Day Three - Australia pull clear as ISDE reaches halfway
point
Australia extend their lead at the close of day three of the FIM
International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) as the race in Chile reaches the midway
point. Delivering another winning result, Australia further strengthen their
advantage in the ninety-third edition of the FIM ISDE over the United States
and Italy.
Italy once again topped the FIM Junior World Trophy category to increase
their lead over the United States and France, while Australia are now six
minutes ahead of their closest rivals the United States in the FIM Women’s
World Trophy.
Marking the midway point in this year’s FIM ISDE in Chile, the third day
of racing saw competitors face a new course and a fresh set of special tests.
Moving inland to the Limache region, a one-hundred and fifty kilometre loop of
rocky terrain awaited all riders. With the lap ridden twice, it would prove
yet another long and demanding day in the saddle for all, as high temperatures
and increasing dust took their toll on riders.
There was no change at the head of the FIM World Trophy team competition
with Australia once again leading the way. Proving extremely comfortable in
the loose and rocky terrain, they were comfortably fastest on day three.
Claiming his second consecutive overall day win, team captain Daniel Milner
(KTM) is pleased with how things are going.
“It’s been another good day for Australia,” told Milner. “To reach
the midway point in the race with more than a three-minute lead is a big
confidence booster - despite losing Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM) as a retirement
yesterday.”
“I’m enjoying it out there, myself and teammate Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna)
are pushing the pace and along with Taylor Robert (USA - KTM) it’s proving a
close battle for the individual result.”
Although losing more ground to Australia, the United States hold station in
second, while Italy remain third. Defending champions France, in fourth place,
picked up their pace on day three to move to within one-minute and twenty
seconds of Italy. Highlighted by Christophe Nambotin (FRA - Gas Gas) in fifth,
three of the nation’s riders ended day three inside the top twelve.
With Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic fifth, sixth and seventh
respectively, it was a difficult day for Chile who slipped to eighth after
losing team captain Benjamin Herrera (Beta).
The FIM Junior World Trophy class was once again the Italian show as the
trio of Andrea Verona (TM), Matteo Cavallo (Beta) and Davide Soreca (TM)
secured their third consecutive day win. Italy now lead by one-minute and
twenty-seven seconds over the United States.
In the battle for the final step of the podium, France are third, but face
a new challenge from host nation Chile. Finishing third fastest on day three,
Chile jump to fourth overall and are now within striking distance of the
French.
“I think we are beginning to find our pace now,” said Chile’s Ruy
Barbosa (Husqvarna). “We’ve pushed really hard today and it showed in the
results. With lots of support from our home fans we will try to close the gap
to France tomorrow.”
Claiming their third day win in Chile, Australia continue their relentless
pace in this year’s FIM Women’s World Trophy. Comfortably faster than
their rivals, they enter the second half of the race looking favourite to
collect their sixth consecutive victory.
Unable to answer the pace of the leaders, the United States are six minutes
behind the Australians, but enjoy a six-minute cushion over Spain in third.
France are fourth, with Sweden completing the top five.
Day four will see competitors complete the same course and special tests as
day three, along with the start of competition for the Vintage Trophy.
Andrea Verona (TM) - Photo © Dario Agrati
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