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ISDE 2008 |
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  ISDE
Serres -
Day 6 What a blast! official release ISDE 2008 has been completed with the Final Test of the 6th day. France is the big winner with two victories, World Trophy and Women Team category, Italy wins the Junior Trophy and Ivan Cervantes the great is the 1st Overall! Salminen loses the victory through his hands. After 5 days, the results were judged in last hardly special. In most of the previous races the winner is known from the 3rd day of the race, however this time happened the unexpected.. Three categories were open, as well as the classification of National teams. The results were determined in the final motocross test that took place in the circuit of Serres. Big winner of the race was Ivan CERVANTES that entered in the Final Test with a marginal precedence in category E1 and the 2nd place in overall cat. Not only he managed to protect himself from the attack of Ricky DIETRICH, but he also managed to get the 1st place in Overall cat. No one could predict that Salminen would have such an unlucky day. Salminen had dominated this extreme endurance event from the second day, in the final motocross test on the motocross track inside the Serres Circuit, Salminen started strongly and was in front of the field when the race had to stop becasuse of an accident of the Spanish Lorenzo Santolino. The race began once more, but this time Salminen had a fall that resulted to the broke of its KTM accelerator and was forced to quit from the race. The surprises however did not stop here. In the E3 cat., Stefan MERRIMAN that had climbed in the 1st place of his cat.,fall and Marko TARKKALA began to lead the race. At the end MERRIMAN got the 4rth placa after the French Sebastien GUILLAUME and Christophe NAMBOTIN. France 1st position in World Trophy was strongly thretaned by the Italians, who were faster in the in final test of the 6th day, but no fast enough to get the big throphy. In category E2, Belometti took an unexpected victory after the fall of SALMINEN, while THAIN and MOSINI gave a strong battle. At the end THAIN was the one who managed to climb in the second place of the podium, third was DINI Fabio and Mossini ended fourth. In the women there were not any suprices. For one more time the French, Ludivine PUY achieved her objective, FORSBERG and PETRIK followed her. The Italians gained Junior’s from the Australians. KTM was again the winner of the manufacturer Team. Japan gained the Watling Trophy for their fair play all those years in the enduro races. Auto Moto Club of Serres – we cried, we laughed & we made it! The biggest organisation of mechanically-driven sports in Greece passed already in the history. From Venezuela and Japan, up to the New Zealand and Canada, the missions from 32 countries declared that they are satisfied from the organisation of the ISDE2008. 300 marshals and officials cooperated for the organisation of the race. The organisation would like to THANK ALL VOLUNTEERS, RIDERS AND MECHANICS FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE ISDE2008. Finland's Juha Salminen had a disastrous 6th day dropping 8 minutes on the final test. Spain's Ivan Cervantes took the lead from USA's Ricky Dietrich. With a high percentage of finishers this year, the British Trophy team's 2 DNFs was a particularly heavy blow & they finished 21st. The Juniors team of Oliver Moyce, Ashley Wood, Lee Edmondson & Jamie Paget had a great week & finished 8th. The Wales A team of Andrew Edwards, Jon Hinam & Tim Foreman were 8th out of 74. Wales B - Gethin Price, David Brick & Craig Bounds were 12th. Jason Thomas was the best of the Brits in 43rd. Tom Sagar 57th, Simon Wakely 71st, Oliver Moyce 78th, Ashley Wood 110th,. Lee Edmondson 111th, Jamie Paget 177th. Leading the Welsh teams Andrew Edwards 146th, Gethin Price 158th, Tim Foreman 166th, Jon Hinam 168th, David Brick 186th, Justin Wilson 193th, For the Army Darren Wilcocks 200th, Darren Hughes 216th, Craig Bounds 229th. John Burrow 341st, Karl Greenall 320th, Julian Crimp (retired), Andy Walton 303rd, Andy Elliott 331st. Ireland's Phil McLaughlin 89th, Gordon Clarke 165th, Alain Flinter 351st. KTM's Cervantes wins 2008 ISDE; race incident deprives Salminen of overall victory KTM's E1 maestro Ivan Cervantes of Spain put in a winning final day on his KTM machine to snatch overall victory from teammate Juha Salminen of Finland who deprived of the overall individual leadership because of a race incident. A win in the overall individual World Trophy for Salminen looked like a formality at the end of Day Five of the 2008 ISDE in Northern Greece but the Finn had to swallow disappointment and concede to Cervantes following the race incident that left him without a serviceable machine in the final stages. Orange Success at ISDE It was again a very successful Six Days event for the KTM lineup and reason for the Austrian manufacturer to celebrate. As well as the overall individual, Ivan Cervantes clinched the E1, Salminen's teammate Alessandro Belometti sealed the E2 and their mutual KTM factory teammate Marko Tarkkala was first in E3. thomas Oldrati, who leads the Junior Enduro World championship Standings on his KTM also finished in a highly creditable fourth place in E1 proving that he is definitely a rider to watch in the future. Team KTM1 made up of Salminen, Tarkkala and Cervantes was also victorious in the Manufacturer's Trophy Bad luck for Salminen on last day Salminen had dominated this extreme endurance event from day two to five but the top place on the podium was not to be his. Tackling the final motocross test on the motocross track inside the Serres Circuit, Salminen started strongly and was in front of the field when the race was halted due to an accident that required medical assistance for an injured rider. Salminen also got away well when the race was restarted. He snatched the holeshot and was in the top three when he crashed after the first corner. He was remounting ready to rejoin the race when he was struck by another rider and the resulting damage to his KTM machine did not allow him to continue. KTM riders successfully fend off last day attacks The all important final day proved that the ISDE is never over until it's over and the final stages can still shake up the standing order. Cervantes managed to fend off promised attacks by second placed American Ricky Dietrich, Belometti stepped into the breach after Salminen's untimely exit and finished the Six Days with a ride that gave him first place on the day and victory in the final class classification. Marko Tarkkala also rode superbly in E3 to take day's honours and finish the leader in the class, successfully putting paid to the challenge made by Australian Stefan Merriman on Day Five. The ISDE took riders through a whole range of different terrain and some superb scenery and challenges. It was six days of man and machine versus mountain and tough terrain with as much stiff competition between amateur riders as with the world's elite. A field of nine women also completed the entire six days of competition, with KTM riders picking up places 2-7 inclusive in the final count. Approximately half the field contested this ultimate offroad challenge onboard KTM offroad motorcycles.
