Albin Norrbin (Fantic) was the rider to beat in Enduro3. He took the win over Loic Larrieu (KTM). Chile’s Ben Herrera (GASGAS) beat Italy’s Morgan Lesiardo (Sheroc) for third.

XC Gear favourites for Club Team Award honours

With an eighteen-minute lead in the Club Team Award, XC Gear look set to claim the top step of the podium in this year’s 6DAYS® with just the Final Cross Test left to play out. GTBN hold a strong second place. Argentina are now ten minutes clear of fourth placed Steve Hatch Racing POTM.

After five exciting and action-packed days of racing, this year’s 6DAYS® concludes tomorrow in San Juan, Argentina with the traditional Final Cross Test at the Circuit Internacional ASER De Enduro Y Motocross.

Albin Norrbin
Helping to bring Sweden back to the top of the 6DAYS®

Leading the FIM Junior World Trophy competition, Sweden is currently enjoying an incredible FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE).

Midway through, they top the classification by almost twelve minutes. The trio of Albin Norrbin (Fantic), Max Ahlin (KTM), and Axel Semb (Husqvarna) are doing it in style by locking out the top three Junior positions each day, while finishing well within the top fifteen of the overall individual classification too.

As a nation steeped in enduro heritage, it is incredibly welcoming to see Sweden return to top of the 6DAYS® like this and bodes well for the future. As Norrbin commented after another tough day in the saddle, Sweden is back in the game…

“Things are going brilliant so far,” says Norrbin. “All three of us are riding great, pushing hard, but knowing the limit too. To be leading the way in Juniors, while also fighting hard in the overall classification, is so nice.

“As Swedes, we’ve needed some results like this for a while in the ISDE – it’s cool to have Sweden back in the game.”

In 2022 at the 6DAYS® in France, the potential was there for a similar performance, although a technical issue on day one put Norrbin out of the running. Arriving in San Juan somewhat under the radar, it feels like they have caught everyone by surprise with their pace.

The dusty, rocky terrain in Argentina is far removed from the vast forests of Sweden, so what is their secret?

“For sure Argentina is nothing like what we’ve got back at home in Sweden to ride. There it’s more traditional forests, but by racing the Enduro World Championship and training in places like Italy and Spain it has helped us a lot. I think we’ve learned to adapt quite quickly to conditions and that’s helping a lot here in Argentina.”

Sweden last won the FIM Junior World Trophy competition in Spain in 2016. Now, with a twelve-minute lead as they head into the second part of the week, are they thinking about standing on the top step of the podium once more?

“There’s still a long way to go, but it would be incredible. Enduro is part of Sweden and I really do hope this is now our time to fight for victories.

“Everyone involved in the ISDE effort with Sweden puts so much time and energy into getting us here and giving us everything we need. Max, Axel and I want to do our best to take home the trophy for them.”

United States lead as 6DAYS® reaches midway point

The ninety-seventh FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE) reached mid-distance with United States maintaining their lead in the FIM World Trophy competition. Sweden further extended their advantage in the FIM Junior World Trophy, while the United States continue to be the nation to beat in the FIM Women’s World Trophy in San Juan, Argentina.

•    6DAYS® reaches midway point in the race in Argentina
•    United States continue to lead FIM World Trophy competition
•    6DAYS® mourns loss of Club Team Award competitor Albert Pos

It was a sombre start to day three of the ISDE after news of the sad passing of Albert Pos from the Netherlands had filtered through the Villicum Circuit race paddock late on Tuesday evening. A minute of silence prior to the start of today’s racing was observed in memory of Pos who had been competing in the Club Team Award category.

A new course greeted those who rolled off the starting ramp for day three in San Juan. The one hundred and fifteen kilometre long Red Loop took competitors southwest of the Villicum Circuit along the northern shorelines of the nearby Dique Ullum and Punta Negra lakes. The fresh set of special tests offered a new challenge for the 6DAYS® competitors.

Exciting day of racing in FIM World Trophy

Showing no signs of slowing down, the United States won the opening special test by four seconds over France, with Spain just behind in third. Italy were fourth, while Great Britain completed it in fifth, but lost some time to their rivals.

At the end of lap one it was Spain who were now out front by thirty-four seconds. France and Italy, separated by just two seconds, were second and third respectively. While the United States suddenly looked in trouble sitting some fifty-four seconds back in fourth.

