Great Britain Take World Trophy Lead On Day Two Of FIM ISDE – Race Report
The second day of racing at the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) saw Great Britain deliver the goods to win the World Trophy class.
Race Report and Images by FIM ISDE
Making the most of a better start position for Day Two, the quartet of Nathan Watson (Honda), Steve Holcombe (Beta), Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna) and Jed Etchells (Fantic) set the pace to top the standings of the day by one minute and twenty-four seconds.
Italy remains super composed in this year’s FIM ISDE, finishing second overall for the second day running.
After yesterday’s winning performance, Spain tumbled down the classification to third, placing some one minute and fifty-one seconds behind Great Britain. That loss also sees Great Britain take the overall lead in this year’s World Trophy fight.
“The team have done great today, we are all riding well and that’s key,” told Watson. “Yesterday we started at the back, so getting further up the running order was a big help today to remain competitive. We’ve a new course tomorrow, so let’s see what that brings.”
France ended their day over one minute behind Spain in fourth, with the United States just four seconds behind the host nation in fifth.
In the overall classifications after two days of competition Great Britain now lead Italy, with Spain in third and the USA and France rounding out the top five respectively.
Junior World Trophy – Italy remain dominant
Riding high, Italy once again proved the fastest Junior World Trophy team in the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) with victory on Day Two.
Building their overall lead in this year’s race, Italy fought hard to secure a ten second margin of victory over closest rivals Finland.
“We’ve had another strong day today,” told Italy’s Enrico Rinaldi (GASGAS). “Finland was pushing us hard, but we’ve been able to hold them off and take the win.
“After a nervous start to the FIM ISDE yesterday, I think we all felt more relaxed today and have settled into things. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the new tests we will get to ride.”
Italy will have to watch their backs on Day Three with Finland showing today that they have the pace to match them. With new tests in store, the Finns will look to keep the pressure on.
Australia hit their stride on Day Two. Adapting to the French terrain, they were the nation to gain the biggest improvement in position. Massively bettering their result of seventh on Day One, today they placed a well-earned third.
Great Britain remains inside the top five with fourth on Day Two, while Spain raced their way to fifth.
At the end of day two the general classification in the Junior World Trophy sees Italy remain out front, but Finland in touching distance in second with Great Britain holding third although much further back, leaving Australia and Spain to close out the top five placings in that order.
Women’s World Trophy – USA extend their lead
Day Two at the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) saw the United States once again top the Women’s World Trophy classification.
Determined to keep extending their lead in this year’s FIM ISDE, the United States were untouchable today, claiming a three minute and eight second victory over Great Britain.
Australia fought off host nation France by twenty seconds to take third.
In the overall classification, the United States are already looking favourites to successfully defend their Women’s World Trophy crown, holding a seven-minute advantage over Great Britain.
And while Great Britain are in turn a further seven minutes clear of France in third, the battle for the final step of the podium is much tighter.
Gaining ground on Day Two, Australia are now just fourteen seconds behind France. With multiple FIM ISDE victories to her name, Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) is well-positioned to lead her fellow countrywomen in that podium battle with France.
“Starting last yesterday was tough as we had to overtake a couple of riders on each test, but today was much better,” said Gardiner.“With a clearer track we were able to keep on the gas a bit more.
“I have done enough FIM ISDE races to know that it is still very early in the race to think too much about the result. We haven’t even reached the halfway point yet, so anything can happen.
“Luckily we escaped the rain today, but it is raining pretty hard now, so maybe tomorrow will be interesting!”
For the Full Results from Day Two >>CLICK HERE<<