Merriman started the final day of the International Six Days Enduro in the best possible position, leading the E3 class by more than 6 seconds. He started the final moto on Day 6 in the pole position in the front row beside Marko Tarkala (FIN), Sebastien Guillaume (FRA) and Christophe Nambotin (FRA). Down the front straight on the ashphalt, Merriman was leading coming into the opening corner but struggled to outbrake Tarkala to make the turn. Carrying too much speed, Merriman crashed and remounted at the back of the pack of 30 riders to continue the dusty race. Merriman had his work cut out for him trying to overtake many riders in dusty conditions on a track with one main line and not many opportunities to pass. Tarkala, Guillaume and Nambotin continued to lead the race while Merriman climbed back up the placings to finish the race in 15th position, 50 seconds behind race leader Tarkala. As a result Guillaume and Nambotin, surpassed Merriman in the Final Six Day results and at the end of the event Merriman finished in 4th position. A disappointing end to the race. However that is racing. E2 class leader, Juha Salminen suffered a similar fate, when he crashed on the opening corner and broke his throttle cable and retired after the first corner after leading Day 1-5, to DNF the event. The dust made the event quite dangerous, with several of the leading riders retiring from the race with dangerous crashes. Early event leader Kurt Caselli retired on Day 3, after a big crash in the enduro test he suffered head contorsion and was having difficulty seeing. Top Three rider, Christobel Guerrero retired also on Day 3 with a broken leg after a crash in the special test. Deparrois and Albergoni also knocked themself out in the final moto to DNF the event. So Merriman was pleased to finish the event unscathed, despite the disappointing finish, he had some great results during the week. We now return to Italy to contest the final two rounds or World Enduro Championships and the final round of Italian Enduro Championships, which Merriman is leading.
The temperature may have dropped but the organisers have turned up the heat for the last full day. With 6 tests ridden, Finland's Juha Salminen has increased his lead over Spain's Ivan Cervantes buy almost 2 minutes. Jason Thomas (left) leads the Brits in 44th. Tom Sagar 59th, Simon Wakely 73rd, Oliver Moyce 81st (left). Lee Edmondson 107th, Ashley Wood 112nd, Ed Jones 118th, Jamie Paget 180th. Leading the Welsh teams Andrew Edwards 138th, Jon Hinam 175th, Tim Foreman 174th, Gethin Price 166th, David Brick 190rd, Justin Wilson 196th, For the Army Darren Wilcocks 203th, Craig Bounds 229th. Darren Hughes 214th, John Burrow 341st, Karl Greenall 320th, Julian Crimp (retired), Andy Walton 303rd, Andy Elliott 331st. Ireland's Phil McLaughlin 89th, Gordon Clarke 165th, Alain Flinter 351st. Mick & Marnie write: A new course today and reported to be the toughest day in this isde. Si set the fastest time on the first test, renewing his battle with Ollie beating him by 0.88 of a second. On test 2 Jason was the quickest, but this time Ollie (right) beat Si by only 0.70secs. We're sure you can imagine the banter between them! Anyway it's 40 deg here and too hot to work out who finished where. All the lads are back now and digging into pasta, pancakes and fruit cooked by Marnie and Ailsa (Ash Woods mum) a first class performance by everyone. Tomorrow there is only the MX to ride, which will be a little different with the start on the road race circuit joining the MX track after a 300mtr tarmac straight, should be interesting?
Sorry its short today, but we can't get out of helping clearing up any longer. Till day 6 M & M "I would just like to say a big thank you to all the people who helped me after my crash in the isde . All the service crew at check 4 and the poor woman who saw my eye pop out when I sneezed before the enduro test . Also a big thank you to Micheal Alty and Phil Fellows from the Purple Helmets who guided me in that day so I could start the final motorcross in day six and finish my final isde". Julian Crimp
Well the prediction were right and this would be the hottest day
yet! The temperature in the shade under the awning at Bob's service
check rose steadily to 42degrees! How the riders kept going is due
entirely to the ice cream that was provided on the second lap. Okie
went off to Lidl and bought two big tub But despite that our pre rider multi champion Geraint Jones just had to have a siesta. cheers from Dot Jones Day 4 Most of the riders today preferred not to risk, since the need to reserve their powers for the most critical day of the race, the 5th day. Salminen increased the difference; Italy threatens French, a place higher for the Greek team. In the familiar route, same with the 3rd day, the 382 drivers from 32 countries ride the 267 more important kilometres of the race of the fight. Knowing that it follows the demanding 5th day, they had to keep themselves and their bikes in good shape. The temperature was lower and more pleasant for riders and viewers. Finnish Juha SALMINEN leads the race and managed to increase even more the difference from the second Ivan CERVANTES. American Ricky DIETRICH lost time in the 1st special route, however he still claims the category E1. Stefan MERRIMAN did not continue with the same speed of the previous day, his battle with Marko TARKALLA for the 3rd place of E3 is most cruicial of the first ten places. From the 23 special ways that have been realised up to now, half were gained by two dymanic riders of E2 category: Juha Salminen and American Nathan WOODS. Juha leads the race, but Nathan is in the 95th place of the overall clas. One more proof that this particularly Enduro race the speed is not the most important thing, riders must be carefull to avoid errors, penalties, to adjust in all terrains and to move methodically. In level of National teams, Italy has decreased the difference from French, and if the riders continue tomorrow in the same rhythm, they will be serious candidates for the victory. Greek Trophy Team went up one place and now they are in the 14th place, after the abandonment of one rider Great Britain dropped them back in the in 17th. Tomorrow the 5th day and the most excited day of all. Smaller in length (215 km), but very tight, with a lot of technical points, it also includes also the most beautiful special Test, the “Lailias 3”.
