Noco FIM 6 Days of Enduro

France Triumphs in a Gritty Battle in Galicia

Nov 9, 2024 | 9 - BTA Magazine November/December 2024, BTA Magazine, Motorcycle Industry Insights & Updates

In the heart of Galicia, Spain, over 550 riders from more than 30 nations gathered to compete in the 98th edition of the NOCO FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE), also known as the NOCO FIM 6DAYS®. Amid challenging terrains, unpredictable weather, and fierce international competition, the event culminated with a resounding victory for the French team in the World Trophy category, marking their first win since 2017. The American and Swedish teams took top honors in the Women’s and Junior World Trophies, concluding a week of exceptional endurance and skill under harsh, muddy conditions.

France’s Dominance in the World Trophy

From the outset, France established itself as the team to beat. On the opening day, the French riders seized control, overcoming treacherous conditions with skillful navigation through mud and challenging tests. By the halfway mark, they held a substantial lead, managing the physically demanding course and continuing to build on their early advantage. Despite a few vigorous attempts by the United States and host nation Spain, France’s relentless pace and consistent performance kept them ahead.

The grueling five-day journey through enduro tests, cross-country circuits, and unexpected weather culminated in the Final Cross Test on Day Six. Although the U.S. team pushed hard, ultimately winning the sixth day’s race, France’s accumulated lead proved insurmountable. The French squad secured the World Trophy with a comfortable margin of five minutes and thirty-eight seconds, with the United States taking the runner-up position and Spain finishing third to the home crowd’s cheers.

French rider Hugo Blanjoue (Honda) reflected on the victory, saying, “It was an incredible week. We raced together as a team through the mud and difficult conditions and did everything we needed to win. Today was one of the toughest races of my life, but we fought until the end.”

Women’s World Trophy: U.S. Defends Their Title

In the Women’s World Trophy category, the American team arrived in Spain as defending champions, determined to retain their crown. Spearheaded by Brandy Richards (KTM), who consistently posted the fastest times among female competitors, the team held steady through increasingly challenging conditions. Despite a strong showing from Australia, who won Day Five, the U.S. team widened their overall lead to nearly four minutes before the final day.

The Final Cross Test brought another stellar performance from Richards, securing the U.S. team’s fifth consecutive Women’s World Trophy victory. Her resilience amid the mud-caked course was vital in keeping Australia in check as the American team claimed the title. In an emotional post-race reflection, Richards described the intensity of the race, saying, “Today was insane with all the mud. I knew I needed to get ahead and stay clean as long as I could. It feels amazing to keep the U.S. on top.”

Australia took a well-earned second place in the Women’s category, with Sweden rounding out the podium. France and Italy completed the top five, followed by the remaining nations. They all finished the event with their three riders intact, showcasing their resilience.

Sweden Celebrates a Long-Awaited Junior World Trophy Win

The Junior World Trophy battle saw Sweden deliver a remarkable performance, culminating in a hard-won victory. With talented riders like Max Ahlin (KTM) and Albin Norrbin (Fantic) leading the charge, the Swedish team built an early advantage and held off France, last year’s champions, who closed the gap with a stellar performance on Day Four. Despite fierce competition, Sweden retained their lead in the Final Cross Test.

On the last day, the Swedish juniors gave everything to preserve their position, narrowly outpacing France by under two minutes. In an emotional celebration, Sweden’s riders embraced their victory after narrowly missing out on the title in 2023. The U.S. finished third in the Junior World Trophy standings, with Australia and Great Britain rounding out the top five.