Day Four at the 6DAYS FIM Enduro of Nations in Grândola, Portugal, saw Italy maintain their World Trophy lead, while drama struck leaders France in the Junior World Trophy class.
A change in schedule for Day Four saw organisers reduce the proposed Grândola to Santiago do Cacém loop from two laps to one lap for all classes, featuring three timed special tests. Additional time was also added to the liaisons to help improve visibility on the trail and special tests.
Italy edge closer to World Trophy victory
Leading the World Trophy class since Day One, Italy were glad of the revised schedule and knew that by making it safely through Day Four without problems it would strengthen their virtual grasp on the winner’s trophy.
Making some small gains to their overall lead, they head into the fifth and penultimate day of racing with a three-minute-and-thirty-nine-second advantage over France in second. A shortened day offered few opportunities for the French to attack the Italians, and with just tomorrow’s final full day of special tests remaining, their chance of winning this year’s 6DAYS is beginning to slip away.
In the battle for the final step of the podium between third-placed Sweden and the United States in fourth, Sweden were able to capitalise on a mechanical by the United States. With only eleven seconds separating them starting out the day, the United States hit trouble when Steward Baylor (Kawasaki) stopped during the final special test.
Losing a lot of time before resuming, it severely hampered their chances of edging out Sweden for third. As a result, Sweden now lead the United States by two-minutes-and-forty-one-seconds. The United States will also need to be aware of Spain in fifth entering these final two days, who are now only seventeen seconds behind them.
Holding onto sixth overall, Chile are enjoying one of their best 6DAYS rides.
“Today was good, we gained one position, so we’re happy about that,” said Chile’s Benjamin Herrera (KTM). “The focus now is to keep consistent and without mistakes. We know we are a little bit slower than the other guys in front, but we are still pushing and have the energy to keep going like this.”
Drama as leaders France retire from Junior World Trophy on Day Four
The Junior World Trophy class delivered the biggest drama on Day Four, with leaders France dropping out of the race. Mechanical problems haunted Thibault Giraudon (Fantic) prior to the opening special test this morning. Despite his best-efforts trackside, the young Frenchman was unable to solve the issue and reluctantly had to retire.
Following the early departure of France, Italy immediately knew they were the virtual leaders of the race. With Alberto Elgari (TM MOTO) again proving the fastest Junior rider in this year’s 6DAYS, Italy now lead the way by three-minutes-and-thirty-six-seconds.
With the entire leaderboard reshuffled today, the United States are up to second overall, with Spain a little under two minutes behind them in third. Spain are over five minutes clear of the Czech Republic in fourth, who lead fifth-placed Australia by only fifty-five seconds.
United States extend MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy lead on Day Four
The United States were on a mission today in the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy class, with all three riders finishing inside the top five. After yesterday’s challenge by Australia, the defending champions were quick to respond. Gaining more than one minute on the Australians across the day’s three special tests, they increase their lead to over five minutes.
After four days of racing, France look favourites to secure the final step of the podium. They lead New Zealand in fourth place by twenty minutes. In what has proved to be a tough few days, they remain confident heading into the penultimate day tomorrow.
“It’s been a good day for us as a team. We’re pleased for sure to be in third. These conditions are definitely alien to us. We never usually ride in sand like this, so to be in a podium position is great news,”said France’s Justine Martel (Beta).
García wins a shortened Day Four in Grândola
With only three special tests to decide the outcome of Day Four, Spain’s Josep García (KTM) was doing all he could to reel in outright individual leader, Italy’s Andrea Verona (KTM). García secured his third overall victory, thanks to placing fastest in the opening two special tests.
However, with Verona fighting back to win the final test, García’s Day Four winning margin was just three seconds. With Verona finishing as runner-up, he continues to lead the overall classification by twelve seconds.
“A short day with three tests, but overall a good one for me,” said Verona. “The fight is still close between Josep [García] and myself; with two days left I will keep pushing with all I have to win.”
The battle for third came down to the smallest of margins between France’s Zach Pichon (TM MOTO)and the United States’ Grant Davis (KTM). Again, Pichon secured third, but this time by four-tenths of a second. Great Britain’s Brad Freeman (Beta) rode well to finish fifth.
Recording his fourth consecutive victory of the week, García topped the Enduro1 class on Day Four. Australia’s Kyron Bacon (Kawasaki) beat Sweden’s Axel Semb (Husqvarna) by one-tenth of a second to take second position.
Verona was fastest in the Enduro2 class, beating Pichon and Davis in second and third, respectively, by twelve seconds.
The Enduro3 category saw Freeman claim his first victory of the week, edging out France’s Julien Roussaly (Sherco) by three-tenths of a second for the win. Sweden’s Albin Norrbin (Husqvarna)completed the top three.
There was no change to the front of the Women’s class, with the United States’ Brandy Richards (KTM)taking the win on Day Four. Australia’s Danielle McDonald (Yamaha) placed eighteen seconds behind as runner-up, with Richards’ teammate Korie Steede (Husqvarna) in third. New Zealand’s Rachael Archer (Yamaha) took fourth, with the United States’ Rachel Gutish (Rieju) fifth.
Team Rabaconda take lead in Club Team Award
Team Italy’s hopes of winning the Club Team Award class ended on Day Four, with race leader Pietro Scardina (TM MOTO) retiring. Team Italy’s loss was Team Rabaconda’s gain, who now take over the Club Team Award lead with two days to go. They lead Missouri Mudders in second by two-minutes-and-forty-one-seconds. GTBN are third but will need to keep a watchful eye on Motosport Bozkov 1 in fourth.
The Veteran Club Team category sees Gottbros Team start the penultimate day of racing with a four-minute-and-twenty-eight-second lead over Team Motokrosova Skola CZ in second, with Cone Valve Team-M.C. Sitge third.
After four tough days, the new Grândola – Alcácer do Sal loop will be a welcome sight for competitors starting out Day Five in this year’s 6DAYS FIM Enduro of Nations.