PS Daz Carter is asleep again. That's all for this morning, it wont be long before the lads are back here again to this check. If you are reading this Nick Craggy, Phillip had just set a cracking time on his first MX test beating all the Brits. The day has not improved for Daryl Bolter, having retired on the second lap with engine problems, which has put a bit of a downer on team spirits. Daryl was on a mission, setting the fastest times of all the Brits, and now with 2 riders out of the Trophy team we are out of the running, so it's every man for himself. On a more positive note the rest of the lads seem to have upper their game and are all moving up the leader board, with Si and Ollie in their own private battle. Si is leading by a slender 10 seconds, both riding exceptionally well, especially as the temperature has increased again to around 40 deg.
Dylan (right going well before the accident) has become a local celebrity having had a visit from the local Mayor, who was followed by 3 TV crews, we can confirm DJ has a broken rib and is a little battered and bruised, but otherwise OK. Tomorrow is the last full day, but is rumoured to be the toughest and most technical of the week so fingers crossed we have had all our bad luck today. PS a bead of sweat was spotted on the brow of the ever cool Ed Jones tonight as he changed a tyre! PPS Eddy The Mullet Mason has just recovered from his drinking session on Ouzo last night, he is reported to have fallen over loosing his false teeth out, fortunately for us he found them, so as not spoiling his good looks! Crimpy just arrived back looking like he has done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson ,black eye and bruised face
Day 3 Caselli Crashes Out Kurt Caselli has retired from the event after falling heavily at the end of the Enduro Test on the first lap & Cristobal Guerrero broke his leg. Mick & Marnie write: Day 3 Sorry its late, dozed off mid stream…… We are pleased to report that all's well in the team GB camp. The Junior team have moved up one place to 7th place, and the trophy team in 10th and are moving closer to the Dutch. Who incidentally are in the garage next door, we have considered slipping some laxative powder in their water, but that would n't be very british would it?
The battle to become top Brit raged on between Daryl Bolter and Jason Thomas, with Daryl coming out on top, after Jason had an intermittent electrical fault with his bike mid way through the day, thankfully this appears to have repaired itself. Jason posted a top time on the last motor cross test for the team. Third fastest in the Trophy team, Tom Sagar (left) is still battling on and also achieving very respectable test times. Si Wakely, Edd Jones and Dylan Jones continue to use their considerable experience at international level to again set fast consistent times to keep the team in the top ten. Lee Eddy on his PAR Homes Honda, had a small incident yesterday. While riding together with team mate Ashley Wood, to keep out of each others dust, Lee looked over his shoulder to check Ash was OK and drove off the fire road down an embankment. Thankfully he landed on his head so is perfectly OK!!!!! Jason has received a yellow card yesterday, for riding the wrong way down the pit lane. Daryl had his photo taken for the same offence, and was informed he would be receiving a yellow card too, but must have broken the camera, as no penalty was given. Justin finished the day, his back is gradually recovering, or a least he is standing straighter, and was heard saying "These six days are really easy, I think they should make them 12 days". Another frantic, but controlled 15 minute end of the day work time, as five riders virtually came in together, all wanting to change a rear tyre and engine oil. Thankfully no big lumps of metal found in the drain tins this morning. I wasn't the only one to fall asleep yesterday, Daz Carter fell asleep in the paddock, he's not sure if he was asleep for 5 minutes or 5 hours. Juha Salminen leads from France's Sebastian Guillaume. Daryl Bolter leads the Brits in 41st. Jason Thomas 49th. Tom Sagar 68th, Oliver Moyce (left) 75th. Simon Wakely 77th, Ashley Wood 112nd, Lee Edmondson 115th, Dylan Jones 129th, Ed Jones 137th, Jamie Paget 219th. Leading the Welsh teams Andrew Edwards 149th, Jon Hinam 175th, Tim Foreman 182nd, Gethin Price 185th, David Brick 206th, For the Army Darren Wilcocks 215th, Justin Wilson 207th, Craig Bounds 247st. Darren Hughes 282nd, John Burrow 357th, Karl Greenall 339th, Julian Crimp 362rd, Andy Walton (303rd), Andy Elliott (348th). Ireland's Phil McLaughlin 89th, Gordon Clarke 174th, Alain Flinter 366th. France leads for the Trophy from Italy. The Great Britain Team are 10th. Italy heads the Juniors. GB has moved up a place to 7th. Wales A go up a place to 9th.
Day Three brought the rider two new special tests and new terrain as the ISDE reached the halfway point. Merriman struggled with the initial cross test at the paddock as it had been heavily watered prior to the first riders entering and he lost quite a bit of time being careful not to crash in the slippery mud as he did the day before. Merriman waited until the third test of the day, the Enduro Test to really shine, posting an awesome time and marking a turnaround in his results for the day after a slow start. The second time through the enduro test he was the fastest outright. Today he moved up in the results to second in E3 class and fifth outright. About Day 3, Merriman said, “ I felt comfortable on the bike in the Enduro tests, Day 1 & 2 was about the cross tests, but I am happy to finish strongly today and hope I can move a little closer to the top step of the E3 podium tomorrow.” E3 Class after Day 3 1. Sebastien Guillaume HUS 300 2 S(FRA) 1:33.08:07 2. Stefan Merriman Aprilia 550 4S(AUS) 1:33.32:51 3. Marko Tarkala KTM 500 (FIN) 1:33.35:12 4. Christophe Nambotin GAS GAS 300 2S (FRA) 1:33.48:80 5. Alessandro Botturi HON 500 (ITA) 1:34.52:64 6. Bart Oblucki HUS 300 2S (POL) 1:35.24:16
Bernard and Jenny Hodgkiss have looked after the riders from Japan at the ISDE for many years and this year in very thoughtful gesture all the Japanese riders have shirts with a new logo. On the sleeve it says 'in memory of Bernard' and on a very special shirt which they gave to Jenny the name on the back is 'Bernard' written in Japanese. Jenny can be seen proudly wearing this unique shirt around the pits as she continues to work with the Japanese team.
