2016 ISDE Preview
By TMX Archives on 7th Oct 16
FOR many years, the specialist press has called the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) the Olympics of Motorcycling.
And that title is even more appropriate in the current climate now that the organisers of recent events are able to accept large entries, with this time's likely to total over 700 riders.
This year's ISDE – which takes place from October 11-16 – will be held in north west Spain and based around the small race circuit at Navarra.
British teams and riders have always been well represented and this year is no exception, with a Trophy and a Junior Trophy team having been accepted, along with eight club teams from around the UK.
While it is now 63 years since Great Britain won the Trophy Team contest – when it was held in Wales – this year's Trophy squad of four riders is, arguably, one of the strongest teams GB has been able to nominate in recent times.
The quartet of Nathan Watson (KTM Factory Racing), Jamie McCanney (Miglio Yamaha), Danny McCanney (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) and Jamie Lewis (Yamaha Off-Road Experience), are regulars in the top classes of both British and world events, so have the experience to approach the event in Spain, confident and familiar with such major competitions and what is expected of them.
The Junior Trophy team for riders under 23 consists of newly-crowned World Youth Enduro Champion Jack Edmondson (KTM UK), Lee Sealey (Johansson MPE Yamaha) and Josh Gotts (TM UK) and they, too, have significant experience of World competition.
So Britain's seven Trophy riders have every chance of achieving great results.
Such major competitions as the ISDE feature healthy club team categories and this year will be no exception with eight teams attending in the shape of Team Scotland (Fraser Flockhart, Frazer Norrie, Ricky Mair), Team St George (Daryl Bolter, James Jackman, Jack Lee), Team Wales (Charlie Evans, Adam James, Roger Holland), British Army Enduro (Tom Ellwood, Kalem Hicks, Kevin Murrey), Isle of Man Southern MCC (Jack Collins, Richard Curphey, Craig McGee), Dyfed Dirt Bike Club (Iwan Rees, Philip Jenkins, Aled Rees) & Witley A & B Teams (Arnaud Didey, Robert, Carey, Aaron Smith & Tristan Robinson, Neil Bowker, Paul Jay).
And in addition for the first time there is a Vintage class at the end of the six days for machines over 30 years of age – though the riders can be of any age – and, while the entry from the UK is small in number (Dyfed Dirt Bike Club – Cefin Evans, Jon Stubbs & Dylan Davies), there is no doubt they will be equally enthusiastic about their ride in this amazing event.
Little pre-event information is available just yet, but the host venue at the small motor race circuit, situated just off the A12 between Logrono and Pamplona, will be the base for an event that is very likely to be incredibly dusty in a predominately flat area, with some small mountains in the distance.
The population is sparse so there should be plenty of terrain for the event and the large number of riders entered.
As always, none of the British riders would be able to compete without the support of enthusiasts to man time checks and undertake the myriad of tasks needed to get a team through six days of intense competition.
And frequently it's the quality of those support teams as much as the ability of the riders that can achieve success.
Britain, has by tradition, always been fortunate enough to have some amazing support and this year is no exception with many supporters veterans of past ISDE competitions.
Things looks pretty good for the GB contingent and with some good fortune and determination, they could come away with some great results.
