In racing, it is never over until it is over, a case in point never truer than the outcome of the FIM Junior World Trophy competition at last year’s NOCO FIM 6DAYS® in Argentina.

All week, Sweden established themselves as the dominant force. Executing a perfect race plan up until day six, the trio of Max Ahlin (KTM), Axel Semb (Fantic) and Albin Norrbin (Fantic) were on course to win by an unprecedented twenty-two minutes. Instead, in a twist of fate on the Final Cross Test, they ended it twenty-six minutes behind eventual winners France in third overall.

After almost thirteen hours of timed racing across six days, they went from triumph to tragedy in just twenty minutes. It was a bitter blow for the Swedes, and a stark reminder just how demanding and cruel the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) can be.

Almost twelve months on, the Swedish trio of Ahlin, Semb and Norrbin have shaken off their 2023 NOCO FIM 6DAYS® disappointment and will return to this year’s race in Galicia, Spain determined to fight for redemption.

“For sure, the focus is on our result in the FIM Junior World Trophy,” confirms Ahlin. “The first goal is ensuring that all three of us reach the finish line this year.

“After that, we’re all motivated to win, maybe even more so than last year. What happened in Argentina was tough, but we’re keen to try again.”

With all three riders competing in the 2024 FIM Enduro World Championship, their preparation for Galicia is solid. Ahlin and Semb finished one-two in the FIM Junior Enduro World Championship, with Ahlin claiming his first world title. Norrbin finished fifth overall in Enduro3. On paper, their form looks good.

They are a competitive bunch, too. Each one is eager to beat the others, which in turn seems to drive them on collectively as a team to a higher level. This is something Ahlin agrees on.

“I guess none of us want to be beaten by each other, which pushes us on. We like to battle among ourselves and that makes us competitive as a team. But like I said, we have also learned a lot from last year and will try to make amends in Spain.

“I feel like the conditions in Spain could play to my strengths. I’m riding well and feeling good on the bike. I want to try and put myself inside the top ten overall if I can – personally that would be a great achievement.”

It’s been eight years since Sweden last won the FIM Junior World Trophy category at the 2016 FIM ISDE in Navarra, Spain. Ahlin, Semb and Norrbin are hoping the Galician terrain will favour them this time around.

Spectators will be granted free access to the paddock incorporating the NOCO Parc Fermé, opening ceremony, special tests days one to five, whilst the admission fee for the Final Cross Test will also include entry to the GASGAS 6DAYS® party complete with two free drinks.

If you cannot be there in person, FIM-MOTO.TV will be exclusively live streaming the final cross test on all days. The same programme will also welcome the top-ranking riders and nations who will participate in the 6DAYS MOTUL Studio Show as they return to the NOCO Parc Fermé in Silleda. This show will be hosted by motocross legend Paul Malin, who will provide live insights from the day’s racing and conduct interviews with the riders in a special studio set up inside the NOCO Parc Fermé. Access to this streaming service will be available at the special price of 6€ to stream live the 6DAYS (Live streaming day 1 to day 5). Detailed information about the live streaming can be found on FIM-MOTO.TV on the dedicated 6DAYS page: https://fim-moto.tv/fim_isde.

All in all, the ninety-eighth edition of the NOCO FIM 6DAYS® in Galicia, Spain from 14-19 October, is shaping up to be a not to be missed event!