Team spirits are high and the babies that visit the pit garage break the boredom as we all go gahgah! Even the pit crew boss Dave May Miller succummbed to the charms of Rees Jones. Could high speed nappy changing become a new job at the final service? Cheers Dot Jones
Ups and downs! Official release In all categories there were many changes till the end of the day. The clouds of first day were replaced by high temperatures that increased the degree of the difficulty of the race. The ahtletes were relieved to ride in such a big altitude (1.550 metres) in the special test of Lailia, as well as in the passage through the beautiful Vrontou Forest. Rocks, soft ground, waters...the variety of the terrain kept live the interest of the riders. The dust was still a problem, mainly in the special test of Maramara. Juha SALMINEN, was the rider of the day! He was 8th in the overall classification and 5th in his category at the end of the first day. Juha said yesterday " I tried to survive from the dust, I was very careful, I did not want to risk. Tomorrow I will try to make the come back" , today everybody understood what he was talking about, since he finished 2nd in his category and in the overall classification! The American Kurt CASELLI was charged with a 60’’penalty because of an error and fall in the 2nd place of his category and in the 5th place in overall. Vasilis Siafarikas remains the first Greek rider of the national team, even though he had two falls in the special test that put him in the 100th place. Tomorrow there will be new routes and the interest of the race will be much higher.
Mick & Marnie write: Yet another tough day in the heat and dust, and with everybody home safe and sound. We are still 10th in Trophy and 8th in Junior, Jason Rat Boy Thomas on his KTM supplied by his Dad and mechanic Rudy, was the top Brit today, he is now getting back into the swing of time card enduros, after spending time in Canada and America competing in multi lap events. This has placed him in 10th place overall in E1 after two days. All results can be found on www.isde.gr Tom is very disappointed with his results, but is in considerable discomfort from a damaged thumb which is causing him more problems than he is admitting, so full credit to him for digging deep for the team. All other riders are handsomely well, with Ollie Moyce, riding better than we have seen before, achieving some fast consistent times. Ash Wood is now getting to grips with his new KTM, and is looking more confident on every test, and Jamie Padget on the Electraction TM, has been making fast improvements on every test but, damaged his chain guide on a rock and lost time on the last test. Service at the end of the day was a little chaotic, we had 5 riders in within 10 minutes, with Si in 8 mins after Daryl, and 1 tyre changer between them. I was hoping Daryl was on form with his tyre changing and I didn't need to worry, front and rear were changed and back in the bike just as Si arrived to take his place. Si received his only injury of the day as a lever flew out of the tyre and hit his nose, before flying over my head then missing Special Greg by mm. Then one flew over the garage divide from the NZ / Aussie team, luckily that didn't hit anybody, but they didn't have any idea where it went Bugger! Everybody is still in excellent spirits and looking forward to some different tracks and tests tomorrow day three. Anyway it is 10.30pm, and we have done the supermarket and laundrette run, so are popping out for a kebab. Till tomorrow M & M
First day for the 83rd ISDE and the atmosphere at the Racetrack of Serres confirms the high standard of the organisation. National teams from 32 countries are thrown in the battle for the title. To the difficulties of fight was added the dust, that strongly influenced the results. The 441 drivers that started, had to face one big enemy: the dust. The decreased visibility forced the drivers to be extremely carefull, mainly in the Special Test of Lailia. At the end of the first day, the American Kurt CASELLI is in the first place in general classification, with a difference of 15 seconds from the second, the Spanish Cristobal GUERERRO. The American driver of KTM confirms his exceptional form, he wants to repeat his last year's triumph in Chile’s ISDE 2007. In the classification of national teams - World Trophy- France is in the first place, even though its leading driver, Jonny Aubert is not racing. With five drivers in the first 15 places, France has already created a small difference from second country, Italy. In the third place is the team of USA. Finland, one of the “promising” teams is still behind. Spain which is in the 4th place, is combined by last years Junior Team Members, although it has the youngest riders, is a very dynamic team. In a six-day fight of such level, the prognostics do not have place, while a misfortune in a driver can totally reverse the results. From Greek Team, Vasilis Siafarikas leads the national team, he is placed in the 15 position between 26 National Teams. Greece has for the first-time Junior team, which is placed in the 14th place between 16 teams. Only Objective is the finish and the collection of experiences from the participation in a such institution. The second day, the route of the race will be repeated. Even if the conditions stay the same, the conditionsl will be even more difficult after the passing of 450 motorcycles. 39 riders quit the race from the first day, so the second starting list is combined by 402 riders.
It was all good news in the British Trophy and Junior Teams with riders from both classes putting in very good performances, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that Daryl Bolter (left) on his MPS Husqvarna posted the fastest time overall time for the British riders. Closely followed by Jason Thomas on his KTM, who after riding at 150% on the first two tests, calmed down and posted some very fast times, which put a huge smile on Dad, Jerry's face. Tom on his KTM was third, riding with the discomfort of a damaged thumb. Ollie Moyce took fourth on his Morris Lubricants Yamaha, after two excellent motor cross tests, which put him into the highest place British Junior of the day. Followed by Si Wakely (below) on his big 450 Husky.
