Taylor Robert is enjoying the desert-like conditions in Argentina. Photography by Future 7 Media
Day one in San Juan, Argentina, came to a close with the U.S. Trophy Team in second place behind France in the World Trophy running. Taylor Robert is currently leading the way for the USA, ending the opening day fourth overall. The Arizona native is taking advantage of the desert-like conditions in San Juan, Argentina, which are very similar to the American Southwest. Kailub Russell sits 7th overall with Charlie Mullins in 9th. All five American Trophy Team riders finished inside the top 13, but the U.S. team has already been dealt a blow after losing E1 rider Zach Osborne due to a mechanical failure (electrical). The U.S. Trophy Team efforts are still going strong, however, and the remaining five riders plan to chip away at the French team in the coming days. Each team is allowed one throwaway score each day, so with Osborne out of the running, Team USA can’t afford anymore troubles. So it’s going to be a long week for the U.S. World Trophy Team.
Mike Brown looks good in one of the special tests.
U.S. Junior Trophy Team riders are out to a descent start, ending the day in fourth place behind Australia, France and Sweden. The Swedes will have their hands full fending off the young Americans, however, as the U.S. team is less than two seconds behind. The entire Junior Trophy Team battle remains fairly tight, with the top four teams separated by just over one minute.
The Women’s Trophy Team is in a strong second place, led by Rachel Gutish. The American ladies trail the Australian team by over 5 minutes after Day 1, but with 5 days still remaining, anything can happen.
The American contingent in Argentina is running exceptionally strong on the club front, as well, dominating the first four positions. The Wellard team, made up of GNCC star Chris Bach, WORCS Champion Gary Sutherlin and National Enduro Champion Andrew DeLong, got out to a fantastic start, having opened up a gap of over 8 minutes over the field. Running second in the Club Team competition is the Beta USA team of Nick Burson, Cory Buttrick and Justin Sode, followed by the Go Fasters and the Missouri Mudders.
Check out this motocross special test.
