Monday, November 3, 2014 | 4:35 PM
Starting as they mean to carry on in this year’s FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), France have made a successful initial bid to capture their third consecutive FIM World Trophy win by taking control of the race lead at the end of day one in Argentina. With just under four hundred riders embarking on their first full day of racing, the eighty-ninth edition of the ISDE is officially underway in San Juan.
Making a perfect start to the defence of their FIM World Trophy crown, France have topped the classification at the end of the first of six. Helped greatly by FIM E2 Enduro World Champion Pierre Alexandre Renet – Husqvarna and FIM E1 Enduro World Champion Christophe Nambotin – KTM placing first and second in the individual overall standings, France hold a one-minute and nineteen-second lead over closest rivals the United States.
Despite seeing five of their team riders place inside the top thirteen to end day one second overall, the United States also suffered an early retirement from Zachary Osborne – Husqvarna. Third overall at the end of day one, Australia have also placed well, but like the United States they too were dealt an early loss in the form of Daniel Milner – Yamaha and must now be careful to avoid any further mistakes. With all six team riders reaching the finish, Spain – sitting fourth overall – will be pushing hard to close the gap to third. Delivering a strong ride on day one, Germany completes the top five.
Making a very promising start to their week, Australia end day one with a thirty-second lead over defending champions France in the FIM Junior World Trophy category. Completing the top three, Sweden will have no chance to relax on day two as they fend off the attacks from fourth place United States, just two seconds adrift. Chile round out the top five at the end of the first day of competition.
Claiming the top three places in the Women’s individual category, defending champions Australia hold an early lead in the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition. Already over five minutes clear of second place United States and Australia are looking tough to beat in Argentina. A further seven minutes behind, Canada is third.
In the Enduro 1 classification it is Nambotin who holds a comfortable one-minute advantage over fellow compatriot Marc Bourgeois – Yamaha in second. Sherco’s Jeremy Tarroux – third overall – ensures France lead the way in E1. As the outright winner on day one, Renet also topped the Enduro 2 category. Making a strong start to his ISDE, Matt Phillips – KTM is second while Kailub Russell - KTM is close behind in third. Flying the flag for Australia, KTM’s Toby Price ended day one with a twelve second lead in the Enduro 3 class over Taylor Robert – KTM. Ivan Cervantes – KTM completes the top three in this class.
With the majority of riders having survived the opening day, those remaining will face an unchanged route tomorrow on day two.
For live results throughout the ISDE visit www.fim-isde-live.info