Many thanks to Dom at Krega for the re-hydration back packs, along with the Motor Tabs Fluid Replacement System, without these the Team would be in serious trouble. We may have to put a request in to Dom to supply some ten litre ones!?! At the end of day all the riders changed a rear tyre and Tom both front and rear. No mechanical failures to report, and only Tom's thumb causing any problems. Just had a a deja vue, its Chile over again, Grandaddy Wilson has just hobbled through reception with the same back problem as last year. He has vowed to finish the week though. We can report a minor fall out in the Sheep Skull and West of England Team, Dave Roberts filled a bucket of water to wash the IOM boys' kit, only to return two minutes later to find P Diddy washing his feet in it!!!! All the riders will be starting tomorrow for the first time in their finishing order of today. Well tomorrows another day, and all the lads are raring to go.
The Great Britain Trophy team are 10th & the Juniors 8th. The Welsh A team of Andrew Edwards, Tim Foreman & Jon Hinam are 12th out of 74. The Wales B team of Gethin Price, David Brick & Craig Bounds are 17th. Merriman fires up on Day 1 of the ISDE in Greece By Lexy Thorogood In hot a dusty conditions the riders set off to complete four cross tests and one enduro test on Day 1. Merriman got off to a good start in the leading pack of riders. However he struggled with the slower riders ahead blocking him from going at full speed in the tests. Particularly in the long cross test Marmara Acerbis, where he was unable to pass and had to follow some riders around the track. Also in the Enduro test, the final test of the day where the dust stayed in the air in the forest like thick fog. Merriman was unable to pass riders in this tests as it was so narrow. About Day 1, Merriman said “ Considering the dust and our starting order, I am happy with my results today. There is not much between us in the leading riders of E3 and so I am looking forward to tomorrow when the start order will be based off the Day 1 results.”
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ISDE SERRES 2008 Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st Mick & Marnie write: Saturday was the final day this week of getting out of bed early, all the tests are now walked, and the final preparation of check boxes made, comprising of many spare air filters, as these will be changed at every check, as the promised rain doesn't appear to be coming. Also in the boxes will be spare goggles, gloves and the riders own personal little tit-bits, rice puddings, wine gums, and go gels etc. All their other needs on the checks will be catered for by our trusty band of supporters, who after many years service know exactly what is required.
Some of the support riders, Mark H, Mark S, Gareth J, Mike Altey and P Diddy used today to find short cuts between tests and checks and had a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day. Dusty called two final meetings to go through rules and final logistical details. Dylan Jones disappeared for some time, now one seemed to know where he was, until someone's phone rang to find DJ at the other end had found himself locked in the toilet. Suspicion arose, were one of the two reserve rider, Darren Carter or Greg Evans responsible? One phrase that has been heard so many times on previous six days, has been used a lot this year "As true as a stand here…." A famous quotation of Kenny Williams. Stickers have been made in his memory, and placed on the front mud guard of every bike. Which has brought amusing reflections to many of us. The build up to the start has gone as planned, everyone working well as a team. Tomorrow the hard work starts, all being well we should have some good news to report. Until then M & M. West of England team
Sunday 31st August Report from Dot Jones
Well the service crews are busy sorting out the equipment, drinking the local wine and enjoying a BBQ before the serious work begins on Monday. The opening ceremony began with a superb precision display by the Purple Helmets on the starting grid at this racing circuit. The local Greek crowd were enjoying the warm evening and not quite sure what to expect. They were not disappointed. The performance was slick and the lady translating the commentary into Greek was not too sure if the British humour would be understood! Methane Man in particular took a little explaining as the huge Heinz Baked Beans can used as fuel for the rider then provided power out of the rear end into a megaphone! Doing his bit for the environment. The parade of Nations was longer than usual with 43 countres represented and the 83rd ISDE was officially opened by the FIM president. Then the music and firework began and the celebrations went on well into the ealy hours. Good job today is a rest day!! Another first is the Tree Planting Ceremony where each country taking part was asked to plant a tree to help the environment-a bit of carbon offsetting? But a very nice idea and the trees will grow to become a permanent reminder of the time the Worlds best enduro riders came to Serres.
After missing last years ISDE in Chile, Merriman is back this year and ready to race his Aprilia RXV550 in the E3 class with the Australian Trophy Team. This years International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) will be held in Serres, Northern Greece, only 40km from the Bulgarian border. In the lead up to the race we have experienced very hot and dusty conditions. For the FIM Jury and the organisers the biggest problem at this race will be the dust with riders setting off every 15 seconds in the special tests, the dust will severely compromise the riders' vision. Day 1 & 2 Trail takes the riders up on stony uphill roads to a plateau where there will be a spectacular 7km cross test - Marmaras. The riders then continue up into the mountains to the ski resort of Lailias, some 1600m above sea level it is quite a bit cooler. The riders will then return down to the town of Serres to start the second and final loop of the day. As the only Australian trophy rider in the E3 class, Merriman will face some stiff competition from the top WEC riders - Tarkala(Finland), Nambotin & Guillaume (France), Galindo (Spain) and Oblucki (Poland). In addition Team USA will also be strong in this class with the two KTM riders - Caselli and Kanney. This year there has been a change to the starting order and the winners of the ISDE last year, Team Italy riders will start first in each class followed by France, Sweden, Netherlands, Great Britain then Australia. The following days the start order will be determined by the previous days' results. Merriman opted to stay in Europe in August to train and acclimatise for the heat of this years'ISDE and is aiming to finish at the top step of the podium on Day 6. Please find attached photos of Merriman and the Aprilia RXV550 completing technical control, before putting the bike in the Parc ferme to commence the race tomorrow.
