With anticipation building for next month’s 6Days FIM Enduro of Nations in Grandola, Portugal, preparations are underway to deliver a spectacular 100th edition.
This is a press release from the FIM…
An area with strong enduro heritage, Portugal’s Grãndola and its surrounding Alentejo region are set to feature a diverse mixture of terrain to test the 500 professional and amateur riders from over 30 nations competing. From rocky mountain trails to sandy coastlines, it will require a complete set of Enduro skills to master this year’s 6Days.
As the FIM Course Inspector, it is the duty of Maurizio Micheluz to ensure that each of the three course layouts meets the 6Days requirements while proving enjoyable and testing for all ability levels. With visits to Grãndola already completed, Micheluz is pleased with how preparations have been going so far.
“I’m sure this year’s 6Days will be a really great event,” tells Micheluz. “The Portuguese organizer is very proud to host this big event with the support of the national federation. They want to show what they can do, and they are putting all of their efforts into making it a memorable one.
“For the layout of the race, Day One and Day Two will be one big loop, where only the first and last special tests will be the same. With the routes for Day Three and Day Four, plus Day Five, the loop will be shorter but with two laps each day and include three different special tests per lap.”
It is on these special tests where the centenary edition of the 6Days FIM Enduro of Nations will be won and lost as riders fight for every second. Throughout the years, certain venues have leaned towards a consistent type of terrain, be it hard pack, sand or mud. In Alentejo, this is not the case.
“The mix of terrain in this region is unbelievable,” explains Micheluz. “There are a couple of special tests where the soil changes between the corners. You can be riding on hard pack, but enter a sand corner, and then exit again on the hard pack. Or vice versa! Riders are going to struggle a lot to find a good setting on their bikes.
“Generally, after my recent inspection, I can say that four tests are in deep sand, two are in mixed conditions, and two will be hard-packed. Some rocks are also in the transfers, especially in some riverbeds, which can be very technical. Overall, there is a mixture of terrain where everybody can find and enjoy their preferred ground.”
After five big days of racing, the 6Days will close out in style in Sines for the Day Six Final Cross Test. On the Praia Vasco da Gama beach, against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, is where the champions will be crowned.
“The main beach area in Sines is where the Final Cross Test will be located for Day Six. The location deserves this final event. It will be like an open-air theater with the ocean as the backdrop. While the track is compact, it will be a great show.
“Overall, each route of the 6Days has something memorable, so I’m not able to point to a specific one. We can let the riders answer in the end. But I am sure of one thing: every day they are going to be tired, but with a smiling face!”
Can’t be at the 6Days Portugal in person?
Then tune into FIM-MOTO.TV to experience the historic 100th edition of the FIM 6Days FIM Enduro of Nations, taking place in Grandola, Portugal, from October 12-17. Register now on FIM-MOTO.TV
Visit https://www.fim-6days.com/ for more information.
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