The FIM previews the upcoming FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), the “6Days Italia,” scheduled for August 24-29 in Bergamo, Italy.
The following is a race preview from the FIM…
Now approaching its 99th edition, the 6Days FIM Enduro of Nations is the longest-running off-road motorcycling competition on the FIM calendar, bringing together professional and amateur competitors from all around the world.
As anticipation builds towards this year’s 6Days Italia in Bergamo, from August 24-29, up to 700 riders from 33 nations will gather to compete.
For the vast majority of the entry list, the ultimate goal of the 6Days Italia is reaching the finish line at the end of day six, but within the World Trophy categories the focus is on fighting for a place on the final podium.
Across the three classes of World Trophy, Motorex Women’s World Trophy and Junior World Trophy, the world’s best Enduro riders will roll off the starting ramp in Bergamo determined to deliver their best for the pride and glory of their individual nation.
Winning last year in Spain by over five minutes, the French quartet of Theo Espinasse (Sherco), Hugo Blanjoue (Honda), Leo Le Quere (TM Moto) and Julien Roussaly (Sherco) rallied together as a team in true 6Days spirit to become champions. As the World Trophy winners in 2024, France enters the 6Days Italia hoping that their winning formula of Espinasse, Blanjoue, Le Quere and Roussaly will see them reach the top step of the podium once again. However, as defending champions, they start with a target firmly placed on their backs.
The United States—vice-champions in 2024—will be gunning for glory, while Spain—led by 2024 outright individual winner Josep Garcia (KTM)—hope to better their placing of third. Sweden, Australia and Great Britain will also be in the hunt for top honours, but it is Italy who France will need to keep a watchful eye on.
As host nation, and armed with a legion of support, the Italians will be on the attack from the opening day of racing. Italy was last victorious in the World Trophy competition when they hosted the 6Days in 2021 and will be hoping history repeats itself in 2025.
As the defending Motorex Women’s World Trophy champions, the United States will start this year’s 6Days Italia targeting a hat trick of wins. If Rachel Gutish (Rieju), Brandy Richards (KTM) and Korie Steede (Husqvarna) race to victory, it will see the United States equal Australia on the all-time win list with six victories apiece.
Naturally, Australia will be focused on not letting that happen in 2025. Jess Gardiner (Yamaha) was part of that Australian winning formula for all six victories and knows what it takes to conquer a 6Days. Joined by Danielle McDonald (Yamaha) and newcomer Madi Healey (KTM), Australia are the United States’ biggest threat for the top step of the podium.
Great Britain, Sweden, France, Canada, Germany and host nation Italy will all be in contention for a podium result too.
The Junior World Trophy category features the best of Enduro’s young talent. Defending champions Sweden will arrive at Bergamo with a fresh trio of talent in Nisse Bengtsson (Yamaha), Alfons Lindström (Husqvarna) and Arvid Modin (Triumph).
Vice-champions in 2024, France look to regain the title having previously won the Junior World Trophy class in 2023. Italy boasts a trio of top talent in Kevin Cristino (Fantic)—Enduro3 outright winner in 2024—Manuel Verzeroli (TM Moto) and Alberto Elgari (TM Moto), who could prove tough to beat on home soil.
Factoring in a world-class entry by Australia, United States, Great Britain, New Zealand and Spain ensures a place inside the top five will be fiercely contested.
About the ISDE Racecourse
Maurizio Micheluz: “Bergamo is the heart of Enduro in Italy”
Tasked with the duty of overseeing the course preparation for this year’s 6Days Italia is FIM Track Inspector Maurizio Micheluz. As an Italian, Micheluz has been looking forward to this edition for a long time, and what he feels will be a very special week of racing.
“Bergamo is the heart of Enduro in Italy,” says Micheluz with deep pride and passion. “The public, the passion and the atmosphere will ensure that the 6Days Italia will never be forgotten by the competitors.”
From the gates of the Fiera di Bergamo race paddock, the 700 competitors from 33 nations and six continents competing in the 6Days Italia will be led out onto its breathtaking mountainside.
In total, riders will complete up to 1300 kilometers of riding during the six-day race, with an average of 250 kilometers ridden during each of the first five days.
“For the 6Days Italia, we have devised three courses to challenge competitors,” says Micheluz. “The opening course for Day One and Day Two is in Val Cavallina. This is a wide valley to the east of Bergamo. The riding will be the least technical of the event, and along with three very nice special tests, we feel riders can properly settle in and begin to enjoy the race immediately.
“For Day Three, we will only use this route once and it will be a mixture of the previous two days and the loop for Day Four and Day Five.”
Micheluz feels that it was important this year to devise a course that celebrated the true beauty of the region, while recognizing the deeply rooted association that Italy has with Enduro. And for this, Val Seriana on Day Four and Day Five awaits.
“Day Four and Five is probably going to be the most demanding loop,” he confirms. “Located in Val Seriana, this is the most famous valley in Bergamo. We have witnessed Enduro races run here several times in the past and it is where our 6Days Italia riders will face the most famous of Italian trails in the history of Enduro.”
“I am pretty sure that our time in Val Seriana will be the most memorable thanks to its amazing landscapes, iconic special tests and demanding transfers.”
As ever, the traditional Final Cross Test on Day Six will witness the crowning of this year’s 6Days FIM Enduro of Nations’ champions at the Covo Campo MX circuit, 30 minutes south of Bergamo.
A purpose-built, permanent Motocross facility, it is set to deliver some sensational racing and closely fought battles, bringing the 6Days Italia to a close in style.
For more information about of the 6Days FIM Enduro of Nation Italia 2025 in Bergamo, visit https://fim-isde.com/
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