For any rider, getting selected to race the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) is always an honour. But for Italy’s Andrea Verona (GASGAS) there is an immense sense of pride, responsibility, and motivation that comes with it too.

In a few weeks’ time the ninety-seventh 6DAYS® will take place in South America – San Juan in Argentina to be precise, with over three hundred and fifty competitors from thirty nations competing. Naturally, everyone wants to do their best, although not everyone can win.

Targeting the top step of the podium, Verona along with Italy will be a favourite for overall honours in the FIM World Trophy competition and individual overall classification.

“The 6DAYS® is a special race,” tells Verona. “I love racing it and always look forward to it coming around each year. 

“You are racing as part of a team for your country, and you can feel that sense of responsibility among everyone. It’s always an honour to put on the Italian jersey and I wear it with pride.”

It is no secret that Italians are passionate Enduro people. They live and breathe the sport. In 2021, this was clear to see when Verona helped steer Italy to victory in the FIM World Trophy on home soil in Lombardy. He recalls it as one of his career highlights and something he hopes to experience again.

“It was a magical week. Everyone was cheering for us, and it was just an amazing experience. It’s the biggest Enduro race in the world, so to bring the trophy home was a dream come true. I hope I can do it again.”

In San Juan, Italy will start as one of the favourites for victory. However, there are many other nations with winning objectives of their own.

“You just never know how the 6DAYS® will go,” smiles Verona. “Italy is strong and the conditions in Argentina should hopefully suit us. There are however many nations who are probably thinking the same thing.

“I think the United States, Spain, Great Britain, and France will be super-fast and I’m sure there will be more because the 6DAYS® always brings a surprise like that.”

On a personal level, there is one battle that Verona has enjoyed in recent years. That is the fight for the individual overall honours.

Finding a great sporting rival in Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM), the duo was fascinating to watch in France in 2022. And there is no doubt their rivalry will continue in Argentina.

“I think the 6DAYS® really suits Josep and myself,” concludes Verona. “We both seem to lift our game for it and fight for the victory. Off track we’re good friends, so it’s a fun rivalry.

“Last year in France he won three days, and I won three days, though he beat me for the individual overall result. For sure I would like to have a different outcome this year!”

The 6DAYS® takes place in San Juan, Argentina from 6th to 11th November 2023.