ISDE DAY FIVE: Spain shine as Italy hold firm
By Team TMX on 16th Oct 26
Spain claimed a well-deserved World Trophy victory on Day Five of the 100th 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations in Grândola, Portugal, as Italy maintained their overall lead with just tomorrow’s Final Cross Test remaining.
A revised schedule saw Trophy competitors tackle five special tests over one-and-a-half laps of the Grândola–Alcácer do Sal loop, covering more than 140km. With fresh tests and plenty of soft sand to contend with, it was a day that played into the hands of the sand specialists.
Spain made the most of the conditions to take the day win by 47 seconds from France, with Josep García (KTM) leading the charge.
“We did a great job as a team today,” said García. “In the soft conditions everyone was pushing hard and I’m really proud of how well everyone rode to get this result.”
France also made inroads into Italy’s overall advantage, finishing second to close the gap to less than three minutes. Italy had to settle for third on the day but remain firmly in control heading into the final test as they look to successfully defend their World Trophy title.
The United States edged Sweden by just one second in the battle for fourth on Day Five, although Sweden retain third overall with one day remaining. Spain’s victory strengthens their grip on fourth, with the USA completing the overall top five.
“With one day to go, we are almost there to finish on the podium,” said Sweden’s Max Ahlin (Honda). “My 6DAYS® has been good, with some consistent results all week. I’m pleased with how I have been riding and just want to end it strong now in the Final Cross Test.”
Italy also look favourites to retain their Junior World Trophy crown, holding a 2min 50sec advantage over the United States. Australia took the Day Five win, ahead of the USA and Spain, while Italy settled for fourth as they concentrated on protecting their overall lead.
Spain remain third overall, 5min 30sec clear of Australia, and will be looking to finish the job in tomorrow’s final test.
“Coming into today the focus was to hold onto third position,” said Spain’s Yago Dominguez (KTM). “The sand was not the best for us, but we rode the best we could. We’re looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully finishing on the podium.”
The United States continued to dominate the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy, with Brandy Richards (KTM), Korie Steede (Husqvarna) and Rachel Gutish (Rieju) taking the Day Five win by more than a minute from Australia.
With a lead of more than six minutes heading into the Final Cross Test, the Americans are closing in on a record-breaking seventh Women’s World Trophy victory.
France hold third overall, 20 minutes ahead of New Zealand, with FIM Latin America and Canada completing the top six.
“It’s nice to reach Day Five,” said Canada’s Shelby Turner (Triumph). “It’s been a tough week, but we’re near the end now. All week I had managed not to crash, but the sandy tests today got me good and I hit the ground. Luckily, no harm done and I can begin to think about that finish line tomorrow.”
Team GB enjoyed a strong Day Five, with the sandy tests bringing some excellent individual results across all three Trophy categories.
The revised format featured five special tests, a 70-minute time check and a parc fermé stop midway through the day. Riders set off at one-minute intervals to help manage the persistent dust, while still allowing for a full day of competition.
Brad Freeman led the British Men's Trophy charge, finishing third overall and saving his best until last by winning the final special test outright. Nathan Watson also delivered a solid ride to finish eighth, while Jed Etchells placed 24th.
Lucy Barker claimed an excellent third in the Women’s Trophy, earning a place on the Day Five podium, with Rosie Rowett finishing 11th.
In the Junior Trophy, Sam Hughes finished 22nd, with Callum Hughes 24th in class.
With the 100th edition of the 6DAYS® now heading towards its conclusion, the traditional Final Cross Test awaits tomorrow, where Team GB will be looking to finish the week on a high.