Other News
2008 ISDE USA Trophy Team previewing the race. ISDE SERRES 2008 Friday 29th by Mick Seward & Marnie Kendal Yaaaa Hoooo I've got a little dongle and I know how to use it! We think it is just for receiving live results next week, but hey what the hell what is the point of having a dongle and not using it? An early start again for the lads walking tests, but the bonus was that they finished early and retired to the local swimming pool for some R&R (it's a hard life). Today the Husky veterans Leo C, Mark H and Me had our first chance to go play on our bikes, we headed for the hills, but ended up in the middle of a religious pilgrimage with hundreds of people wandering aimlessly around, clutching bibles! So we had to change our route, and found some hilly scrubland with little bushes and goat tracks. Luckily for Mark and I, Leo took the lead and ploughed through the first bush only to find it was covered in long thorns which to our amusement, took Leo some time to remove from his arms. We were close to giving up when we came across a dry, rocky river bed which we followed for a few miles. If the course is anything like the track we rode today it's going to be a tough week for the lads; which we think will be to their advantage as they are well prepared and in a very confident mood, and are working well as a team. Tonight was the pre riders Mr G Jones and Master G Evans talk to the team, for his first time Greg did a very professional job of describing both the good and bad that the lads will ride next week. It is Daryl Bolters birthday today, so we all had some "cake" and wished him many happy returns, we are sure some of the lads wanted to throw him in the pool but that will have to wait, as the serious heads are on now (most of them anyway)! Sorry we have nothing more interesting to say for now, but its "all go here" so that's all for tonight, time for our R & R now in the bar. Many thanks for the good wishes and support much appreciated by all. Cheers M&M Thursday 28th by Mick Seward & Marnie Kendal It was a 5.00 am start today and they all made it on time! Dusty in his wisdom knew that in the early morning the temperature would be cooler, but not cool enough for him to nearly collapse near the end of the first test. We are not sure if this was caused by the heat, old age or years of abusing his body, "its not the temple it used to be" or so he tells me, anyway this caused the lads much amusement and they allowed him to sit out the next one as there wouldn't be enough daylight. It was then back to the paddock for some final adjustments and the photo shoot, and wow did they look good. Full credit to Lee @ Dzign, who designed and sprayed the helmets even better than last years! Plus Phil at Bagnalls who again has done a top job of design and print on the shirts; and many thanks to long time supporter of the six day team Mark Scott of Presscrete who kindly supplied them. Last minute stand in Jerry, has taken the roll of official camera man and you have him to thank for the photos (when I work out how to send them ) we really do look and conduct ourselves like a top professional team not quite up to the Italian standard but not far behind. Geraint and Greg rode the course today early reports are that it will be difficult and dusty and poorly marked. Greg got lost & oiled a plug. We went looking for him but he made it home by himself. Anyway, bikes are in park ferme and Dave had his garage back for half an hour, before it was turned into a field kitchen ready for cooking the lads food, the only thing missing was Phil to set it up and Gail to ready the food. Hope you're not suffering too many withdrawal symptoms, we are missing you both this week and will even more next. Still no gossip either they are all behaving themselves, or keeping it quiet from us who knows? But Greg and Lee always look Guilty of something so we will be keeping a close eye on them! Until tomorrow M&M Wednesday 27th August The hard work started today. Dusty's instructions were 7.00am to 7.30am start, most of the team managed this, with one exception, who was very repentant after sleeping in. It was then down to the paddock, where Dave M-M had made the best of our limited space. Daryl Bolter was the first on track on his 250 Husky keen to get some practice after his short lay-off with damaged ligaments in his ankle, he certainly hadn't forgotten how to ride. Ollie Moyce on his Yamaha was soon following Daryl around, closely watched by Kurt Pringle, keen to alter some settings on Ollie's 250. After 10 minutes both riders were happy with their bikes. They were soon joined on the track by the rest of the GB Team, Tom was the first casualty, slipping off his KTM, taking some bark off his elbow, just a flesh wound, and not a problem. After a couple of hours the lads rode up into the hills to check their bikes ran OK at the higher altitude, then back to the paddock to change tyres and prepare for scrutineering tomorrow. Everything appears to be going to plan, but unless the temperature drops this event is going to be very hard on both man and machine. Greg decided to crash Rees Jones party and joined him in the paddling pool, if there had been more room others would have definitely joined them!!! Good news Bob and Wendy have arrived (plus Grunt has re-surfaced bright eyed and bushy tailed). Quite an uneventful day really, with everybody being so busy, so no paddock gossip today. It is 8.30pm here now, we still haven't showered or eaten so until tomorrow…. Anyone wishing to contact us or the team, can do so at mick.mpsracing@btinternet.com , we will try to reply but connections are very slow here. Cheers M & M British team fly out
ACU ISDE Trophy, Junior & Army teams plus their support crew at Gatwick Airport on Monday evening before boarding their flight to Greece. Young Rees Jones has his race shirt & he is hoping his licence will arrive in time for him to compete but if not his father Edward will take his ride. First report from the ISDE 2008 Serres by Mick Seward & Marnie Kendal Well folks its that time of year again, and I know you've been eagerly awaiting our first report from sunny Serres. And sunny it is!! Close to 40 degs during the day, and cooling down to 27 at night. All the bikes, riders and support are now here, apart from Bob and Wendy Room, who are still on there way after disaster struck, when their new caravan spun their van 180 degs, then burst into flames. Thankfully Bob and Wendy are OK, but the caravan had to be shovelled from the road. Other members of the support crew also had problems with overheating brakes, the Sheep Skull, Welsh team and the Army guys in Rygor Commercials trucks, even Ted's Panda got a little warm. Julian Crimp had an overheating engine, and drove for about 6 hours with the heater on full blast to cool the engine down, maybe this will help him prepare for the hot riding conditions. All have eventually arrived safely. Serres is quite a large busy town, with narrow one way streets, full of Greeks all driving like mad men, which is very entertaining. However they all seem very pleased to have us in their town, and are giving us a very warm welcome. The start area is based at a road race circuit, the plan was to park the trucks on the circuit itself, but because of the unseasonally hot weather, the tarmac is melting. So we have had to squeeze into the paddock area. This is causing Dave May-Miller a few logistically problems, but we are sure he will over come these in his usual efficient way. At least we have our bikes and kit, the poor Aussie Team container, was re-routed to Egypt, probably never to be seen again. Tomorrow I will remember to take my camera out with me, and send you some pics. PS Grunt went out for few drinks last night and no one has seen him since, no-one seems unduly worried at he moment, as we think he can look after himself!!! Just on our way out for a Kebab, speak to you tomorrow. M & M
Other News
The temperature out there is 95 deg plus and by 11.00am it's too hot to walk outside. Only place to go is the air conditioned bar. The Welsh Lads have been out at the crack of dawn to walk tests before the sun gets up but they say it is definitely a bit cooler out of the town and up in the hills. No word yet on the going or the tests. The organisers have altered the signing on schedule to allow the lads to get signed on tonight (Tues), so they plan to get it done with and out of the way.
