The USA lead the FIM World Trophy classification, Sweden lead the Junior and Australia tops the Women’s World Trophy on Day 1.
After three tests, the United States were looking comfortable in the heat and dust and had extended that advantage out to thirty-two seconds over Italy, who were now in second in the FIM World Trophy classification if the ISDE but the best news is that Australia tops the Women’s World Trophy on Day 1!
Exiting the sixth and final test of the day, the United States could be pleased with their opening-day efforts in Argentina. Led by Dante Oliveira (KTM), all four riders placed inside the top-eight overall to give them a one-minute-and-fifty-five-second lead heading into day two.
“But it’s been a great day for the team,” said Oliveira. “The liaison sections were tough with nowhere to rest, but the conditions are similar to what we can get back home. With the same course to ride tomorrow, it’s going to be a tough day!”
Behind them, the battle for the remainder of the top five chopped and changed multiple times. Great Britain worked their way back up to second, while France came on strong in the latter half of the day to snatch third. Spain and Italy completed the top five. Chile were the best of the South American nations in sixth, with host country Argentina seventh.
Sweden raced to a commanding day one win in the FIM Junior World Trophy category. The trio of Albin Norrbin (Fantic), Axel Semb (Husqvarna), and Max Ahlin (KTM) were impressive as they quickly mastered the slippery, dusty terrain. Pulling clear of their rivals, they lead the way by two minutes and twenty-eight seconds.
“It was incredibly hot out there and a very tough start to the ISDE,” told Norrbin. “We’ve had a good day though and it’s awesome to be leading already. We’ll try to keep pushing tomorrow.”
As defending FIM Junior World Trophy champions, Italy placed well on day one with second position. But they know that they will have to fight hard tomorrow to reel the Swedes back in. France end day one in third overall, but have the United States close behind in fourth. Only fifteen seconds separate both nations at this early stage in the race.
The FIM Women’s World Trophy category is already shaping up to be an exciting battle between Australia and the United States. Australia holds the upper hand at the end of day one, but it’s a very slender lead at just two seconds.
After three tests, Australia held a one-minute lead over the United States. But on test four, the United States managed to reduce that gap to just thirteen seconds. Australia responded and pulled it out to nineteen seconds, before one last attack from the United States on the sixth and final test saw them bring it back to two seconds.
Already over twelve minutes behind Australia and the United States are France in third. Peru hold fourth. There was disappointment for defending champions Great Britain after they dropped out of contention when Emily Hall (Rieju) retired.
Picking up where they left off in 2022, the battle for overall individual honours resumed between Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) and Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS). Verona was quickest on the opening special test, before Garcia went on to top the five remaining special tests. He leads Verona by twelve seconds, with Dante Oliveira (KTM) a further one minute behind in third.
“It’s nice to have day one in the bag,” said Garcia. “I struggled a bit on the first lap, but soon settled into the race. My speed came good, and I was happy with how I ended. But for sure it will be a long race.”
The Enduro1 category saw Garcia get out to an early lead over Jed Etchells (Fantic). France’s Theo Espinasse (Beta) is just three seconds behind Etchells in third.
Verona has set himself out as the rider to beat in Enduro2 and leads the way by one minute over Oliveira. The United States figure strongly, with Cole Martinez (Honda) and Taylor Robert (KTM) in third and fourth respectively.
The Enduro3 category is proving highly competitive with just six seconds separating the top three riders. France’s Loic Larrieu (KTM) is fastest by four seconds over Spain’s Jaume Betriu (KTM), with Albin Norrbin (Fantic) third.