Quickly regrouping on the fourth special test to start the second and final lap, United States raced their way back into the lead. Adding more time to their rivals, they went on to win day three by fifty-five seconds.

Italy put in a strong afternoon to edge out Spain by nine seconds and claimed the runner-up result on day three. With France in fourth, it was Great Britain who struggled on day three, finishing nearly three minutes behind the United States in fifth.

“It was nice to have some more relaxing liaison sections,” told Great Britain’s Jed Etchells (Fantic). “The new tests were good too, so overall it was a good day out there.

“We lost a bit of time to France today, but we’ll try to pull that back tomorrow and push on again.”

The overall classification now sees the United States lead the FIM World Trophy category by eight minutes and fifteen seconds from Great Britain. France remain third, but have closed the gap to Great Britain. They are just forty seconds behind the defending champions with three days remaining.

Spain and Italy complete the top five, with Chile, Argentina, and Canada holding sixth, seventh and eighth respectively. Venezuela and Brazil round out the top ten.

Sweden hold firm out front in FIM Junior World Trophy

Sweden were once again the dominant force in the FIM Junior World Trophy class. As has been the case all week, the trio of Axel Semb (Husqvarna), Albin Norrbin (Fantic), and Max Ahlin (KTM) filled out the top-three positions in the Junior rankings. Today it was Semb who took the win, edging out his teammate Norrbin by three seconds.

France kept the United States at bay to finish day three in second, but are still looking for that extra bit of pace to trouble leaders Sweden. Host nation Argentina enjoyed a great performance, beating the Czech Republic to take fourth.

“It was a good day for us,” told Thibaut Giraudon (Sherco) of France. “The new tests were very nice to ride, and I enjoyed them a lot.

“Our team is doing well, and the goal is to stay focused for these next three days. Sweden are super fast, but there is still a long way to go, so who knows that can happen!”

After three days, Sweden now lead by almost twelve minutes. France hold a two minute and forty-five second lead over the United States in third. Argentina sit fourth overall. With hopes of a podium still on their minds, they will look to keep the pressure on the top three nations during these final three days of racing.

United States continue to dominate FIM Women’s World Trophy

In the FIM Women’s World Trophy class, the United States once again pushed the pace at the top of the classification. Winning the opening special test by over one minute, they set about building their lead throughout the day. At the end of lap one they had pulled two minutes and twenty-three seconds clear of Australia in second place.

Closing out their day with a five minute and thirty-three second margin of victory, the United States begin the second half of this year’s 6DAYS® with a very comfortable ten minute and thirty-one second advantage over Australia.

“We’re halfway through the race, but so far it’s been one of the gnarliest ones we’ve done,” said Australia’s Tayla Jones (Husqvarna). “The combination of heat, dust, rocks, and big days is hard. But we’re tough and will keep plugging away at it.”

“The United States are riding great, but we’re happy with the position we’re in. It’s physically tiring and super easy to make a mistake. I’ll rest up this evening and get ready for the second half of the week.”

Behind the United States and Australia, Team FIM LA of Barbara Neves (Honda), Tania Gonzales (Honda) and Valeria Rodriguez (Honda) hold onto to third overall.

Garcia moves back into the overall lead with day three victory

In the fight of individual honours, it was Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) who took the overall victory on day three. The Spaniard was sensational, claiming five of the day’s six special tests. Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS) continued to apply the pressure, finishing just seventeen seconds behind him as runner-up.

It was a good day for Italy with Verona’s teammate Samuele Bernardini (Honda) finishing third. With his day three win, Garcia moves back into the overall lead of the 6DAYS®.

In Enduro1, it was a day three win for Garcia, with Bernardini in second. France’s Theo Espinasse (Beta) beat Great Britain’s Jed Etchells (Fantic) by just two seconds to take third. Verona claimed the Enduro2 class win for the third time. The United States’ Taylor Robert (KTM) edged out his teammate Cole Martinez (Honda) for second.

Albin Norrbin (Fantic) was the fastest Enduro3 class rider on day three. The Swede topped the classification by seventeen seconds over France’s Loic Larrieu (KTM), with fellow Frenchman Julien Roussaly (Sherco) third. Only thirty seconds separated the top five in Enduro3.

XC Gear lead Club Team Award

In the Club Team Award, there was no change at the top of the leader board, with XC Gear securing their third day win. Josh Toth (GASGAS) continues to remain the rider to beat. braaptastic.com hold on to second overall, while GTBN have worked their way back in front of Argentina to take third.

