There was no change to the World Trophy leaderboard, with Italy continuing to lead the way in this year’s 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations at the end of Day Three.
Always an important milestone in any 6DAYS®, Day Three marked the midway point in this year’s hundredth edition. On another tough and challenging day of racing, competitors would complete up to two-hundred-and-sixty kilometres of riding.
However, there was light relief for some, with organisers forced to cancel the Santo Andrea Enduro Test due to a technical timing issue, which reduced the total number of timed special tests from six to four. For those who reached the end-of-day service point, it would prove a welcome sight, with the first half of the race now behind them.
Italy strengthen World Trophy lead on Day Three
Despite some tense moments throughout the day, Italy never lost focus and continue to lead the World Trophy classification at the end of Day Three. Managing their advantage over France in second to perfection, they increased their lead by two seconds and enter the second half of the 6DAYS® Portugal with a healthy three-minute-and-twenty-six-
With three riders inside the top fifteen, France looked fast on track today, but will be wondering tonight what it will take to start gaining time on Italy. While Italy and France control the first two positions, Sweden in third are coming under attack from the United States in fourth.
Putting in their best ride of the week, the United States have now closed to within twelve seconds of Sweden. With Grant Davis (KTM), Jonathan Girroir(KTM) and Dante Oliveira (KTM) all finishing within six seconds of each other in fourth, fifth and sixth overall respectively, it is clear the sandy terrain is favouring them.
“We definitely gained some ground today that’s helped us catch back up to Sweden,” said Girroir. “It feels good to put in a ride like that as a team. Motivation will be high tomorrow to keep this going.”
Spain lie fifth overall after Day Three and are still only a little over seven minutes behind Italy. Finland slot into sixth, albeit now eleven minutes behind the Spaniards, but are seven minutes ahead of Chile in seventh.
The remainder of the top ten sees eighth-placed Belgium lead Canada in ninthby one-minute-and-thirty-seconds, with Mexico just five seconds behind Canada in tenth.
France and Italy go head-to-head in Junior World Trophy
Holding their nerve during a challenging day, France stand firm at the top of the Junior World Trophy leaderboard. Despite continued pressure from Italy in second, they did extend their lead by twelve seconds to forty-two seconds. However, both teams will know that at this stage in the race, that advantage is minimal and any further mistakes from riders could see positions change hands.
As the best-placed Junior rider, Italy’s Alberto Elgari (TM MOTO) is determined to keep the pressure on France during these next three days of racing.
“We’re not giving up,” said Elgari. “We’re here to fight the best we can. Both Kevin [Cristino] and Manuel [Verzeroli] are struggling a bit with injury, but they are still doing an incredible job.”
The United States complete the top three, but are now three minutes behind Italy. With a one-minute-and-forty-three-
The Czech Republic close out the top five after Day Three and lead sixth-placed Australia by one-minute-and-thirty-seconds. Chile are riding strong for seventh. The fight for eighth is closely contested, with Finlandheading Sweden in ninth by only fifteen seconds. Host nation Portugal round out the top ten.
Australia keep pressure on United States in MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy
The battle for overall honours in the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy category continues to be fought out between the United States and Australia. Today, there was little to separate each nation, with the United States beating Australia for the win by just five seconds.
With a lead of four minutes — the majority of which was gained on Day One — they still cannot shake off Australia. With both nations chasing an elusive seventh 6DAYS® victory, the fight for the top step of the podium will be exciting to watch throughout the remainder of the week.
Behind the United States and Australia, France are beginning to look comfortable in third. Although now thirty-three minutes behind the United States, they are in turn almost eighteen minutes clear of New Zealand in fourth. Chile complete the top five, and are only two minutes behind New Zealand and three minutes in front of FIM LA in sixth. Canada and Brazilare seventh and eighth, respectively.
After a strong start, Portugal saw their hopes of a medal result end, dropping from fourth to ninth. For team leader Joana Goncalves (Husqvarna) Day Three was bittersweet.
“Today we lost a rider and hopes of a team result, but it’s how it goes sometimes,” said Goncalves. “So far it’s very difficult, with a lot of kilometres and hours riding on the bike. But I will keep fighting on and continue to give my best out there.”
García and Verona continue to fight for outright individual honours
Despite the reduced day of four timed special tests, Spain’s Josep García (KTM) still managed to win the outright individual classification by eleven seconds, further cutting into the overall lead of Italy’s Andrea Verona (KTM). Finishing first and second, García and Veronaremain the two most dominant ridersin this year’s 6DAYS®.
“I’m still fighting to recover the time I lost on Day One,” said García. “It’s coming little by little; I will keep giving my best and push until the very end.”
France’s Zach Pichon (TM MOTO) was once again a familiar face in third, but he had company, with Davis placing just one second behind him in fourth. Girroir rounded out the top five by two-tenths of a second from his teammate Oliveira in sixth.
Day Three marked another Enduro1 class win for García, with Sweden’s Axel Semb (Husqvarna) and Max Ahlin(Honda) separated by only five seconds in second and third, respectively.
Verona recorded his third consecutive Enduro2 class victory of the week, with Pichon and Davis rounding out the top three.
France’s Julien Roussaly (Sherco) extended his Enduro3 class leadwith victory on Day Three. Elgari came home in second, with Great Britain’s Brad Freeman (Beta) taking third.
The United States’ Brandy Richards(KTM) secured her third victory in the Women’s class, while Australia’s Danielle McDonald (Yamaha) finished second to move up to second overall. A very impressive ride by New Zealand’s Rachael Archer (Yamaha) saw her finish third.
Team Italy control the pace in Club Team Award
Day Three saw Team Italy strengthen their grip on the Club Team Awardcategory as they extended their race lead out to three-minutes-and-twenty-six-
Gottbros Team lead the Veteran Club Team class, with Team Motokrosova Skola CZ second and Cone Valve Team-M.C. Sitge third.
Tomorrow’s Day Four will see competitors complete two laps of the Grândola to Santiago do Cacém loop in the Alentejo region, with another two-hundred-and-sixty kilometres of riding expected.
Can’t be at the 6DAYS® Portugal in person?
Then tune into FIM-MOTO.TV to experience the historic 100th edition of the FIM 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations, taking place in Grândola, Portugal, from 12-17 October. For just €10.90, you’ll get live action each day, with live streaming of the Final Special Test covering the World Trophy, Junior Trophy, Women’s Trophy and Club Teams, plus the 6DAYS® Studio Show featuring daily interviews with the top riders and Enduro experts, live from the heart of theParc Fermé. There will also be live coverage of the Final Cross Test, the Awards Ceremony, as well as event replays, allowing you to relive all the biggest battles and moments whenever you want. Register now on FIM-MOTO.TV and don’t miss the LIVE ACTION!
The 100th edition of the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations will take place in Grândola, Portugal, from 12-17 October. Visit the official event website for more information.
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