A memorable 6DAYS® awaits in Portugal confirms FIM Course Inspector Maurizio Micheluz
With anticipation building for next month’s 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations in Grãndola, Portugal, preparations are underway to deliver a spectacular one-hundredth edition.
An area with strong enduro heritage, Portugal’s Grãndola and its surrounding Alentejo region are set to feature a diverse mixture of terrainto test the five hundred professional and amateur riders from over thirty nations competing. Fromrocky mountain trails to sandy coastlines, it will require a complete set of Enduro skills to master this year’s 6DAYS.
As the FIM Course Inspector, it is the duty of Maurizio Micheluz to ensure that each of the three course layouts meet 6DAYS requirements, while proving enjoyable and testing for all ability levels. With visits to Grãndola already completed, Micheluz is pleased with how preparations have been going so far.
“I’m sure this year’s 6DAYS will be a really great event,” tells Micheluz. “The Portuguese organiser is very proud to host this big event with the support of the national federation. They want to show what they can do, and they are putting all of their efforts into making it a memorable one.
“For the layout of the race, Day One and Day Two will be one big loop, where only the first and last special tests will be the same. With the routes for Day Three and Day Four, plus Day Five, the loop will be shorter but with two laps each day and include three different special tests per lap.”
It is on these special tests where the centenary edition of the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations will be won and lost as riders fight for every second. Throughout the years, certain venues have leaned towards a consistent type of terrain, be it hard pack, sand or mud. In Alentejo, this is not the case.
“The mix of terrain in this region is unbelievable,” explains Micheluz. “There are a couple of special tests where the soil changes between the corners. You can be riding on hard pack, but enter a sand corner, and then exit again on the hard pack. Or vice versa! Riders are going to struggle a lot to find a good setting on their bikes.
“Generally, after my recent inspection, I can say that four tests are in deep sand, two are in mixed conditions, and two will be hard packed. Some rocks are also in the transfers, especially in some riverbeds, which can be very technical. Overall, there is a mixture of terrain where everybody can find and enjoy their preferred ground.”
After five big days of racing, the 6DAYS will close out in style in Sines for the Day Six Final Cross Test. On the Praia Vasco da Gama beach, against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, is where the champions will be crowned.
“The main beach area in Sines is where the Final Cross Test will be located for Day Six. The location deserves this final event. It will be like an open air theatre with the ocean as the backdrop. Whilst the track is compact, it will be a great show.
“Overall, each route of the 6DAYS has something memorable, so I’m not able to point to a specific one. We can let the riders answer in the end. But I am sure of one thing, every day they are going to be tired, but with a smiling face!”
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 FIM
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.