The 6DAYS® moves into the second half of race week with tomorrow’s day four using the same loop as today, so conditions are sure to be rough out on the course as rider fatigue becomes a real factor throughout the field.

United States claim early lead at 6DAYS® on day one in Argentina

The ninety-seventh FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE) is underway in San Juan, Argentina, with the United States claiming victory on day one in the FIM World Trophy classification. Sweden end day one with an early lead in the FIM Junior World Trophy, while Australia top the time sheets in the FIM Women’s World Trophy.

• 6DAYS® gets underway in San Juan, Argentina
• United States build up an early lead in FIM World Trophy
• Australia take narrow day one win in FIM Women’s World Trophy

After weeks of anticipation and build up, competitors from over thirty nations finally rolled off the start ramp this morning for the FIM International Six Day’s Enduro in San Juan. With a long and demanding day ahead of them, they battled their way through some intense heat and rough terrain.United States top FIM World Trophy on day one of 6DAYS®

In the FIM World Trophy classification, it was Jed Etchells (Fantic) of defending nation Great Britain who held the honour of being the first rider onto the opening special test. And almost immediately the race for victory was on as rider after rider filtered through. The United States made their mark from the get-go and led Great Britain by nine seconds, with Italy a further six seconds behind in third.

After three tests, the United States were looking comfortable in the heat and dust and had extended that advantage out to thirty-two seconds over Italy, who were now in second. With Spain up to third, Great Britain were bumped down to fourth.

Exiting the sixth and final test of the day, the United States could be pleased with their opening-day efforts in Argentina. Led by Dante Oliveira (KTM), all four riders placed inside the top-eight overall to give them a one-minute-and-fifty-five-second lead heading into day two.

“But it’s been a great day for the team,” said Oliveira. “The liaison sections were tough with nowhere to rest, but the conditions are similar to what we can get back home. With the same course to ride tomorrow, it’s going to be a tough day!”

Behind them, the battle for the remainder of the top five chopped and changed multiple times. Great Britain worked their way back up to second, while France came on strong in the latter half of the day to snatch third. Spain and Italy completed the top five. Chile were the best of the South American nations in sixth, with host country Argentina seventh.Sweden set the pace in FIM Junior World Trophy

Setting the pace on the opening day, Sweden raced to a commanding day one win in the FIM Junior World Trophy category. The trio of Albin Norrbin (Fantic), Axel Semb (Husqvarna), and Max Ahlin (KTM) were impressive as they quickly mastered the slippery, dusty terrain. Pulling clear of their rivals, they lead the way by two minutes and twenty-eight seconds.

“It was incredibly hot out there and a very tough start to the ISDE,” told Norrbin. “We’ve had a good day though and it’s awesome to be leading already. We’ll try to keep pushing tomorrow.”

As defending FIM Junior World Trophy champions, Italy placed well on day one with second position. But they know that they will have to fight hard tomorrow to reel the Swedes back in. France end day one in third overall, but have the United States close behind in fourth. Only fifteen seconds separate both nations at this early stage in the race.Australia and United States battle in FIM Women’s World Trophy

The FIM Women’s World Trophy category is already shaping up to be an exciting battle between Australia and the United States. Australia holds the upper hand at the end of day one, but it’s a very slender lead at just two seconds.

After three tests, Australia held a one-minute lead over the United States. But on test four, the United States managed to reduce that gap to just thirteen seconds. Australia responded and pulled it out to nineteen seconds, before one last attack from the United States on the sixth and final test saw them bring it back to two seconds.

Already over twelve minutes behind Australia and the United States are France in third. Peru hold fourth. There was disappointment for defending champions Great Britain after they dropped out of contention when Emily Hall (Rieju) retired.Garcia races to top of overall classification on day one

Picking up where they left off in 2022, the battle for overall individual honours resumed between Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) and Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS). Verona was quickest on the opening special test, before Garcia went on to top the five remaining special tests. He leads Verona by twelve seconds, with Dante Oliveira (KTM) a further one minute behind in third.

“It’s nice to have day one in the bag,” said Garcia. “I struggled a bit on the first lap, but soon settled into the race. My speed came good, and I was happy with how I ended. But for sure it will be a long race.”

The Enduro1 category saw Garcia get out to an early lead over Jed Etchells (Fantic). France’s Theo Espinasse (Beta) is just three seconds behind Etchells in third.

