The Australian teams are ready to contest the 2022 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) in France.

The ISDE is a long running and the most prestigious Off-Road motorcycle event in the world dating back to 1913. It is a true test of man and machine and also a massive team effort to achieve success.

Australia will have three teams represented at the 2022 ISDE:

  • Senior team: Josh Green, Todd Waters, Daniel Milner and Andy Wilksch
  • Junior team: (under 23) Kyron Bacon, Blake Hollis, Korey McMahon
  • Women’s team: Jess Gardiner, Emilie Karlsson and Ebony Nelson

For seasoned veterans like Josh Green or Jess Gardiner, the ISDE is still one of the most important events in their racing calendar.

“I love competing at this event and it’s something I will look back on fondly when I retire from racing. I have been fortunate enough to be on a victorious team and the memories are still with me and that’s what drives me to do well at this years’ race.” Green continues, “I think we have a great team this year and all the riders are desperate to do well, so I look forward to joining the entire team in France and trying to win another world championship for Australia.”

#737 Jessica Gardiner Yamaha at Round 3 & 4 AORC Championship, Mackay in Mackay, Queensland. Shot for Foremost Media by Marc Jones Photography. Image Details Camera: Canon Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Lens: EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM f 2.8 1/2000 sec ISO 200 Credit: Marc Jones Date: 8 April 2022

Jess Gardiner has won the event a record six times and is still highly motivated to lead the Women’s team to another victory in France.

“It’s funny how time changes everything. In 2013, I was the rookie of the team just hoping to do a good job and not let my teammates down, now I’m the veteran and trying to guide the other girls through another ISDE. But I still love racing the ISDE and feel we have a good team that is capable of a great result,” says Jess.

Kyron Bacon is currently leading the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and can’t wait for his first ISDE experience.

“I hear the older guys talk about the 6-Day all the time and they always have these amazing stories to tell, so I can’t get there fast enough,” he begins. “I think we have a great junior team and all three of us are riding well and I think the terrain in France will suit us, so we should look for a decent result and we would all love to win it again for Australia.

The last time the Australian senior team won was 2018, the juniors were victorious in 2019 while the women reigned supreme from 2013 to 2018.

The 96th edition of the ISDE runs from August 29 through to September 3 in Le Puy en Velay, France.