Creating history with a debut ISDE win, Team USA receive a standing ovation for our Monday’s Shout Out…

It’s almost hard to believe that in the 91 editions of the International Six Days Enduro, USA had never won the thing.

When it comes to off road they’ve a pretty good track record at hitting the top step of the podium, the Motocross Des Nations being a prime example. But until yesterday, never the ISDE.

Then they got serious about it.

Determined to reignite USA’s pride in the race, Rich Caselli, Kurt’s father, was one of the main men instrumental in their return to the ISDE, putting together a winning Junior team of Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrick, Russell Bobbitt and David Pearson in 2006.

In those 10 years since a lot’s happened and even more learned. Rich and Kurt are no longer with us. 

But the dream of winning has never wavered.

Figuring out a sport - timecard enduro - that’s not exactly native to a country as wide and vast as USA, the Trophy squad steadily grew stronger.

Initially they spent most of the week racing their way up to speed only to peak when it was too late.

But through the National Enduro series, the Full Gas Sprint Enduro Championship and pre-ISDE bootcamps, pinning it between the timing beams came more naturally.

Second in 2013 and 2014 indicated it was all just a matter of time before the stars - and stripes - aligned in their favour.

And last Monday they came out swinging.

Leading everyone home on day one, USA then held their position for the duration of the week, never once slipping off the top of the standings.

Keeping it together for the sixth and final day, USA’s quartet of Taylor Robert, Kailub Russell, Thad Duvall and Layne Michael capped off one heck of a 10-year journey by riding into the record books as 2016 ISDE champions.

From riders to team manager Antti, trackside personnel, behind-the-scenes support crew and anyone that’s ever shaken a donation bucket to get USA to the races, congratulations. You’ve made Kurt and Rich proud.

Dream. Believe. Achieve.