Kailub Russell was top American on Day Four at the 89th running of the ISDE in San Juan, Argentina. Photography By Steve Berkner
The US World Trophy Team finished at the top of the team standings for the second day in a row, moving them closer to the front-running French team with two days remaining in the 89th International Six Days Enduro in San Juan, Argentina.
After a considerable number of riders failed to make it back to the parc ferme in time during yesterday’s competition, those still left in the race began today’s event cautiously. Knowing that in order to finish first they must all first finish, France adopted a steady and calculated strategy to remain fixed at the top of the FIM World Trophy classification. Pushing hard to keep their title hopes alive, the United States knocked over three minutes off France’s lead by placing as the fastest nation on day four.
Despite suffering some misfortune on day four, Spain hang on to third overall from Germany while Argentina stay inside the top five in fifth.
Individually, Kailub Russell turned in his best performance of the week, beating Australia’s Josh Strang by four
seconds to finish second today to France’s Pierre Alexandre Renet in the E2 division. Thad DuVall was sixth, while US Junior Team rider Justin Jones continues what has been a tremendous week by finishing seventh. Charlie Mullins was also in the top 10 in the E2 class, finishing eighth.
In the E3 class, Australia’s Toby Price took the class win on day four, but was also rewarded for his efforts by recording victory in the overall individual classification. After his disappointment on day three, where he got a nine0minute penalty, the United States’ Taylor Robert got back into the swing of things and finished second while
Spain’s Ivan Cervantes completed the top three. Mike Brown continues to turn in impressive performances and was fourth today in E3.
Holding station at the head of the FIM Junior World Trophy class, the United States lead for the second day in a row.
Although now benefiting from a seventy-two second race lead, the US squad will not be able to relax on the penultimate day of racing as France comes on strong. Fastest on day four, defending champions France have moved back up to second overall and with another tough day of racing planned for day five they are not out of the fight for victory just yet. Down to three riders, Sweden suffered their first casualty of the race with the loss of Oliver and slip to third overall. Australia hold on to fourth position while Germany complete the top five.
Delivering another winning result on day four, Australia firmly asserted themselves at the head of the FIM Women’s World Trophy category. Meanwhile, the US Women are down to just one rider, Mandi Mastin.
In Club competition, Wellard club rider Chris Bach was one of the nine American riders not able to finish Day-three. And blow came when US club team rider Jeff Fredette’s consecutive ISDE finishes without a DNF came to an end. Fredette was 33-0 going into this year’s Argentinian ISDE, came to an end when his motorcycle’s motor quit running after taking in dust.