With just over one week remaining
until the start of the ISDE in Greece, the Irish Club Team
“Fastlane” consisting of Gordon Clarke, Philip McLaughlin and
Robert Lynn are ready to take their place on the start line come 1st
September. With the team’s bikes currently en-route to Greece, the
riders fly to Greece on Wednesday.
Welsh Team ready for Greece
West of England team Julian Crimp (E2/KTM 250 cc 2-stroke), Captain of the West of England team, the only English club competing at this year’s ISDE in Greece, sets off tomorrow (23.08) for Bari and then onto Serres, Greece, with fellow pit help Catherine James. Bonnie and Clyde meets The Godfather you might say. The partners in crime will meet up with fellow team mates Justin Wilson (E2/YAM 250 cc 2-stroke), Andrew Elliott (E1/YAM 250 cc 4-stroke) and crew member P-Diddy.
Monday the 25th of August sees Justin Wilson of Ride-XC head to Serres on the Greek mainland to take part in this years I.S.D.E. with the West of England team on his Rockets Yamaha. Due to this commitment it is with regret that Abram Motopark, Wigan will close on Saturday the 23rd of August and reopen on Thursday the 11th of September. This will be closely followed by the KTM motocross test day on the 13th of September where hopefully the full Enduro range will also be available for test. More good news is that other manufacturers are at present also expressing an interest in coming and using the excellent Wigan facility to give the buying public a chance to test their 2009 models. After returning from the I.S.D.E. Ride-XC will also begin preparations on its new venue at Blackburn, Lancashire for its 'Back from the Ashes' Fun Enduro which will take place on the 28th of September 2008. This will be followed by events in October, November and December which should throw up a few surprises and finish off the winter series and the year on a high for Ride-XC. Anyone wishing to enter on the 28th of September should visit www.ride-xc.co.uk or alternatively call 01254 392023.
1/6th September
The Optoma Mortgages GB/ACU Team for the 83rd ISDE to be held in Serres Greece during the first week of September has been announced today 2nd July 2008. The Trophy Team includes current and previous British Champions and the Junior Team of under 23 year olds are all promising ISDE riders. The Trophy Team has been named as Tom Sagar, Si Wakely, Edward Jones, Dylan Jones, Daryl Bolter and Jason Thomas. Tom Sagar the reigning British Enduro Champion, MPS Husqvarna riders and WEC regulars Si Wakely and Daryl Bolter both reigning European champions in their respective classes. Dylan and Edward Jones, youngest son and nephew of enduro legend Geraint Jones, getting their third and sixth call to the trophy team respectively and Jason Thomas who has recently created a storm in the US GNCC series by winning the XC2 Lites class in a one off ride, make up the team. The Junior Team is made from a group of rising stars; Lee Edmondson, Ollie Moyce, Ashley Wood and Jamie Paget with reserve Darren Carter. Lee Edmondson is younger brother of former World Champion, Paul but is proving to be a prospect himself. Ollie Moyce is currently performing well in the European championships and will be hoping to improve on his excellent Junior team performance last year. Ashley Wood will be trying to make up for the bitter disappointment of machine failure early in last years event. Jamie Paget will make up the final place in the team for his first ISDE. British ISDE Team Manager Andrew "Dusty" Martin said he is thrilled to announce the teams "I am looking forward to working with the teams, I believe that I have selected the strongest teams from the riders that were available, I am particularly pleased that some younger riders have the opportunity to ride for their country, this can only build strength for future teams and be good for encouraging riders into the sport of enduro in Great Britain. We will be training hard between now and September to achieve the results we are capable of." "I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our sponsors and would like to thank them for their continued support, they are currently Optoma Mortgages.co.uk, Rygor Commercials, Kriega. (www.kriega.com) and presscrete. The team will again be wearing shirts supplied by Bagnalls (www.bagnallmotox.com) and helmets designed and sprayed by Lee at dzign (www.dzign-uk.com)". Related items ISDE 2004 ISDE 2003
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Crash
in the Final Moto costs Merriman the E3 Title at the ISDE in Greece
By Lexy Thorogood Photo: Merriman tries
to pass Tianen in the Final Moto
ISDE
Serres Friday day five.
s
of vanilla and neapoliton to help cool the check crew. We soon had a
queue from other countries as word went out that the Brits had given
up on making tea and were serving ice cream!
Mick
& Marnie write: Not a good start for the team today. Jason crashed on the MX test
and has damaged his radiator, which was leaking badly as he left. The
good news is he has made it through the next test, an hour from the
start. Now for the really bad news, after riding well for the first
three days Dylan Jones has also crashed his Morris Yamaha and is out
of the event. We were with him immediately he is OK, slightly dazed
and complaining of sore ribs, so unfortunately this is the end of
DJ's 2008 six days. We will keep you informed when we get news from
the hospital.
No problems in service tonight, Lee and Ollie came in together on
the same minute, so continued the competition to see who could change
their tyres first, cheered on by the whole team Ollie won by 5 secs!
