A short history: 6DAYS® returns to Portugal for the fourth time

In just a few short weeks, from 12-17 October, Portugal will host the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations in Grândola and its surrounding Alentejo region. Marking the one-hundredth edition of the longest-running off-road motorcycling competition on the FIM sporting calendar, it is set to be one of historical importance.

Always a highly-anticipated event for riders, spectators and fans of Enduro, 2026 will be the fourth time that the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations has taken place in Portugal, since the 6DAYS® — formally known as the International Six Days Trial (ISDT) and most recently, International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) — was established in 1913.
 
It was not until 1999 that the 6DAYS® arrived on Portuguese soil for what would be the seventy-fourth edition. The small, quiet town of Coimbra, located in the centre of the country, awakened to the world’s best professional and amateur riders during mid-September of that year.
 
From dust to mud, sunshine and rain, a challenging mix of terrain and weather conditions put the competitors through their paces. Eventually, it was Finland who came out on top to win the World Trophy competition for the third time, while Spain won the Junior World Trophy category. Importantly, Portugal had proved successful in hosting the 6DAYS® as it looked to strengthen its foothold within Enduro.

Theo Espinasse at 2019 FIM 6DAYS® in Portimão (Portugal) © Future7Media

However, the country would need to wait ten years until the FIM Enduro of Nations would return. In October 2009, Portugal was granted the honour of celebrating the eighty-fourth edition and chose the coastal city of Figueira da Foz as its headquarters. Located halfway between Lisbon and Porto, and only one hour from Coimbra, it was able to draw on the familiar rocky, mountainous terrain of 1999, while also adding physically demanding sandy special tests to the mix.

Starting as the defending champions, France set the tone on day one for the week to come. Immediately putting themselves at the head of the World Trophy leaderboard, they controlled the race from start to finish, claiming the top step of the podium. Once again, Spain showed their class in Portugal by winning the Junior World Trophy competition. Matching the efforts of their World Trophy teammates, France raced to victory in the Women’s World Trophy category.

Another ten-year gap resulted in the 6DAYS® returning to Portugal in 2019 for the ninety-fourth edition. Travelling south to Portimão and the famed Algarve region, the world-class Autódromo Internacional Algarve acted as the epicentre for the event, with the course taking competitors far and wide into the surrounding mountains.

At the end of a fiercely competitive week of racing, the United States cemented themselves as World Trophy winners for only the second time in history, with victory in the Women’s World Trophy category adding to their celebrations. Australia denied the United States a clean sweep of categories by topping the Junior World Trophy class.

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 the Parc 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.

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-moto.com) 
The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 125 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 
Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, SuperMoto, Supercross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country, Speedway and E-Bikes. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.