Verona has set himself out as the rider to beat in Enduro2 and leads the way by one minute over Oliveira. The United States figure strongly, with Cole Martinez (Honda) and Taylor Robert (KTM) in third and fourth respectively.

The Enduro3 category is proving highly competitive with just six seconds separating the top three riders. France’s Loic Larrieu (KTM) is fastest by four seconds over Spain’s Jaume Betriu (KTM), with Albin Norrbin (Fantic) third.

XC Gear lead the way in Club Team Award

With seventy-seven teams entered in the Club Team Award, excitement was high early on day one as competitors left the start in the Villicum Circuit. It proved a memorable opener to the 6DAYS® for the United States as they filled out the top three placings. XC Gear won by fifteen seconds over braaptastic.com, with GTBN a further eight seconds behind in third. Argentina were fourth, with Missouri Mudders rounding out the top five.

The 6DAYS® continues tomorrow with day two using a repeat of day one’s Blue Loop course.

United States strengthen their lead on day two at 6DAYS®

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.

• 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.

Today’s 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.

Avec une heure d’avance sur l’horaire initialement prévu, on en termine avec cette seconde journée de course à San Juan. Châleur et poussière sont les maître-mots de ce début de compétition et ces paramètres ont obligé les organisateurs a revoir la longueur des liaisons pour épargner un peu les pilotes.

Les six spéciales au programme du jour étaient, elles, strictement les mêmes, evidemment bien plus creusées qu’hier. Dans ces conditions, nos pilotes ont tenu leur rang, les équipes Trophée et Junior occupent toujours la troisième place de leur classement provisoire respectif. En Féminine, la situation est plus compliquée avec l’abandon d’ Elodie Chaplot. L’équipe occupe tout de même encore la quatrième place.  

La consigne était très claire ce matin, après l’analyse d’une première journée qui a mis plusieurs équipes dans la difficulté, il fallait jouer la prudence et ne pas risquer d’aller à la faute. D’autant plus que les spéciales étaient particulièrement abimées et piégeuses. Le conseil a été entendu et les pilotes Trophée sont parvenus à conserver leur troisième place au provisoire obtenue hier. Cinquième de la journée, ils contiennent le retour des espagnols et concèdent un peu de temps aux anglais, qu’il faudra essayer de rattraper demain, sur des spéciales vierges. Nos quatre pilotes ont encore une fois signé des résultats très homogènes. C’est Léo Le Quéré qui a été le plus rapide, il pointe à la neuvième place du jour, juste devant Théo Espinasse et Loïc Larrieu. Julien Roussaly est 17ème.

Du coté des Juniors, la journée s’est parfaitement déroulée. Nos trois pilotes ont joué des coudes tout au long des six spéciales avec les équipes italiennes et américaines pour le gain de la deuxième place, les suédois faisant cavalier seul en tête. Au final, ils prennent la troisième place du jour, une poignée de secondes derrière les USA. Ils font une très bonne opération, les italiens ont rétrogradé au provisoire à cause de l’abandon d’un de leur pilote et ont cédé leur place à l’équipe des USA, deuxième avec une faible avance sur nos français.
A noter que Léo Joyon intègre le top 5 de cette journée, Antoine Alix est septième, et Thibaut Giraudon pointe onzième.

L’équipe féminine a connu une journée difficile avec l’abandon en début de course d’ Elodie Chaplot. Elle avait réalisé une excellente première journée, mais a malheureusement chuté dans une grande ligne droite de la spéciale 2. Avec un pouce abimé et des douleurs au dos, elle n’a pas pu reprendre la piste. Elle a rapidement été rejointe par Dominique Savelli, le médecin de l’équipe qui l’a prise en charge. Après examen, elle s’en sort avec une fracture au pouce. Forcément déçues, Justine Martel et Mauricette Brisebard se sont vite remobilisées sous l’impulsion de leur entraineur, Stéphanie Bouisson. Il y a déjà eu beaucoup d’abandons et il ne reste que trois équipes complètes chez les féminines, tout est encore possible. Mauricette a terminé à la neuvième place de cette deuxième journée, juste devant Justine, dixième. Elles occupent la quatrième place du classement provisoire.

Demain, ce sera un changement de décor. Comme il est de coutume, les circuit des jours 3 et 4 sont totalement différents. Les boucles de mercredi et jeudi mèneront les pilotes à l’ Ouest de San Juan et proposeront des décors et des profils différents, auxquels il faudra savoir s’adapter. Le départ sera donné à 7h30.