Juha Salminen leads from Ivan Cervantes. Jason Thomas in 49th
leads the Brits. Tom
Sagar has moved up from 68th to 61st, Oliver Moyce (above) 76th. Simon Wakely
74th, Ashley Wood 117th (left) ,
Lee Edmondson 112nd, Ed Jones 144th, Jamie Paget 199th. Leading the Welsh teams
Andrew Edwards 144th, Jon Hinam 175th,
Tim Foreman 174th, Gethin Price 171st, David Brick 193rd, Justin Wilson
199th, For the
Army Darren Wilcocks 208th, Craig Bounds 247st. Darren Hughes
282nd, John Burrow 357th, Karl Greenall 339th, Julian Crimp
362rd, Andy Walton (303rd), Andy Elliott (348th). Ireland's Phil McLaughlin
89th, Gordon Clarke 164th, Alain Flinter 366th. 
Merriman
moves up to second in E3 after some brilliant enduro tests by
Lexy Thorogood Photo: Craig Stolz
ISDE
Greece from Dot Wednesday.
The
environment features prominently this year as the FIM have a new logo
'Ride Green', all very PC. They have provided a green ezyup at each
service check with recycling bins for the plastic, paper, oil and
batteries. At the race circuit is an FIM enviromental officer wearing
a green cap 
and
T shirt who goes around checking that service crews are doing their
bit for planet earth.
Day 2
Kurt Casselli lost a minute & dropped to 5th. Spain's
Cristobal Guerrero on a Yamaha leads from KTMs Juha Salminen. Jason
Thomas leads the Brits in 45th 2 places ahead of Daryl Bolter. Tom
Sagar 68th, Oliver Moyce 74th. Simon Wakely 78th, Ashley Wood 119th,
Lee Edmondson 121st, Jamie Paget 258th, Dylan Jones 134th, Ed Jones
141st. Leading the Welsh teams Andrew Edwards 149th, Jon Hinam 177th,
Tim Foreman 182nd, Gethin Price 189th, David Brick 204th, For the
Army Darren Wilcocks 226th, Justin Wilson 219th, Craig Bounds 261st. Darren Hughes
282nd, John Burrow 369th, Karl Greenall 355th, Julian Crimp
283rd, Andy Walton 363rd, Andy Elliott 394th. Phil McLaughlin 107th, Gordon Clarke climbed 90 places to
183rd, Alain Flinter 398th.
Day
1 - Dusty Start!
Official release
Mick & Marnie write: Day One is now completed, everybody home apart from two. Sadly Kev
Murray from the Army Team crashed and broke his collar bone in four
places on the going, and Irish Team rider Robbie Lynn had a big off
on the motor cross test and has broken his leg. Unfortunately
Robbie's crash was in front of his team mate Phil McLaughlin, riding
his Electraction TM, causing him to slow down. However he still
finished a creditable 5th in class.
All riders have enjoyed the day, but the dust has caused them to
ride more cautiously, especially in the enduro test. They commented
that if they rode too close to the rider in front it was impossible
to see, so Tom, Daryl and Jason all had to follow each other around,
setting virtually the same times.
At the end of the first day Kurt Casselli
of the USA on a KTM leads despite a minor RTA from Spain's Cristobal Guerrero on a
Yamaha. Daryl Bolter has overcome any concerns about his leg injury
to be the highest placed British rider in 50th. . Jason Thomas
(55th). After a start in the low 80s Tom Sagar climbed to 57th, Oliver Moyce put in a
great first test (36th overall). He settled back to 71st. Simon Wakely
(75th), Ashley Wood (115th), Lee Edmondson (124th), Jamie Paget
(138th left), Dylan Jones
(140th), Ed Jones (141st). Leading the
Welsh teams Andrew Edwards (168th), Jon Hinam (187th), Tim Foreman
(198th), Gethin Price (205th), David Brick (210th), For the
Army Darren Wilcocks (225th), Justin Wilson (239th), Craig Bounds
(261st). Darren Hughes (282nd), John Burrow (369th), Karl Greenall
(355th), Julian Crimp (283rd), Andy
Walton (363rd), Andy Elliott (394th). Phil McLaughlin (107th), Gordon
Clarke (272nd), Alain Flinter (398th)
Due to
the opening ceremony, usually being a drawn out affair, Dusty decided
that we would all eat in the paddock where Marnie prepared spag bol
as it would be too late after the ceremony. This was held on the
start/finish straight of the Serres Racing Circuit. As usual it was
over an hour late starting, but kicked off with the world famous
Purple Helmets Display Team performing stunts at speeds of over
100mph!!! Their newest recruit Special Greg Evans got his first taste
of action piloting the aptly named "Clowns Pocket" wheely
bin, he came close to winning the race until the rope snapped,
between him and bike pulling him, not before some dangerous riding
and dirty tactics, nearly took out a row of journalists, including
our very own Jerry Jones. The commentary was very entertaining as it
was all translated by a Greek lady, how she translated Richard Head,
commonly known as Dick we will never know!!! The whole show went down
really well with 1000's of spectators packed into the grand stands.
Next was the parade of riders and support crews, lead by Jamie
Padgett, our youngest rider carrying the union flag, we were all
given a warm enthusiastic welcome. After walking past the crowds, the
Trophy and Junior Teams climbed the steps on to a high stage,
followed by Justin Wilson, who kissed the girls, took the applause
then realised the stage was smaller than he thought and there was no
room left for him, so he had the jump down hastily. This was then
followed by traditional Greek dancing, and last years' Greek
Eurovision winner, which we watched from the comfort of the bar. All
in all a damn good show.
Sunday - official a rest day, but as usual Dave M-M was in his
garage, and was soon joined by the MPS Husky riders, making sure
everything was ready. Jack Johns was also there making essential
repairs to a puncture on Bodie's pushchair. I also found today was
the best time to my preparations, I then sloped away to the bar to
watch the 125 Moto GP and cheer Bradley Smith to a well earned second
place.
Merriman
ready to rumble at the ISDE in Greece
By Lexy Thorogood
First
report back from the Welsh Team in Greece 
Irish
ISDE club Team
